Need assistance? The team at Gourmet Mushrooms Geelong has compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions below. If you can’t find the answer you're looking for or need further help, feel free to reach out anytime.

OYSTER MUSHROOM GROW KITS:

• Are these edible mushrooms?
  Absolutely! They are 100% edible and safe for consumption.

• Do I need to start growing as soon as I have received the kit?
  Not necessarily, for Pink Oysters you can leave the box in a cool dark place like a garage (not the fridge). However, we recommend starting the growing process as soon as you can.
   

• How long does it take them to grow before we can eat them?
  On average, it takes up to 2 weeks (this is guideline only - it could take longer) for the first flush to be ready for harvesting, you may even get a second or third flush if you are lucky.
   

• How much mushroom will I get ?
  You may get up to 800 grams of mushrooms, and perhaps up to 1.2kg if you are lucky to get more than one flush.
   

• Where is the best location to grow them?
  They need to be grown indoors, ideally in a warm spot that gets some fresh air like the kitchen or the bathroom. 
   

• Do I need to add anything to them?
  All you need to do is mist water daily, make sure to follow the instructions we have provided especially about the humidity!
   

• It looks like there is green/black mould forming on the front, what do I do?
  The best idea is to scrape a thin layer off the front of the substrate with a clean knife (do not touch the substrate) and continue misting daily until growth begins. You can also close the contaminated area with tape, turn the bag around and start the process again from the other side. If there is no growth after 21 days, please take a photo of the kit and contact us.
   

• My kit isn’t growing, but my friend is already harvesting hers, what should I do?
  All individual kits are affected by different environmental conditions, it varies on the type of mushroom you are growing. Sometimes a bit of luck is involved. Don’t fret if yours hasn’t started yet, be patient and give it a few more days of daily nurturing. Our growing timeframes are guidelines only. If there is no growth after 21 days, please take a photo of the kit and contact us.
   

• How long do the mushrooms last if I do not eat them immediately or the same day once they are ready for harvesting?
  Once harvested from the box, the mushrooms should last you a few days in the fridge if stored correctly in a paper bag.
   

• What is that white stuff on my kitchen bench/surface around the box?
  They are mushroom spores. Once the mushrooms start to overgrow, they begin to drop spores, so ensure you harvest them before they do this too much. If it happens, you can easily wipe them away with a cloth. 
   

• How do I dispose of my mushroom box and its contents?
  Remove the plastic bag from the substrate block and put that in your rubbish bin. You can break up the substrate block and add this to your compost or directly onto your garden as mulch. Lastly, flatten the cardboard box and put it in your recycling bin.  

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