After testing dozens of mushroom grow kits over the past five years, I had high expectations for North Spore’s Boomr Bin - especially given its premium price point. The company has built a stellar reputation in the mycology community, but does their blue oyster kit justify costing nearly twice as much as competitors? After growing three kits and documenting every step, I have answers.

First Impressions and Unboxing

North Spore’s packaging immediately sets them apart. The kit arrives in a sturdy, branded box with clear “This Side Up” markers and “Live Culture” stickers. Inside, everything is meticulously organized:

• The colonized substrate block (wrapped in breathable plastic)
• Premium humidity tent with wire frame
• Detailed instruction booklet (not just a pamphlet)
• Spray bottle
• Organic wood chips for aesthetic presentation

The substrate block itself looked pristine - pure white mycelium with no signs of shipping stress or contamination. The blue oyster strain’s vigor was immediately apparent with thick, ropey mycelium visible throughout.

Setup Process

Setup took less than 5 minutes:

1. Cut an X in the plastic bag (4-inch cuts)
2. Place in humidity tent on included wood chips
3. Mist the inside walls of the tent
4. Position in indirect light at room temperature

The instructions are exceptional - full color photos for each step, troubleshooting section, recipes, and even QR codes linking to video tutorials. This attention to detail makes it perfect for absolute beginners.

Growth Timeline and Results

Days 1-3: Initial Development

Small pins appeared within 72 hours - faster than any kit I’ve tested. The genetics are clearly superior, with uniform pinning across the entire exposed surface.

Days 4-7: Rapid Growth

The mushrooms doubled in size daily. By day 7, beautiful blue-gray oyster clusters were forming. The color was striking - much more vibrant than typical oyster strains.

Days 8-10: First Harvest

Harvested on day 9 when caps began flattening:

• First flush yield: 14 ounces (397g)
• Quality: Restaurant-grade, firm texture, mild flavor
• Appearance: Instagram-worthy clusters

Second and Third Flushes

After misting the block directly and maintaining humidity:

• Second flush (day 21): 8 ounces - 60% of first flush
• Third flush (day 35): 3 ounces - smaller but still quality mushrooms

Total yield: 25 ounces (1.56 lbs) from a 5-pound block

Performance Analysis

Compared to Competitors

Feature	North Spore	Back to the Roots	Fungi Perfecti
Price	$35	$20	$28
Yield	1.5-2 lbs	1-1.5 lbs	1.5 lbs
Time to Fruit	7-10 days	10-14 days	10-12 days
Success Rate	95%+	80%	85%
Support	Excellent	Good	Good
Genetics	Premium	Standard	Excellent

Grow Guarantee

North Spore offers a 100% grow guarantee - if your kit doesn’t fruit, they’ll replace it free. I didn’t need this, but their customer service team responded to my questions within 24 hours with detailed, helpful answers.

Cost Analysis

At $35 plus shipping (often $10-15), you’re looking at $45-50 total investment. With 1.5 pounds yield:

• Cost per pound: $30-33
• Grocery store oysters: $12-16/lb
• Farmers market oysters: $20-24/lb

You’re paying a premium, but consider:

• Educational value
• Freshness (harvested minutes before eating)
• Entertainment value (kids love watching them grow)
• Guaranteed success for beginners

Tips for Maximum Yield

Through testing, I discovered ways to optimize results:

1. Temperature matters: Keep at 65-75°F (not warmer)
2. Humidity is critical: Mist tent walls 3x daily minimum
3. Light exposure: 12 hours indirect light improves color
4. Harvest timing: Pick just as caps flatten for best texture
5. Between flushes: Soak block 6 hours in cold water

Issues and Improvements

While excellent overall, there’s room for improvement:

Humidity Tent Durability

The included tent works but feels flimsy. After three uses, the plastic showed wear. For the premium price, a more durable option would be appropriate.

Single Species Limitation

Competitors offer variety packs. North Spore requires separate purchases for different species, increasing cost for those wanting variety.

Shipping Costs

The flat rate shipping can be steep for single kits. Bulk orders make more sense economically.

Who Should Buy This?

Perfect For:

• Absolute beginners who need guaranteed success
• Gift giving - premium packaging and brand recognition
• Urban dwellers with limited space
• Parents looking for educational activities
• Anyone wanting the best genetics available

Skip If:

• You’re experienced - better value buying their spawn
• Budget is tight - equally good results from cheaper options
• You want variety - single species limitation
• You’re scaling up - transition to bulk substrates instead

Comparison with DIY Methods

For context, I compared this kit to DIY cultivation:

• DIY bucket tek: $5-10 for 3-4 pounds yield
• Time investment: 2-3 hours active work
• Success rate: 70-80% for beginners
• Learning curve: Moderate

The kit’s convenience and reliability justify the cost for many, but DIY offers better value once you understand the basics.

Final Verdict

North Spore’s Boomr Bin Blue Oyster Kit delivers on its premium promise. The genetics are exceptional, instructions foolproof, and customer support outstanding. While expensive, it’s the iPhone of mushroom kits - you pay for quality, reliability, and user experience.

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

The half-star deduction is purely for value - the quality itself is five-star. If price isn’t a concern or you’re buying as a gift, this is the best kit available. However, budget-conscious growers can achieve similar results with cheaper alternatives and a bit more effort.

Where to Buy

North Spore frequently runs promotions:

• Direct from website: Use code “GSE10” for 10% off
• Amazon: Prime shipping but no discount codes
• Local garden centers: Sometimes carry them seasonally

Best value: Buy 3+ kits directly for free shipping threshold

Bottom Line

This kit excels at its intended purpose - providing a premium, frustration-free introduction to mushroom cultivation. Yes, you can grow mushrooms cheaper, but you can’t buy this level of reliability and support elsewhere. For beginners wanting guaranteed success or anyone giving mushroom kits as gifts, North Spore sets the gold standard.