Gently make one 4 inch cut diagonally along the block with clean scissors. Do not cut into the block.

Soak the block in a clean bowl or pot in cold water for 4-8 hours. Place something heavy on top to keep it submerged.

We’re trying to re-create the forest floor when growing mushrooms and humidity is a critical part.  We like to place a wet paper towel on top of a plate, and underneath the block - as this will act as a humidity reserve for the block. Set on a clean plate with a piece of wet paper towel underneath the block.

Think again about the forest floor.  It’s not dark, it’s just shaded.  There is also fresh air moving through the forest.  This is the environment we want to try to create.  So find a place that has light, just not direct sunlight, and has some air flow.  Think of a book shelf, or a kitchen counter.  Don’t put in a cupboard or basement closet.  

Again humidity is your friend when growing mushrooms.  We recommend misting 12 times both on the block and inside the Humidity Tent (aka Plastic Bag) once per day.  This will help maintain humidity. 

Harvest by gently popping the mushrooms off of the block.

If you want to grow again, we recommend soaking the block in fresh cool water for 2-3 hours.  Remove the block and start with Step 4 again. 

If you can monitor it, maintain 70% - 90% humidity. Soak the block before starting the second flush if the block feels light and dry. If it feels like it has some weight and appears to be moist, repeat steps 3 through 6. Clean the plate and replace the paper towel to keep the area free from bacteria.

Analyse your block to ensure it is 50% brown and 50% white. If it is too white, allow the block to sit for a couple more days.

Next it’s time to “Cold Shock” the Block.  Shiitake naturally start to grow in the forest after the first frost, so we’re trying to re-create that environment. By placing the block in the refrigerator for 24 hours, it sends a message to the mushrooms that it’s time.

Does mother nature drop the block - of course not….but it’s just something that works. Trust us. So you’ll want to  drop the block from a height of 12 inches onto a hard surface.  

First, carefully cut away the plastic bag, so that the entire block is exposed to the fresh air, with the exception of a 1” “Tray” at the bottom. Also inspect the block and remove any pre-growth  (little mushroom buddies) from the block with clean scissors that may have started to grow early.

We’re trying to re-create the forest floor when growing mushrooms and humidity is a critical part.  We like to place a wet paper towel on top of a plate, and underneath the block - as this will act as a humidity reserve for the block. 

Think again about the forest floor. It’s not dark, it’s just shaded.  There is also fresh air moving through the forest.  This is the environment we want to try to create.  So find a place that has light, just not direct sunlight, and has some air flow.  Think of a book shelf, or a kitchen counter.  Don’t put in a cupboard or basement closet.  

Again humidity is your friend, and is most important for Shiitake.  We recommend misting 12 times, 2-3 times a day for Shiitake.  After your done misting place the Humidity Tent (aka Plastic Bag) back over the block to help maintain the humidity. 

Continue heavily misting the block each and every day. 

Around Day 8-12 you should start to see your first little mushrooms popping out or “Pinning”.  Once you see these, you’ll want to stop misting the block and switch to misting inside the bag.  This is because if you mist the mushrooms too much it will actually restrict their growth.

So when do you harvest?  Sometimes your Shiitake block will produce one Monster mushroom.  Sometimes it will produce 20 little guys - Shiitake is a character that way.  What’s important is when to harvest. This is done when you can feel the gills under the mushroom. 

When they are ready to harvest, you will just take each Shiitake and wiggle it off the block.  

Next if you want to try growing again, you’ll let the block dry out for 2 weeks, then soak in cold water overnight, and restart from Step 2 using a clean paper towel and plate. 

Gently make 2 ‘X’ shaped cuts on the top of the bag with clean scissors by lifting the plastic away from the block. Do not cut into the block. Do not use a knife.

We’re trying to re-create the forest floor when growing mushrooms and humidity is a critical part.  We like to place a wet paper towel on top of a plate, and underneath the block - as this will act as a humidity reserve for the block. 

Think again about the forest floor.  It’s not dark, it’s just shaded.  There is also fresh air moving through the forest.  This is the environment we want to try to create.  So find a place that has light, just not direct sunlight, and has some air flow.  Think of a book shelf, or a kitchen counter.  Don’t put in a cupboard or basement closet.  

Again humidity is your friend when growing mushrooms.  We recommend misting 12 times both on the block and inside the Humidity Tent (aka Plastic Bag) once per day.  This will help maintain humidity. 

Around Day 8-12 you should start to see your first little mushrooms popping out or “Pinning”.  Once you see these, you’ll want to stop misting the block and switch to misting inside the bag.  This is because if you mist the mushrooms too much it will actually restrict their growth. 

So when do you harvest?  It’s time to harvest your Lions Mane block when the Mushrooms have nice long spindles.  If you wait too long they will start to dry out.  

Harvest by gently popping the mushrooms off of the block.

If you want to grow again, we recommend soaking the block in fresh cool water for 2-3 hours.  Remove the block and start with Step 4 again. Tips:You can add more ‘X’ shaped cuts on the plastic in areas that are more populated with the white mycelium if your mushrooms are not growing from the first cuts.Do not spray the mushrooms directly once they begin growing or they may not grow teeth. Clean the plate and replace the paper towel to keep the area free from bacteria on the second flush.