BACK to the ROOTS Organic Oyster Mushroom Grow Kit Instruction Manual
- June 17, 2024
- BACK to the ROOTS
Table of Contents
BACK to the ROOTS Organic Oyster Mushroom Grow Kit
Product Specifications
- Product Name: Oyster Mushroom Grow Kit
- Manufacturer : Back to the Roots
- Website : backtotheroots.com
- Contact : contact@backtotheroots.com | 510.922.9758
- 100% Guaranteed to Grow
Product Usage Instructions
Day 1: Instructions to Get Your Mushrooms Growing
- Give Them Light: Remove the perforated panel and cut an ‘X’ into the substrate bag.
- Scrape Them Awake: Lift the plastic flaps, and lightly scratch away some of the white layer with a fork.
- Find a Cozy Home: Shake off excess water, place the bag back in the box in indirect sunlight. Mushrooms will start growing in about a week.
Keep the Fun Going!
To reuse and grow a bonus crop, repeat the setup instructions for the other side of your substrate bag. Visit backtotheroots.com/sculpture for ideas on upcycling your spent mushroom log.
Experience the Magic of Gardening!
Explore other indoor kits or grow outside with organic seeds, soils, and plant food from Back to the Roots. Visit backtotheroots.com for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many varieties of edible mushrooms are there?
- There are various edible mushrooms, with estimates ranging from hundreds to thousands of varieties.
- Do mushrooms breathe like humans?
- No, mushrooms do not breathe like humans. They absorb oxygen and release carbon dioxide, unlike humans who inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide.
- What natural source do mushrooms provide that works with calcium?
- Mushrooms are a natural source of Vitamin D, which works with calcium to build strong bones and teeth.
- What is the lesser-known fifth primary taste that mushrooms possess?
- The fifth primary taste that mushrooms possess is called Umami, which is savory and adds depth of flavor.
- Which US state is known as America’s mushroom capital?
- Pennsylvania is known as America’s mushroom capital due to its significant mushroom production.
- Which items use fungi in their production?
- Bread, beer, and cheese all use fungi in their production processes.
- Which family of mushrooms is known to be rare and expensive?
- The Truffle family of mushrooms is known to be the most rare and expensive, with some varieties costing up to $3,000 per pound.
INSTRUCTIONS
DAY 1: INSTRUCTIONS TO GET YOUR MUSHROOMS GROWING
Give Them Light
Remove your kit’s perforated panel and cut an ‘X’ into the substrate bag.
Scrape Them Awake
Lift the plastic flaps (don’t cut them off) and lightly scratch away some of the white layer with a fork.
Give Them a Bath
Remove the substrate bag from the box and soak it face down in a bowl of water overnight (6–10 hours). The bag will float and don’t worry if some substrate falls out.
Find a Cozy Home
Now that you’ve woken up your organic mushrooms, shake off excess water from the bag and place it back in the box. Mushrooms will grow best in a spot with indirect sunlight — facing away from a window is perfect! It’ll take up to 1 week for your mushrooms to start growing.
DAY 2–6: WATER & LEARN!
Keep Them Hydrated!
- Twice a day, lift the plastic flaps and use your spray bottle to mist the substrate (7–8 sprays each time is enough).
- While you wait for your organic mushrooms to start growing, there’s so much to discover! Check off all the challenges below to become a true mushroom guru.
- read through our online mushroom curriculum at backtotheroots.com/curriculum.
- Take a walk around your neighborhood and spot some mushrooms grown in the wild … but don’t eat them!
- Head to your local grocery store to pick up additional ingredients for your favorite mushroom recipe! If you need help choosing, a few of ours are on the back.
- Visit your local farmer’s market and talk to a mushroom farmer about how and what they grow — they’re experts!
Watch For Pinning!
Your mushrooms will start growing (“pinning”) in ~1 week. Look for little white bumps that begin to stick out from where you scratched the substrate. Once you spot them, it’s time for Decision Day!
DAY 7: DECISION DAY
(EXACT DAYS MAY VARY WITH CLIMATE)
Congrats! Your mushrooms have started growing. The conditions you choose now will affect how your mushrooms look. Leave your kit by your window for normal growth, or start experimenting with the conditions below if you want to fine- tune your mushroom-growing skills!
DAY 10: SHARE A PIC, HARVEST & ENJOY!
TAG:
@backtotheroots
GrowOneGiveOne
Harvest Time!
When your mushroom caps are 1–2″ wide, harvest by gently twisting them off at the base of the stem. Wash and cook thoroughly before eating.
**LET’S EAT!
**
Oh, Yum!
Wash and cook thoroughly before eating. Find these recipes and more at
backtotheroots.com/recipes
KEEP THE FUN GOING!
Reuse & Grow a Bonus Crop! Repeat the setup instructions for the other
side of your substrate bag and try growing a bonus crop!
Upcycle your kit! Your mushroom journey isn’t over after you harvest and
eat your delicious oyster mushrooms.
Go to backtotheroots.com/sculpture to find out what you can do with your spent mushroom log after harvesting.
EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF GARDENING!
Try our other indoor kits, or grow outside with our 100% organic seeds, soils,
and plant food. backtotheroots.com
FUN-gus Trivia!
- How many varieties of edible mushrooms are there?
- A. 100 B. 500 C. 1,000 D. 10,000
- True or False? Mushrooms breathe like humans, taking in oxygen and emitting carbon dioxide.
- Mushrooms are one of the few natural sources of ……….., which works with calcium to build strong bones and teeth.
- A. Vitamin D B. Vitamin B12 C. Sugar D. Protein
- In addition to salty, sweet, bitter, and sour, there is a lesser-known fifth primary taste that mushrooms possess. What is it called?
- A. Savory B. Oily C. Burnt D. Umami
- What US state is known as America’s mushroom capital?
- A. California B. Pennsylvania C. Idaho D. Texas
- Which of the following items use fungi when they are being made?
- A. Bread B. Beer C. Cheese D. All of the Above
- Which family of mushrooms is known to be the most rare and expensive? Hint: they can cost up to $3,000 per pound!!
- A. Shiitake B. Morel C. Truffle D. Pioppini
References
- Back to the Roots | Official Site® | Shop Gardening Gifts & Grow Kits
- Back to the Roots STEM Curriculum (Kids Gardening Curriculum)
- Recipes – Back to the Roots
- Mushroom Discovery - how to reuse your Back to the Roots Mushroom Grow