Do Mushroom Grow Kits Really Work? My Honest Experience

Do Mushroom Kits Really Work? My Experience with a Beginner Kit

If you’ve ever seen one of those mushroom grow kits at the store and wondered if they actually work, I decided to test one out for myself. I grabbed a Back to the Roots kit—something simple and beginner-friendly—to see what would happen.

Getting Started

Setup was quick. I cut an X into the front of the block as directed, soaked it in water overnight, and then placed it near a window with indirect light. From there, I misted the block a couple of times a day. I’ve used dozens of kits since then, and while not every one was perfect, they all taught me something about how mushrooms respond to their environment. Even small differences in temperature or airflow can change how your flush develops.

Growth and Results

Within about a week, I started seeing pins, tiny baby mushrooms pushing through the cut. A few days later, I had a full flush of oyster mushrooms ready to harvest.

Common Mistakes with Mushroom Grow Kits

Not every kit takes off on the first try. Temperature swings, dry air, or not enough misting can all stall growth. If you don’t see pins within two weeks, don’t give up—try lightly scraping the surface to rehydrate it or move the kit somewhere with more airflow and indirect light.

I’ve found that even kits that looked totally dead often came back strong after a quick soak and humidity boost. Oyster mushrooms, in particular, can surprise you with a second flush once conditions are right. For more humidity tips, check out my full post on using a humidifier for your mushroom kit.

Final Thoughts

To be honest, I was surprised at how well it worked. While it’s not enough to feed a family or turn into a business, it’s a great intro to the world of mushroom growing. If you’re curious or just want something fun to grow in your kitchen, this kind of kit is a solid place to start.

If you're more serious about cultivation, though, you’ll eventually want to move into grain spawn and bulk substrate. That’s where the real yields are—but for a first experience, this was a win.

Having trouble getting your kit to fruit again? Check out my new guide, “Rescuing Your Mushroom Grow Kit,” a simple step-by-step ebook that shows you how to revive stalled or dried-out kits and get multiple flushes.