Which is better for a first-time grower?

The Back to the Roots kit. Its process is simpler and its large owner base reports consistent results. North Spore's kit works, but its lower rating and wider yield range make it less predictable for a beginner.

Which kit gives more mushrooms?

North Spore states a first flush of 0.5 to 2 lbs. Back to the Roots does not publish a yield, and oyster kits usually give a modest first flush plus a smaller second. North Spore has the higher ceiling, but the low end is small.

Which lasts longer before I start it?

North Spore. Its block keeps up to six months refrigerated, so it works as a gift bought in advance. Back to the Roots gives no refrigerated shelf life, so start it soon after it arrives.

Is the North Spore kit worth stepping up to?

Only if you want lion's mane or need the refrigerated shelf life. If you just want an easy indoor crop of gourmet mushrooms, the Back to the Roots kit is the better-supported choice.

Are these kits safe around pets and kids?

Back to the Roots lists its kit as pet safe and child safe. North Spore makes no such claim, so keep its block out of reach and follow the box instructions.

Do both grow more than once?

North Spore says each block is designed for multiple flushes. Back to the Roots kits commonly give a second, smaller flush if you keep misting after the first harvest.

North Spore Lion's Mane Grow Kit vs Back to the Roots Oyster Mushroom Grow Kit

Buy the Back to the Roots kit if you want the safer bet: it has a 4.5 rating from over 1,200 owners and a simple open-and-mist process. Buy the North Spore kit if you specifically want lion's mane and USDA Certified Organic spawn, and accept a smaller, more mixed track record. On features they are close: both are indoor countertop kits with a mister and multiple flushes. Back to the Roots wins on consistency and owner feedback; North Spore wins on species choice and a refrigerated shelf life of up to six months.

Choose the North Spore Lion's Mane kit if you want lion's mane specifically, organic spawn, and a block you can refrigerate for months before starting.
Choose the Back to the Roots kit if you want oyster mushrooms, the most proven kit of the two, and the easiest first grow.

Prices

North Spore Lion's Mane Grow Kit: $22.99 at Amazon (last seen Nov 10)
Back to the Roots Oyster Mushroom Grow Kit: $13.39 at Walmart (last seen Nov 10)
Difference: the Back to the Roots Oyster Mushroom Grow Kit is $9.60 cheaper than the North Spore Lion's Mane Grow Kit at the latest prices (Nov 10)

North Spore Lion's Mane Mushroom Grow Kit

	North Spore Lion's Mane Grow Kit	Back to the Roots Oyster Mushroom Grow Kit
Mushroom species	Lion's mane, a firm, seafood-like mushroom used for cooking and its brain-supporting compounds	Pearl oyster, a mild gourmet mushroom that cooks fast and is easy to like
Owner rating	3.7 out of 5 from 19 ratings	4.5 out of 5 from 1,291 ratings
Time to harvest	As little as 7 days	About 10 days
First flush yield	0.5 to 2 lbs	Not stated; oyster kits typically give a modest first flush plus a smaller second
Storage before starting	Block keeps up to six months refrigerated	Start soon after arrival; no stated refrigerated shelf life
Organic certification	USDA Certified Organic	CCOF organic certification
Setup and care	Open the box, mist daily with the included spray bottle	Open, mist once or twice daily with the included mister, indirect light
Safety and household use	Indoor kit; no pet or child safety claims listed	Listed as pet safe and child safe, indoor use

Spec	North Spore Lion's Mane Grow Kit	Back to the Roots Oyster Mushroom Grow Kit
Block dimensions	10"H x 5"W x 5"D	—
Block weight	4 lbs	—
Shelf life refrigerated	up to six months	—
First flush yield	0.5 to 2 lbs	—
Time to harvest	as little as seven days	—
Certification	USDA Certified Organic	—
Type	—	Mushroom Grow Kit
Items Included	—	Growing Kit
Material	—	Organic plant-based soil infused with mushroom …
Quantity	—	1
Size	—	Mushroom Kit
Height	—	10.16 cm

Spec	North Spore Lion's Mane Grow Kit	Back to the Roots Oyster Mushroom Grow Kit
Length	—	30.5 cm
Width	—	12.7 cm
Depth	—	10.2 cm
Weight	—	0.01 Ounces
Safety Features	—	Pet Safe, Child Safe
Safety Certifications	—	California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF)
Usage Location	—	Indoor
Included Accessories	—	Growing Kit
Type Of Components	—	Spray bottle, Organic plant-based soil infused …

North Spore Lion's Mane Grow Kit vs Back to the Roots Oyster Mushroom Grow Kit

Prices

North Spore Lion's Mane Grow Kit vs Back to the Roots Oyster Mushroom Grow Kit

Prices

North Spore Lion's Mane Grow Kit

Back to the Roots Oyster Mushroom Grow Kit

What separates them

Price history

Prices at every store

North Spore Lion's Mane Grow Kit

Back to the Roots Oyster Mushroom Grow Kit

Specs compared

What reviewers say

North Spore Lion's Mane Grow Kit

Back to the Roots Oyster Mushroom Grow Kit

Questions and answers

Ask our shopping agent

North Spore Lion's Mane Grow Kit

Back to the Roots Oyster Mushroom Grow Kit

What separates them

Price history

Prices at every store

North Spore Lion's Mane Grow Kit

Back to the Roots Oyster Mushroom Grow Kit

Specs compared

What reviewers say

North Spore Lion's Mane Grow Kit

Back to the Roots Oyster Mushroom Grow Kit

Questions and answers

Ask our shopping agent

More comparisons