At Home Gourmet Grow Kit

Armadillo Myco Supply Gourmet Mushroom Grow Kit (instructions below)

Bring the world of gourmet mushrooms to your home! The Armadillo Myco Supply Gourmet Mushroom Grow Kit is crafted to offer a unique, hands-on experience for anyone eager to explore the joys of mushroom cultivation. No need for pricey equipment—this kit gives you the essentials to start growing high-quality gourmet mushrooms at home.

Each kit includes:

• 2.5 lb Millet Bag - A nutritious foundation that helps establish robust mycelium growth for gourmet mushrooms.
• 2.5 lb Bag of Master's Mix Substrate - A premium hardwood-based blend optimized for gourmet mushroom species, providing the perfect environment for a thriving crop.
• Latex Gloves and Alcohol Wipe - Maintain a clean setup and reduce the risk of contamination.
• Liquid Culture Syringe - Pick your preferred gourmet mushroom culture from our partner, True Blue Genetics (a $20 value, included at no additional cost). This fresh liquid culture brings your mushrooms to life!

Whether you're a beginner or have experience, this kit is designed to provide an educational, rewarding journey with the thrill of cultivating your own gourmet mushrooms at home.

Price: $39.99 (includes your choice of a $20 gourmet mushroom liquid culture from True Blue Genetics!)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is this grow kit pre-inoculated?
A: Nope! This kit is designed for you to inoculate yourself, giving you a hands-on learning experience. You’ll receive a fresh liquid culture syringe with your order so you can add it when you’re ready.

Q: What types of mushrooms can I grow with this kit?
A: This kit is specially designed for gourmet mushrooms that thrive on hardwood substrates. It’s ideal for species like Lion’s Mane, Blue Oyster, and other hardwood-loving varieties. For mushrooms that prefer manure-based substrates, we recommend our other kits designed with CVG substrate.

Q: Can I use this kit for other types of mushrooms?
A: This kit is crafted specifically for gourmet mushrooms that prefer hardwood substrates. While it’s optimized for hardwood-loving species, you’re welcome to experiment with other types, though the results might vary.

Q: Why does this kit have millet and Master's Mix?
A: The millet provides a rich base for strong initial growth, while the Master's Mix hardwood blend supports robust, sustained development of gourmet mushrooms, creating a high-yield environment.

Q: Is there a guarantee that my mushrooms will grow?
A: Mushroom cultivation can be tricky, but we’ve included everything you need to set up for success. Follow the instructions and maintain a clean environment, and you’re on the right track. However, as with any grow kit, results can vary based on care and conditions.

Q: Why doesn’t Armadillo Myco Supply offer an all-in-one bag?
A: We’ve tested all-in-one grow bags and found the results less consistent. This kit format offers more reliable outcomes and gives you control over each step for an enjoyable, educational experience.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Armadillo Myco Supply Gourmet Mushroom Grow Kit Instructions

Included in Your Kit:

• 2.5 lb bag of sterilized grain
• 2.5 lb bag of sterilized hardwood substrate (Master's Mix)
• Alcohol wipe
• Gloves
• Paper clips

Additional Required Materials:

• Liquid culture (LC) syringe
• Scissors

Optional Materials:

• Alcohol spray
• Lighter

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

1. Clean your workspace thoroughly to minimize contamination risks.
2. Ensure there are no drafts or active air circulation near your workspace.

Step 2: Prepare the Grain Bag

1. Before inoculating, gently pull the grain bag apart (without opening the top) to loosen the grains.
2. Set the bag aside for a few minutes to allow the grains to aerate, making them easier to mix after inoculation.

Step 3: Sterilize and Gear Up

1. Put on the gloves provided in your kit.
2. If using alcohol spray, lightly spray your gloves, the grain bag, and the injection port. Then wipe the injection port with the alcohol wipe.
3. If you don’t have alcohol spray, use the alcohol wipe to clean the self-healing injection port directly.

Step 4: Inoculate the Grain Bag

1. Attach the needle to your LC syringe. If the syringe is pre-sterilized and capped, remove the cap from the needle.
2. Insert the needle through the self-healing injection port on the grain bag and inject 5 cc of liquid culture (about 2 cc per pound of grain).
3. Gently massage the grain bag to distribute the liquid culture evenly.
4. Place the inoculated grain bag in a warm, dark area (75°F–78°F).

Step 5: Monitor Growth

1. After a few days, you should see mycelium beginning to grow in the grain bag.
2. Inspect the bag periodically for discoloration (a sign of contamination).
3. Once the grain bag is about 30% colonized with mycelium, gently mix the grains to distribute the mycelium evenly. This will speed up full colonization.
4. When the grain bag is 100% colonized, it’s time to mix it with the hardwood substrate.

Step 6: Mix Grain with Substrate

1. Prepare your workspace again:
   • Clean the area thoroughly.
   • Sanitize all tools with alcohol.
   • Wipe down both the grain and substrate bags with alcohol.
2. Break up the colonized grain bag by massaging it to ensure the mycelium is evenly distributed and all clumps are broken up.
3. Set the grain bag aside.
4. Cut the substrate bag just below the seal using scissors and open it.
5. Cut the grain bag below its seal with scissors.
6. Pour the colonized grain into the substrate bag.
7. Mix the grain and substrate thoroughly:
   • Gently knead the bag to ensure the grains and substrate are evenly mixed.
8. Fold the bag to minimize fresh air exchange:
   • Wrap the top of the substrate bag down toward the bottom, keeping the fold tight to reduce airflow.
   • Secure the fold with the provided paper clips, ensuring the bag is sealed tightly above the filter patch.
9. Set the bag in a warm, dark area (75°F–78°F).

Step 7: Wait for Full Colonization

1. Allow the mycelium to fully colonize the substrate.
2. Avoid opening the bag during this time to maintain high humidity and minimal air exchange.
3. Once the substrate is fully colonized, it’s time to prepare for fruiting.

Step 8: Prepare for Fruiting (Cutting Slits)

1. Mushrooms like Lion’s Mane and Blue Oyster require slits in the bag to grow out.
2. Use scissors to cut slits in the sides of the bag:
   • For Lion’s Mane: Cut one or two 1-inch horizontal slits on each side of the bag, about halfway up from the bottom.
   • For Blue Oyster: Cut several 1–2 inch slits on each side, spaced evenly.
3. Place the bag in an area with indirect light and good airflow but avoid direct sunlight. High humidity is key for fruiting, so consider placing the bag in a humid environment or misting around it regularly.

Step 9: Fruiting

1. Keep the slits moist by misting around the bag regularly. Avoid spraying directly into the slits, as pooling water can lead to contamination.
2. Ensure fresh air exchange (FAE) by keeping the bag in a space with some airflow.
3. Watch for mushrooms to start pinning (small mushrooms forming). This may take a few days to a week.

Step 10: Harvest Mushrooms

1. Harvest mushrooms when they reach their desired size:
   • For Lion’s Mane: Harvest when the spines are long but before they begin to yellow or dry out.
   • For Blue Oyster: Harvest before the edges of the caps flatten out completely.
2. To harvest, gently twist or cut the mushrooms at the base near the bag slit.

Step 11: Care for Additional Flushes

1. After harvesting, let the bag rest for a few days. Keep misting the bag to maintain humidity.
2. Watch for new pins to form for subsequent flushes. You can typically get 2–3 flushes from a single kit!