To them who find growing mushrooms as their new hobby, the Lion’s Mane mushroom could be a great choice. It is one of the most simply grown mushrooms with both medicinal and potential health benefits. This white, fluffy fungus is also a good source of protein that initially tastes like lobster.

If you are new to this hobby of growing mushrooms, the traditional method might be tough for you. But there is nothing to worry when you can make your own Lion’s Mane mushroom blocks! Yes, you can cultivate your own Lion’s Mane by the help of organic mushroom growing kits.

Preparation Phase

Once you have your own kit, most of the preparation is done for you. The prominent thing of the kit is the fruiting block. The block contains substrates like hardwood sawdust, straw, and such. If needed, you have to manually add the mushroom spawns. Some brands already have the mushroom mycelium living in them along with all the nutrients that they are feeding on and will be absorbing in the future cycle as well.

Normally it should be looking like a plain white substance growing on top of the block. In cases of contamination blue or grey molds can be seen along with some abnormal liquid substance on the bottom. There are a few more materials needed in addition to start the process.

1. A humidity tent.
2. Some skewers to hold up the humidity tent.
3. A spray bottle to create humidity.
4. Some tapes to lock the fruiting block.
5. Lastly, a tight container where the whole process will take place.

Now when we have all the materials needed to grow mushrooms, we are good to go!

A Simple Guide to Grow Lion’s Mane Mushrooms

If you have all the materials and the desired temperature ready, it will only take weeks for the mushrooms to start growing. One thing to remember, the core element here would be ‘consistency’. Consistency in both weather and humidity. Even a slightest change on any of the elements can stress out and hamper the growth.

1. Preparing the Block

The prepare the block for incubation, you have to make sure its air tight. In order to get all the oxygen out from the bag, you can simply cut a little from top of the bag and push towards the face of the composition. That is how, all the air will get out from the bag. Then you can simply roll the extra plastic from the top and secure with a tape; ensuring no trace of oxygen in it.

You can choose from where you want to see your mushrooms growing. Identify that place and make cuts out there. Those are the places where your mushrooms will start growing. Your fruiting bag is ready!

2. Making a Humidity Tent for the Block

After your fruiting block is done healthy, it is time to make a humidity dome for it. You can use a plastic bag as a tent for it. But firstly, make sure you put the whole thing is a plate or any suitable container to ensure maximum growth.

In order to make a humidity tent, you have to take a plastic bag first. But before making the tent, don’t forget that mushrooms will need some sort of air or ventilation as well. That is why you may cut a few small pieces from the plastic bag to allow the dome to have its own ventilation system.

Now the question is, how will the block hold the tent? The answer is hidden in the container you use. If your container is fit and tight, you may not require any help to hold the tent up. In contrary, if your container is flat or more like a plate, you may need help of skewers.

The number of skewers depends on the size of the block. The ideal portion is two. To place the skewers on the block, you have to identify the prominent places on top of the block and push them inside the it. Make sure it’s not too tight or touchy to the block when you place the bag. After that, when you will actually place the it, your desired humidity dome will be ready for your future mushrooms.

3. Initiate Fruiting

As mentioned before, Lion’s Mane require consistency to grow. Consistency in both light, temperature and even humidity that will be created in the dome mentioned earlier.

The ideal temperature to allow the mushrooms to grow would be around 16-21 degrees. As the mushroom growth is even affected by the slightest changes, no external temperature or greenhouse will be required here. Secondly, let’s talk about the light. Mushrooms do not grow under straight sunlight. They require a place where they can find a consistent light all the time to read through. So, avoid putting the whole thing under sunlight or anywhere with a high temperature.

When talking about humidity, you have to maintain an everyday routine for it. You can spray water with a spray bottle inside the tent to keep up with the humidity. You may do it twice or more than that if needed. In case it is drying out, spray more water according to the need to hold on to the moisture. There is also a hack in which you put some extra water into the container so that it evaporates over time and helps with humidity. But do not forget that mushrooms need a clean environment to grow. So, you should only go for clean water to create your desired amount of humidity.

4. Harvesting Period

If you have all the components done perfectly, it may take around a week or two to see the results. The overall growth may vary according to the moisture and nutrients they are getting through the previously made composition.

Mushrooms take no time to grow. If your mushroom is white, fluffy, and has needle-like white parts, your mushrooms are mature enough to harvest. If you take too long to harvest, it may dry out or discolor. So, you see your mushrooms at their best, twist the whole mushroom with a firm grip and get them out. Congratulations, your Lion’s Mane mushroom grow kit was successful!

Conclusion

By following the mentioned steps above, you can easily cultivate your own Lion’s Mane at home. Most importantly, you can harvest a few times from the same mushroom grow kit without any hassle of scratch. Must say, growing mushrooms have never been this easier.