Root Mushroom Farm- Shiitake Mushroom Grow Kit-Start Right Away Once Received

Super pleased watching my shiitakes form. Even though I knew you were supposed to deal with this immediately, I still left in the box for a couple days. Then read the insert and moved it to the fridge for a few days before I finally started following the instructions. By the time I got it out of the box, it already had nice white coverage and some bitty nubbies popping up. I soaked it for a little over two hours (which was the most challenging part of this due to the engineering required). I had bought a plastic bin from a big blue and yellow box store (~$9) in preparation. We taped a brining bag to the inside of that (filled about half of the bin), then added water. Braced that with a 9x13” baking pan and a cutting board. Then needed to weight it somehow. Got a mini baking pan, put a towel on it, and then added a brick. Tried to mostly prop that on the surface (but it did turn a little sideways and get a bit wet). (Like I said, there was some engineering!) I was trying to figure out how to support the log so it wasn’t just on the bottom of the bin, and the bottom of a deck rail planter (flower pot) that I already had worked well. Our house ambient is around 65°/42% humidity. I kept the bin pretty humid (condensation formed on the underside of the lid). I tried to space the edges a bit so it could still breathe, but I’m not sure how effective that was. We have cats, and they would absolutely have tried to chew the plastic bag. By the next morning I think, I had a nice row of mushrooms popping up with some other stragglers. It’s been about a week since the fridge bath, and I think I will harvest tomorrow. Very pleased! Update: Harvested a total of 1 lb, 6-7oz (and left some smaller ones unharvested). Sadly as a novice, I’m not sure how best to promote more flushes while also taking care of the log.

About 10 years ago probably 20 years ago, my daughter gave me one of these for my birthday, and I have never seen anything like it and I told her and this is still true to this very day that this is the best present anyone ever gave me. I followed the instructions and within two days I had mushrooms popping out and within three days I had larger mushrooms, popping out, and within four days I was overwhelmed with delicious shiitake mushrooms. They were almost like eating meat, tender meat. I really enjoy this and I hope after I harvest all the mushrooms Truman, the more come back. Absolutely amazing and enjoyable.

It was fun to watch and it grew so fast in my Martha tent. Would definitely buy again!

The kit is actually pretty simple. It is a pre partially colonized log of sorts. The only thing you have to worry about is the required temps of 55-60 degrees and misting adequately. Generally you want to have gloves and isopropyl alcohol (70%) available yo clean your hands prior to handling the log to minimize the chances of contamination. Otherwise its a good kit to start your mushroom journey with. Once fully colonized and pinning you are set.

Great gift for my dad! It produced so many mushrooms. He loved trimming off the mushrooms and cooking em up!