You want to grow your food and you are thinking about mushrooms. You might even have some mushroom spawn at home. The big question is should you use a mushroom grow kit or start from scratch with grain spawn.
Both ways can be good. They are good for different people. We will tell you what each way is like. We will talk about how time it takes how hard it is, how much it costs and how well it works. This will help you decide which way is best, for you and your mushroom growing.
What Is a Mushroom Grow Kit?
A mushroom grow kit is everything you need to start fruiting mushrooms — packed into one ready-to-go block or bag. Typically, a kit includes:
- A fully colonised substrate block (usually sawdust, straw, or a blend)
- Live mushroom mycelium already grown through the substrate
- Simple care instructions so you know exactly what to do
- Sometimes, a humidity tent, spray bottle, or other accessories
In short: the hard work is already done. You just mist, wait, and harvest.
At Kai Kai Farm, our grow kits come fully colonised with quality Australian-grown spawn, ready to fruit within days of opening. We offer kits for oyster mushrooms, shiitake, and more — all grown with care on our farm.
What Does Growing from Scratch Mean?
Growing from scratch means starting at the beginning of the mushroom cultivation process — before the substrate is colonised. You'll need to:
- Source or prepare your substrate (sawdust, straw, hardwood, etc.)
- Sterilise or pasteurise it to kill off competing moulds and bacteria
- Inoculate with grain spawn (mushroom mycelium grown on grain)
- Maintain the right conditions during colonisation (temperature, humidity, airflow)
- Trigger fruiting when colonisation is complete
- Harvest and potentially fruit multiple times
This method gives you complete control and can be more cost-effective at scale — but it requires time, equipment, and a bit of a learning curve.
Grow Kit vs Spawn: A Head-to-Head Comparison
Let's look at how these two methods compare across the factors that matter most:
|
Factor |
Mushroom Grow Kit |
Growing from Scratch |
|---|---|---|
|
Time to harvest |
Days to 1–2 weeks |
3–8 weeks (incl. colonisation) |
|
Skill required |
Beginner-friendly |
Intermediate to advanced |
|
Upfront cost |
Low–medium |
Medium–high (equipment needed) |
|
Ongoing cost |
Per kit |
Lower once set up |
|
Success rate |
Very high |
Variable (prone to contamination) |
|
Control |
Limited |
Full control |
|
Scale |
Small batches |
Scalable to large volumes |
Who Should Use a Mushroom Grow Kit?
A mushroom grow kit is the ideal choice for:
Beginners
If this is your first time growing mushrooms, a kit removes the risk of contamination during colonisation, which is the biggest hurdle for new growers. You'll see results quickly and build confidence.
Families with kids
Kids love watching mushrooms grow! A kit is fast, satisfying, and safe. It makes a wonderful hands-on activity that connects children with where food comes from.
Gift givers
Looking for a unique, meaningful present? A mushroom grow kit is a living gift that keeps giving. It's popular for eco-conscious friends, foodies, and anyone who loves something a little different.
Busy people
If you don't have time to manage colonisation chambers or experiment with substrate mixes, a kit is for you. Spray once or twice a day and enjoy the harvest — no fuss.
Who Benefits from Growing from Scratch?
Growing from grain spawn is a better fit for:
Dedicated hobbyists
If you love tinkering, experimenting, and understanding the full lifecycle of a fungus, scratch growing is deeply rewarding. You'll learn mycology from the inside out.
Small-scale producers
Once you've nailed the process, growing from spawn becomes more cost-efficient and scalable. It's the logical step if you're looking to grow larger volumes regularly.
Species adventurers
Some species and strains aren't available as pre-made kits. If you want to grow lion's mane, reishi, or specialty oyster strains, working with spawn opens up more variety.
Tips for Getting Multiple Flushes from One Kit
One of the best things about mushroom grow kits is that they don't stop at one harvest. With the right care, most kits will produce 2–4 flushes (sometimes more!). Here's how to maximise your yield:
- Harvest at the right time: Don't wait until the caps fully flatten out. Harvest just as the edges start to curl upward for the best flavour and to avoid spore drop.
- Give the block a rest: After each flush, reduce misting and let the block rest for a few days. This resets the fruiting cycle.
- Soak between flushes: Submerge the block in cool, clean water for 1–4 hours between flushes. This rehydrates the substrate and triggers the next fruiting. Many growers see their biggest harvests on the second flush!
- Maintain airflow and humidity: Fresh air exchange is critical. Mist 2–3 times per day, and make sure the growing area isn't stagnant. A small fan on low nearby helps.
- Keep it clean: Avoid touching the fruiting surface with dirty hands. Contamination is the main reason kits fail between flushes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grow mushrooms at home in Australia?
Absolutely. Mushroom growing is perfectly legal and increasingly popular across Australia. Grow kits are the easiest way to start — no special permits or setups needed.
What's the difference between a mushroom kit and mushroom spawn?
Spawn is the "seed" — grain or sawdust inoculated with mycelium. A grow kit uses spawn as an ingredient, but adds a substrate and completes the colonisation process for you. A kit is ready to fruit; spawn still needs to be introduced to a substrate before fruiting can happen.
I'm a beginner — where should I start with mushroom growing?
Start with an oyster mushroom grow kit. They're fast, forgiving, and incredibly satisfying to watch grow. Once you've had a couple of successful harvests, you'll have the confidence to explore spawn growing if you want to go deeper.
How much does a mushroom grow kit cost vs buying spawn?
A quality mushroom grow kit typically ranges from $25–$60 AUD depending on the species and size. Grain spawn is less expensive per block, but you'll also need substrate, sterilisation equipment, and more time invested. Kits offer great value for beginners and low-volume growers.
Where can I buy a mushroom grow kit in Australia?
Right here at Kai Kai Farm! We grow our kits on our farm and ship them fresh across Australia. Check out our shop below.
Ready to Grow? Shop Kai Kai Farm Mushroom Grow Kits
If you've been sitting on the fence, consider this your sign. A mushroom grow kit is the easiest, most rewarding way to start your mushroom growing journey — and once you taste the difference between freshly harvested mushrooms and supermarket ones, there's no going back.
At Kai Kai Farm, we grow with love on our Australian farm and ship fresh kits straight to your door. Whether you're a complete beginner, a passionate foodie, or looking for a memorable gift, we've got a kit for you.