A mushroom grow kit is a ready-to-use growing block that has already been colonised by mushroom mycelium. The block contains a natural growing material such as hardwood sawdust or straw that the fungi feed on. When you open the kit and provide moisture and fresh air, mushrooms begin to grow from the surface.

Yes. Mushroom grow kits are designed to make growing mushrooms at home simple and accessible for beginners. Most kits require little more than opening the box, misting with water and placing the kit somewhere with indirect light.

Most grow kits begin producing mushrooms within around 14 days after opening, depending on temperature and humidity. Oyster mushrooms are usually the fastest growers, while species such as shiitake may take slightly longer.

A typical mushroom grow kit produces two or sometimes three harvests, often called flushes. The first flush is usually the largest, with smaller harvests following after a rest period. As a rough guide mushrooms usually give a yield at a rate of 25% of the weight of the block they are growing on.

Keep your kit away from direct sunlight, with good air circulation and moderate temperatures.

No. Mushrooms do not need complete darkness. They benefit from natural indirect light, which helps guide their growth.

Some mushroom kits can be grown outdoors in a shaded area during mild weather. However, indoor growing usually provides more reliable conditions.

No. Healthy mushroom kits have a mild earthy smell, similar to woodland soil or fresh mushrooms.

Yes. Mushroom grow kits are often used in schools and homes as a hands-on science and food growing activity, helping children learn about fungi and food production.

Growing mushrooms at home is often easier than growing many plants. Mushrooms do not require soil or sunlight to produce food, and with the right humidity and temperature they can grow quickly and reliably indoors.

Mushrooms do not photosynthesise like plants, but they do benefit from indirect light, which helps guide healthy growth.

Most gourmet mushrooms grow best between 15–24°C, making them ideal for growing indoors in UK homes.

Mist the exposed growing surface once or twice a day to keep humidity high. Mushrooms require moisture in the air to form healthy fruiting bodies.

Once mushrooms begin fruiting they can grow very quickly, often doubling in size each day and becoming ready to harvest within a few days.

Mycelium is the main body of the fungus. It is made up of tiny thread-like structures that grow through the substrate, breaking down organic material and absorbing nutrients.

Long stems with small caps usually indicate low fresh air levels. Increasing airflow usually solves this problem.

Common causes include:

• low humidity
• temperatures outside the ideal range
• insufficient fresh air
• too much direct sunlight

Adjusting these conditions usually encourages growth.

Dry or cracked mushrooms usually indicate low humidity. Increase misting and move the kit away from heat sources such as radiators.

Yes. The yellow liquid sometimes seen inside the bag is completely normal. It is a natural by-product produced by the mushroom mycelium as it grows.

This powder is mushroom spores, which are naturally released when mushrooms become mature. Harvesting mushrooms slightly earlier reduces spore release.

Yes. Mushrooms can vary in size, shape and colour depending on temperature, humidity and airflow. This natural variation is completely normal.

Mould is rare but can occasionally occur if conditions are very wet or the kit has been damaged. If you see green, black or bright orange mould, please contact us with a photo and we will be happy to help.

Harvest mushrooms when the caps are fully developed but the edges are still slightly curled. Waiting too long can cause mushrooms to release spores.

Hold the base of the cluster and gently twist or pull to remove the whole cluster from the block.

After harvesting the first crop, allow the block to rest for 7–10 days while continuing light misting. Many kits will produce a second flush. See individual like for instructions.

The mycelium needs a rest period between harvests. A second flush usually appears from 14 days.

You can encourage another flush by soaking the block in cold water for a few hours, allowing it to rehydrate before returning it to the bag.

Most mushroom grow kits (except pink oyster) can be stored in the refrigerator for 2–3 weeks before starting the growing process.

If you are not ready to start growing immediately, place the kit in the fridge until you are ready (except pink oyster kits).

Your kit will include instructions indicating where to make the cut so the mushrooms have space to grow.

Soaking slightly longer than recommended is usually fine. Simply allow the block to drain and continue with the instructions.

Most of the packaging used for our kits can be recycled where facilities exist. Please check with your local recycling guidelines.

Instructions for all our kits are available on our website. If you are unsure which kit you have, please contact us and we will send the correct instructions.

Gourmet mushrooms are specialty varieties valued for their flavour, texture and culinary qualities.

Our range includes a variety of UK native fungi and well-established favourites, such as:

• Coral Tooth
• Pioppino
• Tarragon Oyster
• Pale Oyster
• Pulmonarius
• Grey Oyster
• Pink Oyster
• Lion’s Mane
• Shiitake
• King Oyster

Our selection evolves as we continue to explore new varieties.

Most gourmet mushrooms are delicious sautéed, roasted or added to a wide variety of cuisines.

Many edible mushrooms contain fibre, B vitamins, antioxidants and essential minerals and are widely used in plant-based cooking.

Yes. Mushrooms are widely used in vegetarian and vegan cooking due to their rich flavour and texture.

Fresh mushrooms are available for local delivery and are supplied to restaurants, markets and selected retailers. For supply enquiries email enquiries@caleybrothers.co.uk

Yes. Our workshops teach the fundamentals of mushroom cultivation including how fungi grow, substrate preparation and fruiting techniques.

Workshops are suitable for beginners, gardeners, chefs, food enthusiasts, educators and schools.

Workshops typically cover:

• the life cycle of fungi
• how mushrooms grow in nature
• how to grow mushrooms at home
• preparing substrates and spawn
• harvesting and cooking mushrooms

No prior experience is needed.

Growing mushrooms on logs is a traditional method of cultivating wood-loving fungi such as shiitake and oyster mushrooms. Hardwood logs are inoculated with mushroom spawn and can produce mushrooms for several years.

Hardwood logs such as oak, beech, chestnut and birch work well. Avoid softwoods like pine.

Logs should ideally be cut within 6–8 weeks before inoculation to ensure they remain fresh.

Logs usually take 12–24 months to fully colonise before producing mushrooms.

Most logs produce mushrooms for three to five years.

We deliver mushroom kits, log spawn and other products across the UK.

Orders placed before 1pm Monday–Friday are dispatched the same day. Delivery typically takes 1–3 working days.

Remove it from the packaging, follow the instructions and begin misting.

Yes. Mushroom grow kits make excellent gifts for food lovers, gardeners and curious growers.

Please contact us with photos and we will help resolve the issue. Email enquiries@caleybrothers.co.uk

Local collection from the farm or markets may be possible.Email enquiries@caleybrothers.co.uk for details.