OYSTER GARDEN BLOCK INSTRUCTIONS

A close-up of a cluster of black and white mushrooms, showing their caps and gills.
Close-up of pink oyster mushrooms with ruffled caps and gilled undersides.
Close-up of clustered beige oyster mushrooms showing their gills and curved caps.

Once you’ve created the ideal environment, you’re ready to get growing!

1. Using a sharp, clean knife, carefully cut a 3 inch long “X” across the center of the side of bag (opposite the label). Let the blade sink in about 1/4 inch into the block. Do not remove the grow block from the bag.

Two plastic bags containing mushroom spawn on a wooden surface, one labeled 'MidAm Mushrooms Blue Oyster Garden Grow Block'.

2. Thoroughly mist the area you just cut, both the block and bag. Gently lift the flaps to spray underneath.

Close-up of a person peeling a frozen food package, with ice and frost visible on the package.

3. Place your block in your chosen growing location and continue to mist the block (or fruiting chamber) 2-3 times daily with clean water.

4. Your mushrooms should begin growing (pinning) within 7-14 days. Continue to lightly mist your oyster mushrooms when humidity levels are low.

Close-up of a cluster of black mold spores on a white surface
Person holding a tool over a clear plastic container with mushrooms growing on a block of substrate.

5. Your mushrooms will be ready to harvest 5-10 days after they first begin to grow. Oyster mushrooms are ready to pick when the caps are rounded, and the edges begin to unfurl (but are still slightly curled). They can go from perfectly ready to over-mature in just a few hours, so once the caps begin to flatten, check on them a few times a day. Once you notice the edges of the caps begin to unfurl, it’s time to pick!

Cluster of white oyster mushrooms growing on wood or substrate.

Not quite ready and may not have a fully developed flavor.

A bundle of grayish-blue mushrooms called Blue Oyster Mushrooms next to a plastic bag with a label indicating they are for mushroom cultivation, on a light-colored surface with a blurred background.

Perfect time to harvest! Your mushrooms should be firm and slightly moist when you pick them.

A cluster of tan-colored oyster mushrooms growing on a white surface.

These brown oysters are ready to pick!.

6. Harvest your mushrooms by gently twisting at the base of the cluster.

7. Store your fresh Oyster mushrooms in a brown bag for up to 7 days in the refrigerator. Always wash and cook before consumption.

8. Oftentimes you can successfully grow a second (and third!) harvest by flipping the bag over and restarting the process from the opposite side. Once your block is no longer producing, check out our blog post for ways to give your used block a new life.

CHOOSE YOUR GARDEN BLOCK FOR VARIETY SPECIFIC GROWING GUIDES.


From start to finish, we're here to support you every step of the way. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions—we're always just an email away!

MidAm Mushrooms growing guide for Blue Oyster Mushrooms.

BLUE

OYSTER

MidAm Mushrooms Branched Oyster mushroom grow guide.

BRANCHED

OYSTER

MidAm Mushrooms Lion's Mane growing guide.

LION’S

MANE

MidAm Mushrooms pink oyster grow guide

PINK

OYSTER

Midam Mushroom King Trumpet Grow Guide

KING

TRUMPET

Close-up of a cluster of colorful, layered mushrooms with wavy, ridged surfaces in shades of brown, beige, and blue.

REISHI

  • Oyster varieties are ready to harvest when the cap edge’s start to uncurl.

    Chestnuts are ready to harvest when the caps begin to flatten but are stil rounded.

    Lion’s Mane is ready for harvest once the spines elongate to approximately 1/4 inches.

    Gently twist your mushrooms from the base to harvest. All mushrooms should be washed and cooked before consumption.

  • Avoid water pooling on the block surface.

    Avoid placing your block in areas near direct heat or air conditioning.

    Check out our “Varieties” page for variety specific information.

    All mushrooms should be washed and cooked before consumption.

    Check out this blog post for what you can do with your block after it’s done fruiting .

    Visit our FAQ page for even more information.