Shiitake Grow Block Care

 How to care for your Shiitake grow block

For many people, growing mushrooms can seem like a pretty daunting task. Here at Herrera Homestead, we hope to make mushroom growing so easy, anyone can do it. The point of this article is to outline the best growing methods starting with the easiest methods for the small-at-home grower.

First things first. The easiest variables to control are temperature & humidity. The optimal growing temperature is 55–65 degrees F with relative humidity of at least 85%.

Starting out, there are two methods which we can suggest: 

Preparation for growing:

Take the kit in your hand and give it some good smacks all over the bag, the top and sides. You are not trying to hit it hard enough to damage it, but just enough to "shock" it into growing. Think of it like you would pat a large dog, nice and firm, but still gentle enough not to hurt it. After this, remove it from the bag and for best results, soak the block in water for 12 - 24 hours. 

Next there are two methods for growing your mushrooms:

The first and simplest method is to set the kit on a plate or tray on the counter, and mist every 4 - 6 hours (or as needed, depending on the humidity in your house).

For the second method; Wrap your kit in a trash bag and 2 to 3 times a day open your trash bag to air out and mist the kit. This allows you to maintain the appropriate humidity in the bag. As the mushrooms start to grow, you will need to keep the bag from touching your mushrooms, this is the biggest downside to this way of growing. 

Helpful tip: 

- Something to watch for, is if you notice any white fuzz developing on your block, it is too dry and you need to keep it wetter. This is even more important for your second and third flush.

- If you see green mold developing on your block, like cheese, you can cut that outer layer off, and it should be fine.

If you're only going to grow once or twice and don't plan on growing mushrooms much more after this, these are great methods for getting your feet wet in your mushroom growing journey. Because mushrooms will leave spores, neither of these methods are suggested for any long term growing operation. Spores can be harmful to your heath if inhaled over a long period of time.

On the farm we wear respirators inside the mushroom growing chamber. This prevents us from developing a lung issue we call "mushroom workers lung". 

For information on when to harvest please read Here :)