Beginners Guide
Whether you’re cultivating gourmet, medicinal, or research strains, mushroom growing is straightforward — as long as you understand the process, keep things clean, and know your strain. This guide walks beginners through every step of the grow using MushroomsOK kits.
What Comes in Your Kit
Pre-sterilized all-in-one grow bag (includes both grain and substrate)
10 mL liquid culture syringe with your selected strain
Instruction sheet with direct links to support and social channels
You’ll also need:
70% isopropyl alcohol for sanitizing the injection port
A clean, still-air environment (no fans, vents, or air movement during inoculation)
Paper clips or a bag clip to reseal research strain bags after harvest
Understanding Your Strain Type
Different mushrooms fruit in different ways. It's essential to know what you're growing so you follow the right method.
Gourmet & Medicinal Strains
(e.g., Oyster, Lion’s Mane, Reishi)
Once colonized, shake the bag to redistribute mycelium
Cut a small “X” in the bag to allow fresh air exchange
Mist 2–3 times daily to maintain humidity
Expect multiple flushes (typically 2–3) if kept moist and clean
Research Strains / Active Species (Microscopy Use Only)
Do not cut the bag open during fruiting
Fruiting happens inside the sealed bag through the filter patch
After harvesting the first flush, reseal the top with paper clips and store in the same environment
Two to three flushes are common
If the substrate turns green (Trichoderma), contamination has occurred — discard the bag
The Growing Process
1. Inoculation
Sanitize the injection port with 70% isopropyl alcohol
Attach the sterile needle to your syringe and inject into the grain side of the bag
Label your bag with strain and date
Store in a dark, still location at 70–75°F — no air movement
2. Colonization
Mycelium will slowly colonize the bag — turning the substrate white
Colonization time varies by strain and can range from 2 to 6 weeks or more
Do not open or disturb the bag during this period
3. Fruiting
Gourmet/Medicinal: Shake bag after colonization, cut an “X,” and mist daily
Research Strains: Leave sealed; mushrooms will fruit inside the bag
4. Harvest & Additional Flushes
Twist or cut mushrooms at the base
Continue misting for gourmet/medicinal strains to stimulate additional flushes
Reseal research strain bags after harvest to encourage more flushes
If contamination appears (especially green mold), discard immediately
Storage Guidelines
Grow bags: Store in a cool, dark, dry place at room temperature
Do NOT refrigerate the grow bag
Liquid cultures: Store in the fridge at 35–41°F — viable for 6 to 12 months
Beginner Tips That Matter
Sterilize everything — especially the injection port
Avoid air circulation, open windows, or fans when inoculating
Never open your bag until the process calls for it
If anything feels off, contact us — your kit is backed by our lifetime contamination guarantee
Growing mushrooms is a process that builds patience, awareness, and results. With MushroomsOK, everything you need is already in the bag — your job is to follow the steps and trust the process.