Mushroom Kits in Canada: The Complete Guide - Folk Fungi (2024)

If you're looking to cultivate mushrooms in Canada, a mushroom growing kit is the perfect way to start.

Mushroom kits make it easy for anyone, regardless of experience, to grow mushrooms.

In this guide, we'll teach you everything you need to know about mushroom kits—from choosing the right kind to special considerations for growing in Canada.

What is a mushroom growing kit?

Mushroom growing kits contain everything you need to grow mushrooms at home.

A typical mushroom kit contains:

  • 1x fruiting block
  • 1x spray bottle

Some mushroom kits also include a humidity tent.

Let's go over each item so you can understand what they are.

Fruiting block

A clear bag containing a growing medium, usually sawdust, that is inoculated with mycelium.

(Mycelium is like the mushroom's root system, absorbing nutrients and water from the growing medium.)

As the name implies, mushrooms will fruit from the fruiting block.

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Spray bottle

To produce mushrooms, a fruiting block needs an environment with high humidity.

To create high humidity, you need to mist the area around your fruiting block with a spray bottle.

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Humidity tent

A clear tent with ventilation holes to cover your fruiting block, which will retain the humidity you create by misting.

While you can grow most mushroom kit species without one, a humidity tent can increase the success and yield of your grow.

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How do I use a mushroom kit?

Now that you know what's in a mushroom kit, let's explain how to use one in more detail.

While instructions may vary slightly in different kits, the steps outlined below cover the essentials.

Prepare the fruiting block

Cut an "X" into the front of the fruiting block with a clean knife or scissors (dirty equipment can lead to contamination).

Oxygen will signal to the mycelium that it's time to start fruiting mushrooms from the "X."

Important: leave the block in the plastic bag! The bag helps keep the block hydrated and humid, which is crucial for fruiting.

Some kits, especially mass-produced ones, require you to hydrate the fruiting block after cutting the "X."

This typically involves soaking the block in a bowl of water for twelve hours.

After cutting open your block (and hydrating if required), place it on a plate or tray to catch any dripping water that will occur when misting.

Find an area to grow

Mushrooms, unlike plants, don't convert sun energy into food.

However, your block still needs a few hours of indirect sunlight each day to fruit.

Place your block somewhere in your home with enough light to read a book.

If you're using a humidity tent, place it over the block.

Different mushrooms grow best in different temperatures, but room temperature works great for most mushroom kits.

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Mist and fruit

Next, you need to fruit your mushrooms.

To do this, create a humid environment by misting around the block with your spray bottle.

If you're using a humidity tent, mist the inside walls of the tent instead.

Depending on the species, you'll see baby mushrooms fruiting from your block in a few days to a few weeks!

Harvest

When your mushrooms are fully grown, it's time to harvest.

If you wait too long, they will release a heavy dusting of spores.

Your kit will provide instructions on when the best time to harvest is.

If you're growing oyster mushrooms, a common species for first-time grows, harvest when the caps begin to curl up.

And that's it!

If you can follow the instructions above, you can grow mushrooms.

What kind of mushroom kit should I start with?

Two species are especially common in grow kits: oyster mushrooms and lion's mane.

Oysters are probably the easiest to grow.

They double in size each day, usually reaching full size in less than a week, and are generally forgiving in nature (they also taste amazing).

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While lion's mane requires a little more effort, it's well worth it.

They have a unique taste and texture, and they also have a long list of medicinal benefits.

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You can't go wrong with oysters or lion's mane for your first grow.

Do mushroom grow kits keep growing?

Most grow kit companies promise at least one harvest (also called a "flush") per kit.

Though, if you keep the block in a humid environment after the first harvest, there's a good chance you'll get a second or maybe even a third one.

Considerations for growing mushrooms in Canada

Mushrooms are sensitive to temperature and humidity, which can be a challenge in certain Canadian climates.

If you live in a dry climate, consider searching for a kit with a humidity tent so you can better retain humidity.

If you're growing in winter and your house gets cold at night, choose a cold weather mushroom (blue oysters, for example) instead of a warm temperature one (like pink oysters).

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Where can I buy a mushroom grow kit in Canada?

In Canada, the easiest way to purchase a grow kit is through an online store that sells them.

Long travel times can be hard on mycelium, so consider buying from a Canadian seller instead of an international one.

You might also find grow kits at your local farmer's market and in some gardening supply stores.

Are mushroom grow kits worth it?

If you're looking for an easy way to grow mushrooms, a kit is a great option.

But beware: they're known to ignite lifelong passions for fungi in those who try them!

If you're interested in growing your own mushrooms, we highly recommend picking up a mushroom grow kit.

Happy growing!

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Spenser Smith

I am passionate about mushrooms. My number one goal: help you grow mushrooms in your home!

Mushroom Kits in Canada: The Complete Guide - Folk Fungi (2024)

FAQs

Are mushroom grow kits worth it? ›

Mushroom grow kits are a great solution as they're easy to use and allow even the most inexperienced growers to produce fresh gourmet mushrooms year round. But not all mushroom grow kits are equal, so it's advisable to research and find a reliable supplier who offers a grow guarantee.

How to get the most out of mushroom kits? ›

The simplest way to encourage more fruitings is to move your kit outdoors. A change in environment or temperature shift can sometimes be a cue for fungi to produce more mushrooms. Take the mushroom block out of the box (and recycle the box!)

How many times will a mushroom kit grow? ›

Expect to grow: 2-3 harvests of mushrooms / 150g - 300g

The first flush will always be the biggest. We've had some customers grow up to 4 flushes of mushrooms from our kits but on average you'll get 2 harvests. Once the kit has run out of nutrients and water it will be "spent" and won't produce any more mushrooms.

Can mushroom grow kits be reused? ›

Yes, you can most definitely reuse mushroom grow kits! Mushroom grow kits are generally designed to give you more than one harvest depending on the species of mushroom inside your growing kit. There is enough water nutrition available in the substrate to give you multiple harvests over a period of 2-10 weeks.

Where is the best place to put a mushroom kit? ›

Position your kit in an appropriate spot where the temperature will be stable. Avoid placing near any air-con vents or drafts. Keep your kit moist and humid, but don't overwater. Use a small, clean garden sprayer to mist the surface regularly.

Should mushroom kits be kept in dark? ›

Many gourmet mushroom grow kits need light to grow, so keep them in a bright spot away from direct sunlight. This allows you to watch your mushrooms grow and some types will double in size every 12-24 hours. It's a great transformation to witness. They'll also absorb that vitamin D, ready for your consumption.

How often should I water my mushroom kit? ›

Humidity is a key factor for successful mushroom growth. Spray the area around your kit with a few pumps of water whenever you have a chance, at least 2-3 times a day. If you can see condensation underneath the plastic flaps of your X cut area this is enough water.

Why is my mushroom kit growing mold? ›

If there's any area on the kit that has exposed substrate (if the white mycelium isn't really strong in that area) it could become susceptible to mould.

Can mushroom grow kits go bad? ›

Most mushroom kits will store for 3-6 months in the fridge if necessary. To store your kit, keep it in the fridge. This puts the mycelium into hibernation and will prevent it escaping the box early. Don't keep it somewhere it could exceed 30 degrees Celsius.

What temperature should a mushroom growing kit be? ›

Grow locations.

Now that you have finished setting up your kit, you will need to place your kit somewhere for it to grow. The best location will be a room where the temperature stays between 15 to 24 degrees C. The ideal fruiting temperature range for Portabella and White Button mushrooms is between 17 to 20 degrees F.

Where should I keep my mushroom grow kit? ›

The grow kit will stay fresh in the box for months before you start growing your mushrooms. Make sure you keep your grow kit in a cool area/room that doesn't receive any direct sunlight (i.e., closet, bedroom). Once opened you just need oxygen, water, and light to “activate” your grow kit!

What can I do with leftover mushroom plugs? ›

What to do with Leftover Mushroom Spawn?
  1. 1) Use it! Inoculate heavy. ...
  2. 2) Use it! Get more logs, straw, or materials to plant. ...
  3. 3) Save it for later. ...
  4. 4) Use it! ...
  5. 5) Give it away! ...
  6. 6) Compost it.

Do mushroom log kits work? ›

The wonderful thing about mushroom logs is that you will get multiple years worth of gourmet mushrooms without having to re-inoculate your logs. On average, a mushroom log will produce for 1 year per inch of diameter of the log.

Do mushroom growers make good money? ›

The salaries of Mushroom Growers in The US range from $21,880 to $198,891, and the average is $47,286.

Do mushroom grow bags work? ›

Some mushroom cultivators like to use mushroom grow bags because this method of growing offers several benefits, including: Mushroom grow bags are generally pretty easy to keep sterile, especially if they're equipped with a filter patch (more on this in a moment) Mushroom grow bags can help growers to conserve space.

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