How should I get started with my GIY Kit?
We have created an instruction video for you as well as an instruction manual. Do you still have doubts or questions after looking at the instructions and FAQ's? Don't hesitate to contact us!
What is the substrate material used in the GIY kits?
Our GIY kits consist of hemp and mycelium. The hemp consists of hemp waste particles of 5 to 15mm inoculated with mycelium.
I received my substrate! But how should I store it?
Mycelium grows in ambient temperatures. Before using the substrate, you want to slow down the growing process. Place the substrate in the refrigerator (1° - 7°C) and best use it within five days. Don’t place your substrate in the freezer.
My GIY mycelium substrate arrived with some water inside of the bag. Can I still use it?
Yes! The water is a result of the drop in temperature. We keep the substrate in a very cold environment, which is not conserved during the shipping. Therefore, some water is released.
Ooh no! I wasn’t able to use my substrate within five days, do I need to throw it away?
No, you don’t have to! We encourage you to do a little experiment and still use your substrate. If it’s very difficult to break up the substrate in small particles, it might be that the mycelium already started doing its job by gluing the particles together. Don’t worry, just add a little bit of water [...]
My GIY substrate is white upon arrival. Is this normal?
During shipping, the mycelium is exposed to warmer temperatures and therefore starts its growth. The white is the mycelium that is doing its job. Sometimes the shipping takes longer, leading to more white parts in the bag of substrate. Make sure to properly break down the substrate in small chunks to avoid air cavities when [...]
What is the sculpting mix?
This sculpting mix helps you shape the substrate. It changes the substrate in a more clayish texture which helps to create new shapes.
How to use the sculpting mix?
1. Loosen your GIY substrate in a sterile environment 2. Add 30 g for every kg substrate used (measure precisely) 3. Add the sculpting mix 4. Mix thoroughly 5. Put the substrate in the shape you want The sculpting mix has to be added when working the substrate, not after drying. For more detailed instructions, [...]
How long does the GIY substrate last?
You can keep the substrate refrigerated for a maximum of five days. During its storage, it loses moisture and can therefore dry out. Make sure you use it when it is still nice and ‘fresh’.
On the instruction sheet, is says to use ethanol. Are there alternatives which I can use instead?
Instead of ethanol, also iso-propylalcohol (IPA) can be used. Also detergent, normally used for dishes, utensils, cups, etc, can be used for cleaning moulds, hands, mixing bowl, etc. Rinse thoroughly so no soap is left behind.
