DIY Grow Kit Instructions
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What's included: - Coloring grow box - Chopped straw - Mesh bag - Clear plastic bag - Grain jar - Metal hook What's not: - Large pot or bucket - White vinegar 5% - Coloring pencils |
Helpful Tips:
1. Wash your hands before each step.
2. Read the instructions from start to finish.
3. Make it a weekend project. Start Saturday morning and finish by Sunday evening.
4. Straw can be a little messy so plan accordingly or work outside if possible.
5. It’s best to start your kit within 2 weeks of receiving it.
6. You can start drawing on the box before or after you prepare the grow kit.
Step 1: Soak your straw- Fill a large pot or bucket with 2 gallons of water.
- Mix in 3/4 cup of white vinegar (5% acidity).
- Put the mesh bag of straw in the water and put a small plate on top. Place something heavy on the plate to keep it fully submerged. A tupperware or jar filled with water works well as a weight.
- Let it soak for 20-24 hours. |
Step 2: Remove the bag of straw and hang to dry-Remove the mesh bag from the bucket and hang in the bathroom with the provided hook to drain and dry for 7-10 hrs. Check periodically to make sure the straw doesn’t dry out completely. -You can also hang it outside but this will cause the straw to dry faster depending on the temperature. - The bag of straw should be mostly dry on the bottom and no longer dripping, but you don’t want the straw to dry out completely because the mycelium needs some water to grow mushrooms. The straw should still feel slightly damp to the touch. |
Step 3: Fill your mushroom bag- Open the jar of grain spawn and use a spoon to break up the mycelium.  - Fill the provided plastic bag with straw and grain by alternating with a layer of straw then a little grain spawn. Continue that process until you use all the straw and grain spawn.
 - Press down on the straw with your hand to compact it. The more compact the straw is, the faster the mycelium will grow.
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Step 4: Colonization - Younger mycologists should ask an adult for help with the following steps.- Fold the remaining plastic bag material over, press down on it and wrap it as tight as possible around itself while compacting the straw even more.  - Slide it into the box, making sure that the side that’s aligned with the hole in the box has only a single layer of plastic. If the bag doesn’t fit in the box you can remove some straw.
 - Use a sharp knife to cut an X into the plastic bag through the hole on the side of the box. This will allow the mycelium to breathe. Let it sit for 2-3 weeks until you start seeing your mushrooms grow!
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Step 5: Color in your box- While you’re waiting for your mushrooms, you can color in your box! You can also start coloring at any point. - Try to avoid touching or putting fingers into the straw through the hole. |
Refer to our grow kit care instructions for more details on how to care for and harvest your mushrooms.