Mushroom Bucket Grow Kit

Instructions

Start by unpacking your kit, which includes:

Gather these additional supplies:

2.5-5 gallon bucket (preferred) with lid or small laundry basket
Pot and stove for heating water
Aspen wood chips (preferred) or straw. Both are available in pet sections of most major retailers.

Use the alcohol wipe to thoroughly clean the syringe top and the injection port on the jar. Be sure to clean around the port, the top, and inside to prevent contamination.
Remove the syringe cap and screw it into the injection port.
Turn the injection port valve to a vertical position to open it.
Inject all the mycelium from the syringe into the jar.
Before removing the syringe, return the valve to a horizontal position to seal the jar and prevent contamination.
Shake the jar vigorously for 20 seconds to distribute the mycelium throughout the grains.
Place the jar in a dark location with a consistent temperature between 60-80°F (15-27°C).

Within a few days, you should begin to see white mycelium colonizing the grains.
When approximately 10% of the grains show white growth, shake the jar again to break up the mycelium and further distribute it.
After 1-2 weeks, the jar should be completely colonized with fluffy white mycelium.
Note: If you notice any blue or green mold, your spawn has become contaminated.

Make sure your bucket is clean. Using a 1/4" drill bit, create approximately 8 holes evenly spaced around the bucket (top, middle, and bottom). These holes will allow mushrooms to fruit. Optional: Drill several 1/8" drainage holes in the bottom.
If you are using a laundry basket, you do no need to drill holes. Make sure it is clean!

Place your aspen wood chips or straw in a container slightly larger container (the wood chips will decrease their volume when wet and heavier) than your bucket or laundry basket as this will allow you to have enough substrate to fill your mushroom bucket. You can use another larger bucket, cooler, tote, etc. Make sure whatever container you are using it is clean.
To pasteurize the substrate, add enough hot tap water (approximately 160°F/71°C - doesn't need to be exact) to soak all of the wood chips. If your tap water is not hot enough, you can just a little extra boiling water to get it to the approximate correct temperature. In addition to removing contaminates from the substrate, the water hydrates the wood which is an essential ingredient for the mycelium to grow.
Cover with a lid or a towel and let sit for 6-12 hours. Make sure the substrate is cool to the touch before the next step as high heat can damage the mycelium.

Grab handfuls of the pasteurized substrate and squeeze until only 1-2 drops of water come out.
Layer your bucket as follows:
- Place a 2-inch layer of substrate at the bottom
- Sprinkle a thin layer of your colonized grain spawn
- Add another 2-inch layer of substrate
- Repeat until you reach the top
- Finish with a layer of substrate
Use the entire jar of colonized mycelium in your bucket.
Secure the bucket lid when finished.

Place your bucket in a dark space with temperatures between 60-80°F (15-27°C).
After 1 week, check for white mycelium growth by briefly opening the lid or looking at the mycelium along your basket.
If you see any green or blue mold, remove what's visible. The blue oyster mycelium may still outcompete minor contamination.

After 2 weeks, introduce your bucket to natural light cycles while maintaining temperatures of 60-80°F (15-27°C).
When small mushrooms begin emerging from the holes (fruiting), mist them regularly with tap water to maintain humidity.
Harvest your mushrooms just before the caps fully flatten out. Harvesting before they release spores ensures the best flavor and texture.

Customer Photos:

Add your fresh mushrooms to pasta, pizza, or simply sauté in olive oil and butter for a delicious homegrown treat!
After harvesting, return your bucket to fruiting conditions for a second flush:
- Place the bucket back in an area with natural light cycles
- Continue misting to maintain humidity
- In 2-3 weeks, you should see new mushrooms forming
Repeat this process for potentially 3-4 flushes of mushrooms from a single bucket.
When your kit is no longer producing mushrooms, recycle the spent substrate by composting it in your garden - it makes excellent nutrient-rich soil amendment!