FAQ
GROW AT HOME KIT
What is a grow-at-home mushroom kit?
A mushroom grow kit contains everything you need to simply grow your own mushrooms at home. We designed this kit with the beginner home-grower in mind. Everything you need is included, no special equipment or prior knowledge is necessary.
Kit includes:
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Myceliated substrate block
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Humidity tent
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Spray bottle
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Detailed instructions
What is the shelf life of a grow kit once I've purchased it?
The suggested shelf life is approximately 8-12 weeks, though they don't go "bad" for much longer. We say this timing to reduce the chance that the mushrooms will escape and start growing from the box before they are activated, which only happens on the rarest of occasions. If this does happen it's not an issue, doesn't create a mess and we're happy to replace any kits this happens to. If you do have to store the kit, we recommend you keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
How many crops should I expect from my kit?
We guarantee at least one crop from your kit, with most kits averaging two - four crops depending on the species you choose to cultivate. To succeed, be patient, diligently follow the instructions, and create a consistently humid environment for your mushrooms. We recommend adding 1 cup of water into the X cut after each harvest to keep your block hydrated.
What is the average yield from each kit?
Your initial flush can typically range from 1/2 pound to 2 pounds, though this varies significantly depending on the species and environmental conditions. Your level of care in maintaining the kit plays a crucial role. Subsequent fruitings are likely to be smaller as the fungi depletes the nutrients and water in the substrate.
The plastic triangles for my humidity seem to be missing?
Your humidity tent pieces are packaged in the fold of the included instructions. If they are lost before you manage to set up your kit, you can simply use seran wrap or cut pieces from a plastic sheet protector. They aren't intended to be airtight and don't need to be perfect by any means. The kit will also work just fine without them, just spritz a little more than mentioned in the instructions.
You can see what the triangles look like in the following video: https://youtu.be/Id96JjHqK2Y?t=144.
GROW AT HOME KIT CARE INSTRUCTIONS
No mushrooms are growing after 2 weeks, has my kit failed?
Depending on the variety, most kits start seeing growth in 2 - 4 weeks, but they can take up to 10 weeks to begin growing. Mushroom mycelium is a living organism and therefore can be slightly unpredictable. Keep misting twice a day and the mushrooms will make an appearance when they’re ready.
What is the liquid in my grow kit, is it contaminated?
The liquid which can be present in the mycelium blocks is metabolites produced by the mycelium. This is totally normal and is no cause for concern.
My mushroom kit doesn't look fully colonized, is this a problem and should I wait before fruiting my kit?
On occasion the mycelium will get disrupted during the shipping and can look uncolonized. This isn't an issue and your kit is ready to activate from the day you buy it. More specifically, Lion’s Mane mycelium is very faint and from our experience produces larger mushrooms when fruited before the bag is overly colonized.
I see green / orange / pink mold in my bag, what should I do?
We guarantee a first flush of mushrooms in our kits. In the rare instance you see contamination before your first harvest, please reach out to us at info@foragersgalley.com with a photo so we can help diagnose your kit. If there is contamination present which will inhibit growth or affect your mushrooms, we will happily replace the kit for you.
After the first flush, the mycelium becomes more susceptible to contamination. If the mold does take over, your kit should be composted.
My mushrooms are pale, dry or cracking.
These are common symptoms of direct sunlight exposure or a lack of humidity. Double the amount misting to rehydrate them. It is difficult to over-mist your kit.
When I opened my kit, it already had mushrooms growing in it.
It sounds like you’ve got a very vigorous kit! If they have escaped the grow bag and are easily accessible, remove the growth and activate as normal.
How often should I mist my kit?
You don’t need to empty the bottle each time you spray, but it is important to get the area where you cut open the bag nice and damp! Try 15-20 sprays each time. It can take a little trial and error to get the frequency and amount just right. If the surface of the block seems very dry the next time you spray it, you should give it a bit more water or water a bit more often.
Have more mushroom care related questions?
FORAGERS CLUB SUBSCRIPTION
How does The Foragers Club work?
Once subscribed, we will ship you one grow-at-home mushroom kit every two month for your subscription period. The variety will be chosen by our staff based on seasonality to ensure the best optimal growth conditions. You will have the opportunity to grow exclusive varieties which can't be purchased anywhere else.
Can I cancel my subscription easily?
Absolutely! Please inform us by email at info@foragersgalley.com a minimum of seven (7) days prior to your next scheduled subscription billing date. Otherwise, your request will be applied to the subsequent shipment.
Why can't I select my own varieties?
Our goal is to ensure every growing experience is a resounding success! The Foragers Galley team meticulously chooses kits with the best odds of thriving based on the current season, guaranteeing you an abundant supply of fresh, delectable mushrooms for your upcoming meals.
What if I'm not around to receive a box?
We can deal with that! We can alter the address so you can spread the mushroom love. Just reach out to us on our contact page at least 7 days before the box is due to ship so we can make the changes on time!