Bountiful Harvests Unleashed: Monotub Cultivation Made Easy

   No matter which method you adopt, it's crucial to grasp the importance of working in a squeaky-clean environment. Microscopic intruders pose the greatest threat to every mushroom cultivator, as these sneaky bacteria and molds can swiftly take over your precious mycelium, bringing devastation to your entire cultivation endeavor. Now, perfection isn't the goal here—you can't banish 100% of contaminants, that's simply impossible. However, we cannot emphasize enough the significance of sanitizing not only your workspace but also ALL your tools. Yes, that includes you too!

   Before and after each use, make it a ritual to sterilize everything with 70% isopropyl alcohol. Keep those hands sparkling clean by thorough handwashing and donning latex or nitrile gloves—your own fortress against unwanted invaders. If you prefer extra protection for your forearms, affordable agricultural insemination gloves come to the rescue. Oh, and don't forget to cover your nose and mouth with a trusty face mask. Shield yourself from inhaling troublesome dust particles and safeguard your mushroom haven from any unwelcome contributions from your own breath.

 

Mastering the Monotub:

A Simple Setup Guide

   Get ready to assemble your monotub with ease! Here's a list of supplies you'll need, along with simplified explanations:

* Mushroom Spores, Cultures on Agar, or Liquid Culture (optional if you're buying pre-inoculated grain spawn): These are the magical ingredients that kickstart your mushroom growth.

* Sterilized Grain Spawn: This is the foundation of your cultivation, acting as the nourishing bed for your mushrooms to thrive.

* Bulk Sterile Substrate: Choose either a manure-based or wood-based medium to provide the ideal growing environment.

* SporeHouse Monotub (or make your own DIY version): This specialized tub serves as the container for your mushroom cultivation. If you opt for the DIY approach, you'll need a large Tupperware container, a contractor bag to line it, and holes drilled in the lid for proper airflow.

* Micropore Tape: This special tape helps seal and protect your monotub from unwanted contaminants.

* 70% Isopropyl Alcohol: Use this alcohol solution to sterilize your workspace and tools, keeping everything squeaky clean.

* Two Spray Bottles: One for water to maintain proper moisture levels and the other for isopropyl alcohol to sanitize your surroundings.

* Latex Gloves or Medical-Grade Equivalents: Keep your hands protected and hygienic with these gloves, ensuring a sterile environment.

* Dust Mask: Safeguard yourself from inhaling unwanted particles while handling the mushroom cultivation process.

 

With these simple supplies, you're all set to embark on your monotub journey and witness the wonders of mushroom growth.

 

Step One: The Fungal Elixir Quest

- Spores or Liquid Cultures

   Embarking on your journey into mushroom cultivation calls for the essential first step: obtaining spores or liquid cultures. These captivating specimens will be the key to inoculating and colonizing your grain spawn, setting the stage for your flourishing mushroom haven. Alternatively, you have the option to acquire pre-inoculated grain spawn, simplifying the process further. To dive deeper into the mysteries of mushroom growth and make an informed decision, see our blog post "Unveiling the Mysteries of Mushroom Growth: Spores vs. Liquid Cultures." When seeking mushroom spores for your home cultivation, exercise caution and ensure you purchase them from a trusted and reputable retailer. The purity and quality of your spores hold utmost importance, as contamination before you even begin can sabotage your cultivation dreams, no matter how flawlessly you execute the subsequent steps. So, be vigilant and lay the groundwork for a successful mushroom adventure.

 

Step Two: A Journey into Fungal Fusion: 

Inoculating your Grain Spawn

STEP 1:

As you embark on the enchanting process of inoculating your grain spawn, create an environment conducive to success. Turn off the hum of the air conditioner and the warmth of the furnace, quieting the airflow that could carry unwanted contaminants. Seek solace in a room with closed doors, where the stillness can embrace your endeavors.

 

STEP 2:

Prepare for the grand ritual of disinfection and sterilization! Leave no surface untouched by your meticulous cleansing. Wipe away the invisible intruders with the firm hand of antiseptic prowess. Let your instruments gleam with the assurance of their pristine state, ensuring that no unwelcome guests will tarnish your fungal dreams.

 

STEP 3:

Now, direct your attention to the sacred vessel of growth—the spawn bag. With reverence, inspect its every crevice, ensuring that no damages or breaches mar its integrity. Tenderly part the sides of the bag, granting the filter the breath of life it craves during the magnificent colonization process. Pay homage to the black injection port, anointing it with the touch of an alcohol wipe, purifying its essence.

 

STEP 4:

Prepare the syringe, your instrument of transformation. Awaken the dormant spore clusters within its delicate confines with a gentle shake, letting them know their time has come. Remove the needle and its protective cap, treating them with utmost care, for they hold the key to the wondrous fusion ahead. Attach the needle with a firm twist, ensuring its snug embrace without disturbing its point of glory. Summon the flames of transformation, illuminating the needle's tip for 15 to 20 seconds, leaving no trace of soot upon its pristine surface.

 

STEP 5:

As the moment of creation draws near, steady your hand and let the syringe dance with purpose. Gently introduce the needle into the sacred injection port, bridging the realms of possibility. Release the ethereal essence within the syringe, allowing the spores to journey forth and find solace within the fertile confines of the bag. In four or five sacred locations, let the synergy of life take root, as the spores intertwine with the grains, weaving the tapestry of mycelial existence.

 

May your endeavor be blessed, as you infuse the grain spawn with the magic of spores, nurturing the birth of a fungal marvel.

 

Step Three: Waiting for Colonization:

The Dance of Mycelium and Time

    After the sacred union of spores or culture with the grain, a period of patient anticipation ensues. You must allow the bag to rest undisturbed, granting the magic of colonization the space it needs to weave its mycelial tapestry. Find a sheltered abode away from the piercing gaze of direct sunlight, where coolness reigns supreme, in the temperature range of 55-75 degrees Fahrenheit. As days turn into weeks, keep a watchful eye for signs of transformation. The mycelium, a delicate network of wonder, will emerge and begin to spread its ethereal presence, gracefully enveloping the grains.

 

   Once the mycelium has courageously covered approximately 30% of the bag, take heed and proceed with care. Without disturbing the sacred vessel, delicately break up the mycelium-covered grains, gently mingling them with the uncolonized ones. In this act of unity, you encourage the mycelium's expansion, igniting the flames of progress. Time passes like a gentle breeze, and in a few more weeks, your diligent gaze will witness a magnificent sight. The bag, or jar, will be adorned in a magnificent coat of fluffy white mycelium, signifying the completion of the wondrous colonization step.

 

   With patience as your guide, you witness the transformative power of mycelium as it blankets the grains, preparing them for the grand finale—the emergence of magnificent mushrooms.

 

Step Four:

The Harmonious Blend of Grain and Substrate

   Once your grain spawn has reached its pinnacle of vitality, the time has come to embark on the next phase of your mushroom cultivation journey. The union between your flourishing grain spawn and the sterile substrate within your monotub shall give rise to a fertile ground for the wondrous mycelium to thrive.

   When selecting the substrate for your majestic mushrooms, it is essential to consider the specific species you wish to cultivate. Some mushrooms prefer the comforting embrace of wood chips, while others thrive on the nourishing essence of manure-based growing substrate. In the early stages of your exploration, we recommend acquiring bulk sterile substrate from trusted sources, allowing you to familiarize yourself with the art of monotub setup.

 

 

Nurturing Nature's Bounty:

Cultivating Mushrooms to Bear Fruit

   Congratulations! Armed with a bag bursting with fully colonized grain spawn and a substrate sterilized to perfection, it's time to dive into the enchanting realm of mushroom fruiting using the revered monotub technique.

 

Step One:

Unveil the Perfect Vessel

   Prepare to embark on this magnificent adventure by acquiring a specialized mushroom cultivation tub, such as the revered SporeHouse Monotub, purposefully crafted for optimal mushroom growth. Alternatively, choose a generously-sized plastic tub akin to the renowned styles brought forth by Tupperware or Sterilite. The choice is yours, as long as it embraces the essence of spaciousness and functionality, setting the stage for your bountiful harvest.

 

Step Two: Pristine Preparations

Sanitizing Your Workspace

   As you embark on your mushroom cultivation journey, the second step calls for meticulous sanitization of all materials. With great care, ensure that your work surfaces, the entire monotub, liner, lid, and tools are thoroughly sanitized. To achieve this, we recommend using 70% isopropyl alcohol, as it strikes the perfect balance for effective sanitization. Avoid using higher percentages like 90 or 99% alcohol, as they evaporate too quickly, reducing the contact time needed for proper sanitization.

   Equipped with two spray bottles—one filled with alcohol and the other with sanitized water—begin the sanitization process. Vigorously spray both the interior and exterior of the tub, as well as all working surfaces and tools. Don't forget to sanitize your gloves and ensure that the outside of spawn and substrate bags, along with any scissors used, are fully sanitized. It's also essential to have a recently vacuumed room, free from air turbulence, and to seal off the area from pets, children, and visitors, maintaining the sterile environment you've created.

Step Three: Guarding Against Intruders:

Embrace the Micropore Tape

    As you delve into the mystical world of mushroom cultivation, step three unveils a secret shield to protect your precious tub. Behold the mighty micropore tape! With grace and precision, cover the holes adorning the sides of your tub. This humble tape acts as a guardian, fending off potential contaminants while ensuring a gentle flow of rejuvenating air. It's a delicate dance between safeguarding your harvest and fostering a harmonious environment, where your mushrooms can thrive undisturbed. So, embrace the power of micropore tape and let your fungi flourish under its watchful embrace.

 

Step Four: Unleash Your Inner Mushroom Alchemist:

The Mixing Ritual Begins

   Step four marks a thrilling milestone in your mushroom cultivation journey. It's time to bring together your bulk sterile substrate and fully colonized spawn in a dazzling display of synergy! Once your substrate is sterilized and ready, let the magic unfold.

 

   With anticipation coursing through your veins, carefully open the bag of bulk substrate. Gently pour it into your monotub, ensuring an even distribution that creates a layer about one inch deep throughout the tub. Here's a pro-tip: The substrate should be at "field capacity," meaning when you clump it in your fist, only a few drops of water should escape. If it feels too dry, spritz a touch of sterilized water onto the mix as you add it to the tub.

   Now comes the enchanting part. Sprinkle a thin layer of fully colonized spawn over the substrate base, like a sprinkle of stardust. Add another inch of substrate, followed by another delicate dusting of spawn. Repeat this mesmerizing dance until you've achieved the desired substrate depth, typically ranging from three to five inches throughout the tub.

   Ah, the divine ratio. For a SporeHouse Monotub, the harmonious blend is one 3-pound bag of colonized grain spawn with two 5-pound bags of bulk substrate. This enchanting fusion will fill your monotub to perfection. However, as an apprentice of the mycelium arts, you'll find that one 3-pound bag of spawn, along with ten pounds of sterilized substrate, can grace one or two monotubs with its colonization prowess.

   Now, embrace this alchemical mixture, witness the union of substrate and spawn, and watch as your mushroom dreams take shape within the sanctum of your monotub.

 

The Grand Dance of Mycelium: Colonization Unveiled

 

Step Five:

Witness the Substrate Transformation

   As you revel in the harmonious blend of substrate and spawn within your monotub, it's time to step back and allow the magic of colonization to unfold. Follow these steps to ensure a successful journey:

   1.Find a spot for your monotub in a warm environment, avoiding direct sunlight but welcoming moderate ambient light. Aim for a room temperature between 77-80 degrees Fahrenheit. Remember, no disturbances are allowed during the first six to ten days. Opening the tub prematurely can hinder colonization and invite unwelcome contaminants. Resist the urge! The only exception is if you detect a strong rancid or foul odor emanating from the tub.

  2. Embrace the daily check: After the initial waiting period, the time has come to peek inside the monotub once a day. Look for the emergence of white mycelium spots extending from each grain spawn. These enchanting spots will gradually grow, interweaving to conquer the entire surface of the substrate. Behold the small droplets of mushroom exudate, a testament to hydration and successful colonization.

   3. Patience is key: For manure-based substrate species, it will take approximately two to three weeks for the mycelium to gracefully dance through the entirety of the substrate. For grain- and wood-based substrates, timing may vary. As you approach this milestone, keep an eye out for the formation of hyphae, affectionately known as mushroom "pinning." These dense knots of white mycelium will elegantly extend vertically from the substrate's surface. When you witness these hyphae knots or "pins," rejoice! It's a sign that your substrate is fully colonized, and it's time to embark on the next phase: casing your monotub.

   Take a deep breath, bask in the wonders of mycelial growth, and prepare yourself for the remarkable transformation that lies ahead. Your fruitful mushroom journey has only just begun.

Unveiling the Fruits of Your Labor: Casing and Fruiting

Step Six: Embrace the Transformation

   As your monotub journey reaches new heights, it's time to witness the enchanting transformation from primordia to bountiful harvest. Follow these simple steps to guide you through this wondrous phase:

 

   1. Casing (optional): Once primordia start appearing, you have the choice to case your tub. This involves delicately covering the entire substrate with a thin layer of 100% coco coir. Don't forget, casing is completely optional. You can also remove the tub's lid during this time.

 

   2. Hydration and oxygen flow: Add a layer of 100% coco coir, approximately one-half to one inch thick, evenly covering the substrate. Spritz the coco coir with sanitized water until it appears adequately hydrated. Peel off some tape from the vent holes to improve oxygen flow and reduce CO2 levels. Check the tub daily and spray the top layer of casing, sidewalls, and lid with sanitized water one to three times, if needed, to maintain proper humidity.

 

   3. Await the pins: Keep a close eye on your monotub, allowing minimal to moderate light to reach the tub. Around 7-14 days after casing, you'll notice hyphae gently pushing through the casing layer. Nurture them with just the right amount of light and warmth, avoiding excessive exposure.

 

   4. The fruition of mushrooms: With time, your hyphae pins will transform into fully grown mushrooms, eager to be harvested. The timing of your harvest is a matter of personal preference, but for most edible capped species, it's best to harvest just before the mushroom caps flatten.

 

   5. Fostering the perfect environment: Fruiting relies on specific environmental conditions. Maintain a temperature between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure optimal mushroom development. Additionally, diligently check your monotub daily, ensuring hydration levels are maintained. The decrease in CO2 and surface moisture evaporation are crucial for the desired fruiting conditions.

 

   Prepare yourself for the grand finale of your monotub adventure. Soon, you'll be rewarded with a bountiful harvest of delicious mushrooms, a testament to your dedication and care. Happy harvesting!

 

Step 7: The Grand Harvest

 

   Congratulations, you've reached the pinnacle of your mushroom journey it's time to harvest the fruits of your labor. Here's how you can do it with finesse:

   1. Timing is key: As your mushrooms progress from pins to full size, this process can take up to approximately 9 days. During this period, they will begin dropping spores from their caps (applicable to capped species). The veil underneath the cap will break, releasing the spores and propagating future mushrooms. It's best to harvest your mushrooms just before or after the veil breaks for optimal results.

   2. Gentle harvest technique: To minimize damage while harvesting, gently grab each mushroom at the base of its stem. With a steady but gentle twist, separate it from the substrate and casing. Avoid forcefully ripping them out. Prepare a flat receptacle, such as a clean plate or lid, to carefully place the harvested mushrooms.

   3. Preserving specific strains: If you wish to preserve a particular mushroom strain for future cultivation, you can create a "spore print" after harvesting. This involves collecting the spores released by the mushrooms. Spore prints can serve multiple purposes, such as identifying mushroom species or displaying them artistically by spraying them with a fixative. When creating spore prints, it is crucial to maintain sterile procedures to prevent contamination if you plan to use them for future cultivation.

   Embrace the joy of harvesting your mushrooms, savoring the rewards of your efforts. Remember to handle each mushroom with care and explore the fascinating world of spore prints if you wish to preserve specific strains. May your future mushroom adventures be filled with abundance and success!