Reishi is a slow-growing functional mushroom known for its many health benefits. It thrives during the hot summer months making it a perfect addition to the summer garden. It makes a colorful and fun display of fruits within 1-2 months. Reishi can be used in teas, tinctures or in the powder form for its health benefits.
Reishi Grow Kit
Reishi usually only fruits one time and has a relatively
small harvest of only a few ounces per 5 lb grow kit. We suggest adding 2-4 grow kits for your summer reishi bed. Completely remove the plastic bag before planting the grow kit into the soil.
Making the Reishi Bed
Reishi can be grown in a raised garden bed, directly in the soil or in a 5 gallon bucket. If planting in a bucket, you will need to have several drain holes at the bottom. Fill the bucket 2/3 full of soil, add the grow kit, and then cover the remaining grow kit with soil leaving only a small amount of the kit exposed at the top. Always bury your kit in soil for best results.
Humidity Dome and Shade Cloth
We created a humidity dome by adding a small cage and plastic to the perimeter of the bucket. You will want to place your bucket in an area that receives 80% shade. If you do not have a shady area, you will need to add breathable shade cloth to the top to protect the kit from becoming too dried out from direct sunlight. Always keep the soil moist and water like a regular garden plant.
Harvesting Reishi
Once reishi matures, you will clearly see the white and light brown edges. You may harvest at this time or let the mushroom drop it spores. Reishi has a very dusty brown spore load that is easily seen on the surrounding areas. Once this has occurred, you can harvest the fruits by cutting them at the base with a sharp knife. Reishi should be dehydrated for storage or can be used fresh in teas and tinctures. We suggest that you leave the grow kit in the soil for a possible second harvest. Sometimes reishi will fruit again but it is not guaranteed.
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