Fruiting Instructions
North Fork Mushrooms
How to fruit your mushroom fruiting block kit
Two primary methods—side-fruiting and top-fruiting—so you can choose the best approach for your mushrooms. Side-fruiting is ideal for mushrooms that form dense clusters and prefer smaller openings, such as lion’s mane and oyster mushrooms (including blue, pink and golden). Despite the name, side-fruiting doesn't refer to the direction of growth but to the cuts made on the sides of the bag where mushrooms emerge. Top-fruiting is best suited for species that thrive in humid, CO2-rich environments with a broad surface area for growth. This includes king oyster mushrooms. In top-fruiting, mushrooms grow from the substrate’s surface at the top of the block.
Fruiting Method:
How to store & prepare your fruiting block kit:
If you need to store your blocks, most can be kept in the refrigerator for up to six months.
To prepare your kit
• Use a sharp, clean cutting tool and a stable surface.
• Rubber bands are handy if needed.
• Set up your fruiting space and fill the spray water bottle with water. Distilled water preferred.
How to side-fruit your fruiting block kit:
1) Orient the Block: Choose a position that fits your growing space, usually with the cut
side facing up for stability.
2) Cut the Bag: Make an ‘X’ cut on the bag, starting an inch or two from the corner. Slice
diagonally across the plastic. Cutting into the block is fine, however minimal cutting of
the block surface is preferred.
3) Prepare the Block: Fold the top flap tightly over the block, keeping the filter patch
facing up. Press out any excess air to minimize side-pinning. You can place rubber bands
around your block to help with this.
4) Secure the Flap: Either tape it down or flip the block so the flap stays in place.
5) Set Up for Fruiting: Place the block in a suitable environment and mist it 2-4 times
daily, adjusting for humidity levels. Do not spray the mushrooms directly. Spray 6-12inches around the block.
Where should I keep my fruiting block kit?
Choose a humid, temperate area with regular airflow and indirect light, like a kitchen counter. Temperature range of 55 - 80 degrees.
Basements or bathrooms can also be suitable. Control humidity and air-exchange with a humidifier and fan - two key components in growing mushrooms.
Can I grow mushrooms outside with fruiting block kits?
Perhaps the easiest way to grow mushrooms in your garden is by burying fruiting blocks.
Depending on the weather, mushrooms can start growing in just 1–2 weeks, with surprise flushes continuing for months, sometimes even years. This method works well with both fresh fruiting blocks and spent grow kits. You can also use these blocks as compost enhancers or break them up to mix into your soil and mulch. Doing so boosts moisture retention, helps prevent erosion, and returns beneficial mycelium to the earth, enriching your garden naturally.
What should I do with my fruiting block kit when it's done?
Once your mushroom fruiting block has finished growing mushrooms, it can be used in a variety of ways. You can bury it in your garden to stimulate additional mushroom growth, add it to your compost bin for a fungal boost (fruiting blocks make great worm food!), use it as mulch in garden paths or around trees, or break it up and mix it into your garden/potting soil to help boost moisture retention, slow erosion and runoff, and absorb excess water. Simply speaking, returning your mushroom fruiting block to the earth helps boost soil nutrition and your plants will thank you for it.