The Chatty Gardener - Merryhill Mushroom Kit Review
The Chatty Gardener Reviews Our Mushroom Growing Kits
A detailed look at growing Lion's Mane and Shiitake mushrooms at home
We're delighted to share this wonderful review from The Chatty Gardener, who put our Lion's Mane and Shiitake mushroom growing kits to the test. Here's what she discovered about growing gourmet mushrooms at home with Merryhill Mushrooms.
Fresh Mushrooms Without the Foraging Risk
The Chatty Gardener begins her review with a question many of us can relate to: "Love mushrooms but don't know enough about telling friend from foe to go foraging?" Our mushroom growing kits offer the perfect solution, allowing you to enjoy freshly picked gourmet mushrooms without any of the risks associated with wild foraging.
She tested both our Lion's Mane and Shiitake mushroom growing kits, and despite a slight hiccup with timing (the kits arrived just before she was due to go away), the experience was overwhelmingly positive.
A Flexible Start
One of the concerns many customers have is about timing. What happens if the kit arrives when you're not quite ready? The Chatty Gardener's experience shows our kits are more forgiving than you might think.
Good to Know
While our kits should ideally be started as soon as possible, they can be stored in the fridge for a short period if needed. In fact, her Shiitake were so eager to grow that small mushrooms had already begun forming during refrigeration.
Growing Conditions
A common misconception is that mushrooms need to be kept in complete darkness. The Chatty Gardener notes that while direct sunlight isn't recommended, a bright position works perfectly for both varieties.
The Lion's Mane Setup
The Lion's Mane kit comes in a box with holes around the sides. To maintain the high humidity these mushrooms love, paper towel is placed around the box and kept damp, with the entire setup housed in the provided plastic bag.
The Shiitake Log
The Shiitake kit comes as a 'log' format. Like the Lion's Mane, it requires high humidity, achieved by spraying the inside of the bag twice daily.
Results That Impress
"There were sizeable shiitake mushrooms forming within a week and these were ready to pick a few days later."
The speed of growth impressed The Chatty Gardener. Her Shiitake log produced its first crop of around 500g within just over a week, while the Lion's Mane took another week to reach harvest, also yielding approximately 500g of mushrooms.
Second Flush Success
Many growers wonder about getting a second harvest from their kits. The Chatty Gardener continued her daily spraying routine and was rewarded with additional crops from both kits. About a fortnight after the first harvest, the Shiitake produced two more mushrooms, while the Lion's Mane delivered another sizeable crop.
Expected yields: While most of the Shiitake harvest typically comes from the first flush, both kits have the potential for secondary production with continued care.
What Makes Our Kits Easy to Use
The Chatty Gardener particularly appreciated the comprehensive instructions that come with each kit. She highlights several features that make the growing process straightforward:
Clear Visual Guides
Diagrams show exactly how to set up your kit, removing any guesswork from the process.
Harvest Timing Made Simple
Pictures demonstrate what ready-to-harvest mushrooms should look like, so you know exactly when to pick.
Troubleshooting Support
Frequently asked questions and troubleshooting tips are included, with additional advice available on our website for any questions that arise.
Perfect as a Gift
The Chatty Gardener notes that our kits make ideal gifts, with one important consideration: "just make sure the recipient is going to be at home for at least a week to care for them."
Current pricing: Shiitake kit at £18.95, Lion's Mane kit at £24.95
The Final Verdict
This review demonstrates exactly what we aim to provide: a straightforward, rewarding way to grow your own gourmet mushrooms at home. From the flexible start options to the generous harvests and comprehensive instructions, The Chatty Gardener's experience showcases the quality and care we put into every kit.
Whether you're an experienced gardener looking to try something new or a complete beginner curious about growing your own food, our mushroom kits offer an accessible entry point into the fascinating world of mushroom cultivation.
About The Chatty Gardener
The Chatty Gardener is a trusted voice in the UK gardening community, sharing honest, practical reviews and advice for gardeners of all levels. With a focus on real-world testing and genuine experiences, their reviews help readers make informed decisions about gardening products, from traditional tools to innovative growing kits like ours. Their approachable style and thorough testing methodology make them a go-to resource for anyone looking to enhance their gardening journey. We're honoured that they featured our mushroom growing kits and delighted that their experience reflected the quality and ease of use we strive to deliver.
Ready to Grow Your Own?
Experience the joy of harvesting fresh, gourmet mushrooms at home with our easy-to-use growing kits.
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Published by Merryhill Mushrooms
Sussex, UK | Your local mushroom growing experts