How to Grow Mushrooms in Super Grow Bags: A Beginner’s Guide

Mushrooms are not only a delicious and nutritious addition to your meals, but they also offer a fascinating journey for any gardening enthusiast. If you’re looking to venture into the world of mushroom cultivation, super grow bags are an excellent choice. They are easy to use, require minimal equipment, and can yield a hefty harvest. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to grow mushrooms in super grow bags, providing you with a step-by-step guide that will have you enjoying home-grown mushrooms in no time.

Fullsend OrgaNicks Super are biodegrade, sterilized, hydrated and come ready to rock with start to finish instructions.

Super grow bags are durable, breathable bags designed to create an ideal environment for growing mushrooms. They are typically made from breathable materials that allow for air circulation while retaining moisture—a crucial component for mushroom growth. These bags can hold various substrates, helping mushroom spores to flourish.

• Airflow: The breathable fabric allows for optimal gas exchange, keeping the mushrooms healthy and promoting faster growth.
• Moisture Retention: Super grow bags help maintain the right level of humidity, preventing the substrate from drying out.
• Space-Efficient: These bags are compact and can easily fit into small spaces, making them perfect for urban gardeners or those with limited space.
• Ease of Use: No need for complicated setups—just fill the bags and watch your mushrooms grow!

• Mushroom Spawn: This is the mycelium (the vegetative part of the fungus) which you will inoculate into your substrate.
• Substrate: A material that the mycelium will feed on. Common options include straw, sawdust, coffee grounds, or hardwood logs.
• Growing Container: Depending on your chosen substrate, you can use grow bags, plastic containers, or even buckets.
• Water and Humidity: Mushrooms require moist conditions to grow, so a spray bottle is handy for maintaining humidity.
• Thermometer and Hygrometer: To monitor the temperature and humidity levels.
• Gloves and Mask: To ensure cleanliness and prevent contamination. (Fullsend super bags include glove and start to finish instructions)

Gather Your Supplies

Before you start, ensure you have the following materials:

• Super grow bags: Choose bags that are specifically designed for mushroom cultivation.
• Mushroom spores or spawn: You can select from a variety of mushrooms like shiitake, oyster, or lion’s mane.
• Growing substrate: Common options include straw, sawdust, or coffee grounds. You’ll want to pasteurize or sterilize your substrate to eliminate harmful bacteria and fungi.
• Spray bottle: For keeping the substrate moist during the growth process.
• Labels: For identifying mushroom types if you have more than one variety.

2. Prepare Your Substrate

• Choose Your Substrate: Depending on the mushroom variety you’ve selected, your substrate will differ. For example, straw works well for oyster mushrooms, while sawdust is great for shiitake.
• Pasteurize Sterilization: This step is crucial. Pasteurize your substrate by soaking it in boiling water for about an hour, then let it cool. This helps eliminate unwanted organisms.

3. Inoculate the Substrate

• Cool Down: Once your substrate has cooled, it’s time to inoculate it with your mushroom spores or spawn.
• Mixing: In a clean environment, mix the mushroom spawn into the substrate thoroughly. You can do this inside the super grow bag or transfer it to a container before filling your grow bags.

4. Fill the Super Grow Bags

• Packing: Once inoculated, fill your super grow bag with the substrate and spawn mixture. Make sure it’s packed firmly but not overly tight. Leave some space at the top for expansion.
• Seal: Close the bag by twisting it and using a tie if available, or fold it over. It’s essential to keep the bag sealed to maintain humidity.

5. Create the Right Environment

• Temperature: Most mushrooms thrive in a temperature range of 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C). Store your grow bags in a dark, warm location to encourage mycelium growth.
• Humidity: Mushrooms require high humidity (around 85%-90%). Use a spray bottle to mist the bags regularly and maintain moisture.

6. Watch Them Grow

• Incubation Phase: In about 2-3 weeks, you should notice white mycelium creeping through the substrate. This is a good sign that your mushrooms are on their way to maturity.
• Fruiting Conditions: Once the substrate is fully colonized by mycelium, move the bags to a cooler area with indirect light to stimulate fruiting. Lower temperatures encourage the formation of mushrooms.

7. Harvesting

• When to Harvest: Mushrooms typically take 5-14 days to mature after the fruiting stage begins. Harvest them when the caps are fully opened, as they taste best just before they start to release spores.
• Cut Carefully: Use a sharp knife to cut the mushrooms at the base gently without damaging the surrounding area.

8. Enjoy Your Home-Grown Mushrooms

After harvesting, enjoy your mushrooms in various dishes. Freshly grown mushrooms can add incredible flavors to salads, pasta, stir-fries, and more!

Tips for Success

• Sanitation is Key: Keep your workspace and tools clean to avoid contamination.
• Experiment with Varieties: Don’t hesitate to try different mushroom types to discover your favorites.
• Patience Pays Off: Growing mushrooms may take some time, but the reward is well worth the wait.

Growing mushrooms in super grow bags is an accessible way to introduce the fun and satisfaction of home cultivation into your life. With a little patience and care, you can enjoy fresh, nutritious mushrooms right from your kitchen. So, grab your super grow bags, pick your favorite mushroom variety, and embark on your mushroom-growing journey today! Mush Love and Happy cultivating!