Fruiting Block Kits FAQ

Fruiting block kits are mushroom grow kits, but tent to be larger (5 lbs) and some require a bit more care depending on species. Instead of boxes, they are bagged. We recommend growing them in a fruiting chamber such as a monotub or martha tent set up like our BoomRoom. A controlled environment will produce the best results for the fruiting blocks. And, since these kits are slightly larger, they can produce more mushrooms than our Spray & Grow Kits.

All kits should grow a minimum of one flush of mushrooms, but with a little patience and skill you can often get a second or third flush depending on the species! After you’ve harvested your first flush of mushrooms, remove any growth from the block and follow these instructions:

⮕ If you have a martha tent or an automated fruiting chamber, leave the humidity and fan running and wait about 2 weeks for new pins to begin forming.

⮕ If you are using a monotub or non-autmated fruiting chamber, open 2x daily and spray blocks generously with water. Try not to expose the blocks for too long to decrease chances of contamination.

⮕ If you don't have a monotub, martha tent, or fruiting chamber cover the block with a humidity tent made from a large plastic grocery bag with LOTS of small, quarter-sized holes. Remove the humidity tent 2x daily and spray blocks generously with water.

Be patient: It's totally normal for it to take longer for mushrooms to appear with each subsequent fruiting. However, if there's no progress after two weeks, it’s a good idea to soak your block.

Soaking your block: Take your block out of the bag and soak in a bowl of cool water. Most species only need to soak for 20 minutes. However, only soak your lion's mane block for 5-10 minutes as these blocks tend to break apart if soaked for too long. After soaking, let the block drain by leaving it cut side down for another 10 minutes or tip it around to let extra water run off. You don't want to leave standing water in your bag, so pat your block dry with a towel before placing it back in the bag.

Note: Shiitake blocks should not be placed back in the bag.

Oyster mushrooms and lion's mane mushroom fruiting block kits are great for beginners because they are reliable producers and require the least amount of effort. Reishi is also great because the mushroom grows in the unopened bag (no special care or fruiting chamber required!)

For most species, you should leave the block in the bag for the entire duration of the growing cycle. However, there are some exceptions.

⮕ Shiitake should be removed from the bag before going into the fruiting chamber.

⮕ Nameko should have most of the top of the bag cut off (leaving about 4" of plastic above the block) before going into the fruiting chamber.

It's not unusual for shipped fruiting block kits to crack or crumble while in transit. If you receive a broken kit, here's what you should do:

1. Remove the kit from the shipping box and unfold the top of the bag, making room for air space. (Note: Do not open the bag!)
   
2. Check and confirm that the filter patch is not obstructed. (This will help the organism breathe and continue to thrive!)
3. Place the bag in a dark place at room temperature and don't move it around. (Ideal temp range is 60-70 degrees).
   
4. Allow the mycelium to recover and regrow for up to 10 days undisturbed.
5. When you see good mycelium re-growth and/or see mushroom pins, your kit is ready to go!
   
6. Follow the growing instructions for your specific mushroom species.

We have listed optimal temperature ranges on each fruiting block kit product page. You can find them in the section below the product description under "Temp, Humidity & CO2 Guide."

Our fruiting block kits are made from sawdust blocks that have been ammended with substrate supplements.

Chances are, that's not mold - it's mycelium! Your kit includes an amended sawdust block with mushroom mycelium growing through it. The block may appear covered with a soft, white, mold-like substance. That's the mushroom mycelium, and it's totally normal and healthy for your mushroom block. The mycelium of some species is more prominent than others. For example, lion's mane mycelium tends to be finer and more difficult to see while oysters can develop into a very thick and leathery mat. If you are still unsure about what's growing on your kit, reach out to us with a photo and we will help you identify what's going on.

If your kit has black, green, or orange patches, it's possible your kit was damaged in transit and has mold. Reach out to us with a photo and we'll make it right.