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? ›

Should You Try a Kit? If you have any interest in growing mushrooms at all, and you aren't ready to do it from scratch, then most definitely yes- you should try a kit! It will give you an idea of how mushrooms grow, and what requirements they need in order to fruit properly.

How much do you get out of a mushroom grow kit? ›

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

Once the kit has run out of nutrients and water it will be "spent" and won't produce any more mushrooms.

What is the most valuable mushroom to grow at home? ›

Some easier to cultivate and sell but high value mushrooms are maitake, lion's mane, and depending where you are shiitakes. The mushrooms that are the most profitable tend to be mushrooms going for the supplement or health field rather than culinary.

What is the easiest mushroom kit to grow? ›

Oyster mushrooms are by far the easiest and most reliable mushrooms to grow. For beginners we recommend our Mist & Grow Oyster mushroom grow kits. Simply cut an X in one side of the bag, cover with a humidity tent, and mist a few times daily. Within 7-10 days a cluster of baby mushrooms will appear!

How many times can you harvest a mushroom kit? ›

How long do mushroom growing kits last? Each grow kit usually lasts for about 2-3 harvests, but this will vary depending on the variety of grow kit you choose.

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

The best location will be a room where the temperature stays between 60 to 74 degrees F. The ideal fruiting temperature range for Portabella and White Button mushrooms is between 63 to 68 degrees F. Dense White and Almond prefer a warmer 68 to 72 degrees F.

How long will a mushroom grow kit last? ›

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.

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.

What is the easiest mushroom to sell? ›

Several specialty type mushrooms are grown and sold in the United States, including oyster, shiitake, maitake, and lion's mane. Shiitake and oyster mushrooms are the best choice for small-scale production, since they don't require a lot of equipment and space.

What is the easiest edible mushroom to grow? ›

Pretty much every mushroom growing resource I could find says that oyster mushrooms are the easiest variety for first time-growers, as they grow fast and can easily thrive in substrates made of things like coffee grounds and straw, making them relatively low maintenance.

What is the most bought mushroom? ›

White Button Mushrooms

These are the most common type of mushrooms that are the youngest of the Agaricus Bisporus variety, which also includes creminis and portobello. White button mushrooms are the most popular type worldwide and are often used in soups, sauces, and sautés but can also be eaten raw in fresh salads.

Which mushroom has highest demand? ›

Worldwide, button mushrooms or Agaricus bisporus is the most widely cultivated and consumed mushroom in the world.

What speeds up mushroom growth? ›

Gypsum is a mineral that helps speed up the mushroom growing process in small amounts.

How long do all in one mushroom bags take to grow? ›

Temperature for incubation shouldn't exceed 75 degrees F or dip below 55 degrees F. Keeping your bag at the higher end of the temperature range will encourage faster colonization. 2. After about 4-8 weeks, you should start to see mycelium growing on the substrate.

How long does a mushroom grow kit last? ›

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.

Is a mushroom farm a good investment? ›

Mushroom farming can be lucrative. Like all business activities, mushroom farming does require some financial investment. However, when it is done correctly, mushroom farming can produce returns that make the initial investment more than worth it.

Do mushroom grow kits regrow? ›

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.

Is mushroom packaging cost effective? ›

Mushroom Packaging is a high-performing, cost-competitive, and insulating protective packaging solution. Mushroom® Packaging breakaway corners are fully home compostable and will return to the soil in 45 days.

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