The basic cycle is – 

Substrate preparation – obtaining suitable substrate, drying and grinding the substrate to produce an average particle size of 10mm. Finally pasteurization or sterilization of the substrate.

Inoculation – introduction of good quality spawn into the pasteurized substrate.

Spawn run/Colonization – when the mushroom mycelium grows from the spawn into the substrate.

Fruiting of myceliated “logs” – getting the mushrooms to grow from the now fully white substrate.

Harvest and packing – both will affect shelf life so be sure to pick at the right stage and pack into ventilated containers.