MushroomGrowLab

Midwest Grow Kits

Illinois-based mushroom cultivation supplier operating since 2011 (with parent company Midwest Organics supplying commercial substrate since 2003). Specializes in growing mediums, fruiting chambers, and lab equipment — not spores. Known for the proprietary MycoClimate automated monotubs, Ecosphere tiered fruiting systems, and a catalog that scales from starter kits up to wholesale and commercial-grade autoclaves.

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At a glance

Categories
Spawn, Substrate, Equipment, Kits, Cultures
Ships to
United States, Canada, International
Price range
Mid-range ($$)
Shipping speed
Next business day (9am CST)
Free shipping
Orders over $99 (continental US only)
Founded
2011
Highlights
No spores sold — growing mediums onlyProprietary MycoClimate & Ecosphere fruiting chambersEquipment up to commercial scaleIllinois showroom + phone support
Some typical prices
Liquid culture: $12.50 most species, $15 specialty, $24.99 Amanita
Grain spawn jars: $7.49–$23.99
All-in-one bags: $22.99–$28.99
Species grow kits: $19.99–$34.99 (5 lb)
Automated MycoClimate monotubs: $109–$139.99
Pressure sterilizers: $164.99 (Presto 23Q) – $3,699 (200L commercial)
What they sell
Grow kitsAll-in-one grow bagsAutomated monotubsTiered fruiting chambersGrain spawnColonized spawnLiquid culture syringesLiquid culture kitsAgar platesAgar suppliesBulk substrateCasing mixCoir bricksMaster's mixLaminar flow hoodsStill air boxesPressure sterilizersCommercial mixersMonotubs & accessories
Species available
Blue oyster,King blue oyster,Pink oyster,Pearl oyster,Golden oyster,King trumpet,Black pearl king oyster,Brown beech,Shimeji,Lion's mane,Shiitake,Portobello,Chestnut,Pioppino,Enoki,Wine cap,Red reishi,Yellow reishi,Antler reishi,Turkey tail,Chicken of the woods,Maitake,Morel,Cordyceps militaris,Almond agaricus,Amanita muscaria,Panellus stipticus

Trade-offs#

  • No spore syringes or spore prints. Every kit, jar, and bag they sell needs a spore syringe or liquid culture to inoculate, and you’re sourcing that elsewhere. Their own liquid culture catalog covers 25+ species if you’re willing to start from a culture instead of a spore print.
  • $99 free shipping is continental US only. Canadian orders ship via discounted FedEx international rates, Alaska and Hawaii via USPS Priority, and international orders are quoted individually at checkout. Customs and duties on Canadian and international orders are the buyer’s responsibility.
  • Tight 7-day return window on perishables. Unopened substrate, spawn, and liquid culture must be returned within 7 days. Non-perishable gear has 30 days. Inspect perishables the day they arrive.

Alternatives#

  • Liquid culture as a spore alternative: Out-Grow (200+ LC species at $12), Seismic Spore ($10 LC, 6 species), North Spore ($19.99 LC, 22 species), or Booming Acres ($12 LC). For spore syringes specifically, Midwest’s own site recommends Premium Spores, Spore Genetics, and Sporeworks.
  • Outdoor cultivation supplies (plug spawn, sawdust spawn, log inoculation tools): Field & Forest Products or North Spore.
  • Returnable indoor grow kits with longer warranty: Redwood Mushroom Supply replaces ready-to-fruit kits within 30 days; North Spore handles failures on a per-product basis.
  • Same-day fulfillment (vs. Midwest’s next-business-day at 9am CST): North Spore ships same-day on most orders.
  • Wider plate culture and slant culture catalogs (for serious lab work): Out-Grow ($24.95 plate cultures across 200+ species) or North Spore ($74.99 plate cultures, $199.99 slants, with named strain variants).
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