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!
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.
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 [...]
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.
Can I just use my normal oven?
Yes, when baking your product, you can use your own oven. Put the heat around 70° C and leave it for at least 2-3 hours.
I am not quite sure where to place my mycelium during the growing phase. Does the mycelium need to grow in the dark?
No, this is not required. Mycelium grows just fine in a dark place, and some daylight does not matter. Do not place the mycelium in direct sunlight, this will heat the substrate and it could dry out faster.
Can mushrooms grow out of the substrate? This seems like a nice extra feature for my product.
It’s possible but it’ll weaken the structure of your product. If this is not an issue for the purpose you have in mind for your product, feel free to experiment and extend the growing period. When the substrate starts to turn brown-ish, it means mushrooms are on their way! Please keep in mind that if [...]
According to the instructions, I have to mix the substrate once all ingredients have been added. When is the substrate properly mixed?
Make sure to keep mixing until all flour is evenly distributed, meaning no chunks of flour in your substrate. Also, try to avoid chunks of substrate by breaking them apart in small particles with your (clean) hands or tools.
