That's a huge fungus!
The worlds largest organism by area is a fungus - This cluster of (Armillaria solidipes) or honey mushrooms in the Malheur National Forest in Oregon, USA covers an area of more that 2200 acres!
Frequently Asked Questions
Growing Button mushrooms
How long do they take to grow?
Once your Button mushroom kit is set up it should take approx 2 weeks before your mushrooms begin to 'Pin'. You will see tiny mushroom caps appearing through the casing layer. Your mushrooms should then double in size every day. Flushes of mushrooms will grow for approx 6 weeks.
How many mushrooms will I get?
Generally, a well tendered mushroom kit will give you between 2 & 3 kilos of mushies. Your first flush will be the largest and you may also get some intermittent mushroom growth between flushes.
Where should I grow my mushrooms?
Find a position off the ground in a relatively dark location. Mushrooms love humidity - a spare bathroom or laundry makes a great spot. Your mushrooms will need some fresh air so try to keep them out of a confined cupboard or pantry space.
Growing Shiitake mushrooms
What is my Shiitake log made of?
Fungi Shiitake logs are a hardwood composite sawdust sustrate that have been inoculated with Shiitake spawn and collonised for approx 3-4 months before you receive them.
How many mushrooms will I get?
Given good care your Shiitake log can produce up to 700g over a period of 6-8 weeks and 3 'flushes' of growth
Where should I grow my mushrooms?
Shiitake mushrooms love up to 80-90% humidity and plenty of water. You can create the perfect environment by growing in a bucket - please see our tutorial on our Youtube channel
How long will it grow mushrooms?
Shiitake logs will grow for a period of 6-8 weeks. Once your log has finished producing it will becove very light in weight - don;t forget to break it up and add it to your compost heap or vege patch - there's still plenty of goodness it can provide for your garden!
Growing Oyster mushrooms
What is in my Oyster mushroom bag?
Oyster mushroom bags are made of a cleaned straw and sawdust substrate and introduced to an Oyster mushroom spawn. They are then collonised for 3 -4 months so they're ready to go as soon as you recieve them!
How does it work?
Our Oyster mushroom grow bags are perhaps our easiest mushroom to grow - All you have to do is Open the bag and add water. Please see our tutorial on our Youtube channel
How many mushrooms will I get?
Over a period of 6-8 weeks, your Oyster mushroom bag will produce 3-4 flushes of mushrooms. It's important to be patient between flushes. If your bags has gone a couple of weeks without growing, stick it in the fridge for a few days and then re-introduce it to your growing area and continue watering. Oyster bags can produce 500 - 600g of mushrooms over this time.
How do I know when it's time to compost the bag?
Once your bag has flushed 3 times, it will become very light in weight which means the fungus has run out of nutrient to feed on. Break up the subatrate and add it to your garden or vege patch.
Growing GIANT King Stropharia mushrooms
I havn't heard of King Stropharia mushroom - What do they taste like?
King Stropharia have a very earthy taste and meaty texture. They are best eaten when young and approx 15cm accross the cap and before the cap has completely turned up and flat. Similar in taste to a large flat Agar mushroom
Where should I set up my patch?
For best results, select a shaded or woody area of the garden with good access to water. Out of reach of the family pet is a good idea
Is my locatioin in Australia a good place for this species?
King Stropharia is a very hardy strain of fungus. It can lay dormant during periods of winter frost and withstand temperatures of up to 40 degrees celcius. However a temperate climate is desired. Our friends way up north and way down south may have some dificulty establishing a good patch.
How long will my patch produce mushrooms for?
Your patch will take up to 12 months to fully colonise. It will then produce mushrooms. Ensure that your keep the patch wet and full of hardwood chip to ensure prolonged results. Stropharia will take to most hardwoods. It's a good idea to add some seasoned chip to the patch to keep feeding your fungus.
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