PLANET MUSHROOM

HOMEGROW block Instruction Manual

Considerations:

    • Mushrooms love high humidity, so avoiding stagnation is important. Ventilation is key to a healthy fruiting block.

    • Over ventilating by having the fruiting block in a draft is not ideal, Instead a constant ebb and flow of humid and dry periods with a constant moderate air flow, is ideal.

  1. Location:

    • Choose a location with indirect sunlight. Mushrooms do not require direct sunlight yet need some light for optimal growth.

    • A south-facing window or a spot with diffused light works well.

    • Out door works well in the cool months, but always avoiding direct sunlight and under cover of rain, as too much water will waterlog your HOMEGROW block. Be careful not to let the block dry out

    • It is recommended that you use a portable greenhouse to place the block into, but be sure to have openings at both sides to allow cross breeze.

  2. Block Preparation:

    • Remove the instruction and the spray bottle.

    • Remove the block from the box.

    • Find the first cut. Make the cuts and, with a little sticky tape-back the bag back to expose more of the grow block.

  3. Humidity:

    • Maintaining high humidity is crucial for mushroom growth. Use the spray bottle supplied in the kit to mist the block as often as possible.

    • Keep in mind that high humidity and no air flow will allow for mould.

    • Mist your HOMEGROW block at least 4–5 times a day or as often as required to maintain humidity levels at 85 to 95%. Ensure the HOMEGROW block is consistently moist but not waterlogged.

    • If you notice the fruiting block drying out, increase the frequency of misting. So if you are fruiting the block on a bench in the kitchen, place a towel under the block and frequently hydrate with a sprayer

  4. Other Options:

    • If you have a portable green house, roll the bottom up 2 inches off the bottom all the way around to allow good air flow. This prevents mould and Trichoderma. Remember to keep humidity up by misting regularly.

The bench top Mushroom Incubator is great for those who live busy lives

Maintenance:

  • If mould and Trichoderma is detected, without moving the block, using a jet lighter just burn the spot. This will stop it spreading.

  • Also, using some rubbing alcohol or disinfectant, wipe down surfaces where spores can settle.

 

Identifying mould and blights:

    • Trichoderma is one of the most common growth mould.