Pekepeke-Kiore
What you'll need
Getting Started
Day 1
Step 1
Choose a spot indoors to for the tub to sit in that has plenty of air movement and is out of direct sunlight e.g. the kitchen bench, lounge or bathroom.
DIY Growers, remove the air from the top of your bags and tape them over like the picture above.
Step 2
With a clean blade, cut a diagonal into the centre of the bag. The line should be 5cm long.
Do not leave them near a heater in winter or an air conditioner in the summer as these can dry the mushrooms out.
Step 3
Place the block inside the clear plastic tub and put the lid on upside down. This will allow for a small amount of airflow and maintain humidity. Place the block upright, with the smooth surface on the bottom. The block will need to stay in the tub for its entire growth cycle to prevent it from drying out.
30-50L Tubs are the perfect size. We would not recommend any smaller as the mushrooms need space to grow.
The best way to check if the tub is set up correctly is by looking for a small amount of condensation being present on the walls of the tub after the first few days.
As the mushrooms mature, you will notice the condensation increase. If water starts pooling at the bottom of the tub, slide the lid open by a 1-2cm.
Days 2-14
Step 1
Keep an eye on the kit over the next 2 weeks. You should see your first sprouts within 14 days. A few days earlier in the warmer months, or longer in the cooler months can be expected.
Please send us a picture if you do not have sprouts appearing after 14 days.
Step 2
Success! The first sprouts are poking through the cut. Keep a close eye on them now as the growth will be very quick. Depending on the time of year, it can be anywhere from 14-21 days.
It is normal for a few mushrooms to try and sprout inside the bag. Do not make any additional cuts, they will die off as the main cluster matures.
Days 15-28
Step 1
If your mushrooms are approaching this size and you would like help timing the harvest, please send us a photo.
It is normal for the mushrooms to start dropping some spores in front of the kit at this point. These can easily be wiped up with a damp cloth after harvest.
Step 2
The mushrooms are ready to harvest when the growth tips start to darken in colour. The mushrooms will over-mature very quickly, so get ready for the next step!
If you notice yellowing on the cluster, the mushrooms have already past maturity and need to be harvested.
Harvest Time!
Step 1
Grab the cluster of mushrooms with both hands and pull it away from the kit in one quick motion.
Do not cut the mushrooms off individually, harvest the entire cluster at once.
Step 2
Once the cluster has been removed, you can store it whole or trim away the sawdust and tear it into sections so that it is ready to be cooked.
We like to store the mushrooms in paper bags or a tub lined with paper towels. The mushrooms will last up to 5 days in the fridge if kept in a plastic container that is lined with paper towels.
Second Crop
Get ready for round 2!
Step 1
After harvesting is complete, remove any leftover debris from the hole and scrape the surface to expose fresh sawdust.
The second crop can take anywhere from 14-28 days to sprout. Faster in summer and slower in the winter months.
Step 2
Monitor your kit for the next couple of weeks and watch as it begins to regenerate.
If you notice any green or black growth at this point please send us a photo and we will be able to help.
Step 3
Sprouts may appear around the edges of the bag first. Do not be tempted to open the bag any further, they will reach through to the opening on their own.
Do not worry if only a few mushrooms sprout, they will get huge!
Step 4
Harvest the second crop when the growth tips start to darken. Once complete, you can repeat the steps above and try for a third!
Once the bag has stopped producing, it can be composted or used as a top-mulch for you garden beds. Worms love it!
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