Laura Smith
Mushroom grow bags are a popular method for cultivating mushrooms, used by both commercial mushroom farmers and hobbyists. They can be used as spawn bags, which are used for sterilizing grain and propagating mushroom cultures. There are a variety of substrates that can be used, but straw pellets are a popular choice as they have been pasteurized during the production process and are ready to be inoculated. The process of preparing spawn bags involves steps such as placing duct tape covered by masking tape on the spawn bag, loading the bags with the final fruiting substrate, and pressure cooking the bags. The versatility of mushrooms allows for growth in many different environments, and spawn bags provide an excellent option for those limited on space or looking to grow a wide array of mushrooms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mushroom grow bag material | High-temperature-resistant polypropylene plastic |
| Bag shape | Gusseted (folded flat with sides folded in) |
| Bag size | Varies, with some holding over a gallon of substrate |
| Filter | Allows fresh air in and prevents contaminants from entering |
| Substrate | Straw pellets, compost, manure, vermiculite, grains, oils, etc. |
| Spawn | Added after the substrate has been sterilized |
| Sealing the bag | Impulse sealer, twisting the bag and using a zip tie or wire, or melting the plastic |
| Pasteurization | Using a pressure cooker or oven |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare the spawn bag
Preparing spawn bags is a relatively straightforward process, but it requires attention to detail to ensure your mushrooms have the best chance of growing. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing the spawn bag:
Step 1: Prepare the Substrate
Firstly, prepare your substrate mixture. This can vary, but a common option is straw pellets, as they have been pasteurised and are ready to be inoculated. You can also create your own substrate mix with compost, manure, vermiculite, grains, oils, and other additions like wild bird seed, rye, black mustard, and grass seed. Ensure your substrate is properly hydrated and has reached "field capacity".
Step 2: Pasteurise the Substrate
Pasteurisation is an important step to prepare the substrate for bulk growing. This can be done using a pressure canner or an oven. If using an oven, compress your substrate into a heat-safe pan, cover it tightly with tinfoil, and place it in the oven at 170 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 hours.
Step 3: Sterilise Your Workspace
Before proceeding, it is crucial to sterilise your workspace to minimise the risk of contamination. Wipe down all surfaces, tools, and your hands with 70% isopropyl alcohol.
Step 4: Prepare the Spawn Bag
Obtain a mushroom spawn bag, which is typically made of high-grade polypropylene plastic. Ensure the bag is clean and sterile. Place duct tape covered with masking tape directly opposite the filter patch of the bag. The tape serves as an injection reinforcement platform.
Step 5: Load the Spawn Bag
Carefully load the spawn bag with the final fruiting substrate. Ensure the substrate is not too wet, as standing water can lead to failure. The substrate should have a light and airy texture. Vermiculite can be added to improve the texture.
Step 6: Seal the Spawn Bag
Once the spawn bag is loaded, seal it securely. Fold the bag's flaps down the sides and flip them back up. Use metal band separators between multiple bags to ensure even steam penetration. If using a single large bag, you can skip this step.
Step 7: Pressure Cook the Bags
Place the loaded spawn bags in a pressure cooker for 3 to 4 hours. Smaller bags may only need 2 hours. This step helps sterilise the contents and prepare them for mushroom growth.
Step 8: Inoculate the Spawn Bag
In a sterile workspace, use a sterile needle to inject 2-3ml of a spore syringe through the back of the spawn bag. Cover the injection hole with micropore tape. Store the inoculated bags in a dark, warm space for 2-6 weeks until full colonisation occurs.
Preparing spawn bags is a delicate process, but it can be a cost-effective and rewarding way to grow mushrooms. Remember to follow safety guidelines and always work in a sterile environment to give your mushrooms the best chance of success.
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Prepare the substrate
Preparing a substrate for mushroom grow bags is a critical step in ensuring a successful mushroom cultivation process. The substrate is the medium that provides the nutrients, structure, and moisture needed for mycelium growth. Different species of mushrooms prefer different substrates, so it's important to choose the right one for your mushroom type. Some common substrates include coco coir, vermiculite, and gypsum, straw, wood chips, sawdust, and paper.
To prepare the substrate, start by cleaning your workspace and tools with isopropyl alcohol or another disinfectant to prevent contamination. This is an important step to minimize the risk of exposing the mycelium and fruiting bodies to bacteria, fungi, and pests.
Next, you'll need to prepare the substrate mixture. If using coco coir, vermiculite, and gypsum (CVG), mix these ingredients together to create a nutrient-rich and contamination-resistant base. The CVG mix provides an effective and beginner-friendly solution that supports robust mycelium growth.
Once you have your substrate mixture ready, fill your mushroom grow bags with the desired amount of substrate. Some sources recommend using heat-resistant plastic bags and folding the tops over so that the filter patch allows gases to escape when heated. Make sure to use new bags to reduce the chances of contamination, as the integrity of the bag and filter patch decrease after multiple sterilizations.
After filling the bags, you can move on to the sterilization process. This is typically done using a pressure cooker. Preheat your pressure cooker to the recommended temperature, usually around 120°C. Place the bags of substrate mix in a steamer basket inside the cooker, ensuring they do not come into contact with the water. The cooking time may vary depending on the substrate and source, but it is typically between 1 to 2 hours.
Once sterilization is complete, remove the bags from the cooker and let them cool in a sterile environment. It is crucial that the bags are cooled before adding the spawn to avoid killing the spawn with residual heat.
After the bags have cooled, transfer them to a sterile work area to add the spawn. Open the bags carefully and add the appropriate amount of grain spawn to the substrate. A common ratio is 1:3 (grain spawn to substrate) for faster colonization. Gently mix the spawn throughout the substrate without compacting the mixture, as this ensures proper airflow and gas exchange.
Finally, reseal the bags securely using a heat sealer, zip tie, or clips. Make sure that the filter patch remains unobstructed to maintain proper gas exchange. With your substrate prepared and spawn added, you can now move on to the next stages of mushroom cultivation.
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Pasteurise the substrate
Before you add spawn to a mushroom bag, it's important to pasteurise the substrate. This process helps to create an environment that promotes the growth of mushroom mycelium while reducing harmful competitors, such as mould or bacteria. Here are some detailed instructions on how to pasteurise the substrate:
Choose Your Pasteurisation Method
There are several methods available for pasteurising mushroom substrates, each with its own advantages and considerations. Here are some common methods:
- Oven Pasteurisation: This method is suitable for smaller batches. Place the substrate in oven bags or containers and heat in an oven at around 200°F (93°C) for about 2 hours. Ensure careful temperature control to prevent drying out or overheating.
- Fermentation: This method does not involve direct heat application. The substrate is kept in a high-moisture environment, and the naturally occurring heat from microbial activity pasteurises the material over several days. While less common, it can be effective under certain conditions.
- Cold Water Fermentation: Similar to the previous method, cold water fermentation relies on the natural heat generated by microbial activity in a water-soaked substrate. This process typically takes 4 to 7 days to achieve pasteurisation.
- Cold Water Hydrated Lime Pasteurisation: This method raises the pH of the water used to hydrate the mushroom substrate, creating an uninhabitable environment for competitors while allowing the mycelium to thrive.
Prepare the Substrate
Before pasteurisation, prepare your substrate by chopping and moistening it. For the fermentation methods, regularly turn the substrate during the initial phase to promote fermentation and generate heat. This phase is known as phase one composting.
Depending on the chosen method, apply the appropriate technique to pasteurise the substrate. For oven pasteurisation, place the substrate in the oven at the specified temperature and duration. For fermentation methods, load the substrate into an insulated chamber or tunnel during phase two and allow it to heat up and pasteurise using self-generated heat. Ensure that you have sufficient volume to generate the required temperature for pasteurisation.
Cool the Substrate
After pasteurisation, allow the substrate to cool down to room temperature before introducing the mushroom spawn. It is crucial to avoid adding spawn to a substrate that is too hot, as it can kill the mycelium and set back your cultivation efforts. Place the pasteurised substrate on a clean surface or a strainer to cool.
Handle and Store
Handle the pasteurised substrate carefully to prevent contamination. Use sterilised tools, wear gloves, and work in a clean environment. If you're not inoculating immediately, store the substrate in a clean, cool place to maintain its quality.
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Add spawn to the bag
To add spawn to a mushroom bag, you will first need to prepare the spawn bag. It is recommended to use a pressure cooker to sterilise the bag, with the All-American brand being the standard for most small-scale mushroom growers. Prepare an optimal mixture of compost, manure, vermiculite, grains, oils, etc. for your substrate. You can also add wild bird seed, rye, black mustard, rye grass seed, or other seeds to the mix to create a richer and higher-yielding substrate.
Once your substrate is ready, you can fill your mushroom bag. If you are using straw pellets, leave the top third of the bag vacant to allow for air exchange through the filter. If you are using chopped straw, you can fill the bag to the top as the bigger straw particles allow for improved air exchange. It is important to ensure that your substrate is not too wet, as this can lead to failure. The material should have a light and airy texture.
After filling your bag, you can add your spawn. For grain spawn, you will need to sterilise the grain first and then inoculate it with a spore syringe. You can then inject the spawn into your prepared mushroom bag through the back of the bag. Alternatively, you can cut open the top of the spawn bag and pour the spawn directly into the bag. Make sure to mix the spawn and substrate together thoroughly.
Once you have added your spawn and mixed it with the substrate, you will need to seal the bag. You can use an impulse sealer to create a tight seal, or you can simply twist the top of the bag and secure it with a zip tie or wire. Finally, store the inoculated bag in a dark, warm place and wait for colonisation to occur.
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Seal the bag
Sealing your mushroom bag is a crucial step in the process of growing mushrooms. It ensures that your crop is protected from contaminants and allows for the colonisation process to be observed.
There are several methods to seal mushroom bags, each with its advantages and considerations:
Impulse Sealing
Impulse sealing is a widely recommended method for sealing mushroom bags. It is considered one of the most efficient and safest techniques, offering a faster alternative to other sealing methods. Impulse sealers come in various types, including hand sealers and foot-operated sealers, catering to different scales of operations and budgets. Impulse sealing ensures a secure and sterile seal, reducing the risk of contamination.
Tyvek Sleeve and Twist Tie
A Tyvek sleeve is a filtering mechanism that can be inserted into the bag before sealing. After inoculation, the bag can be sealed with a twist tie, such as steel wire, aircraft tie-wire, or electrical twist tie. This method allows the sleeve to act as a filter, preventing unclean air from entering the bag. It is a cost-effective solution, especially for small-scale operations.
Duct Tape
Duct tape can be used as a sealing alternative. After carefully folding down the top of the bag a few times, apply duct tape over the folded edge, ensuring it adheres to both sides of the bag. This method provides a secure seal, but it may not be as aesthetically pleasing as other methods.
Iron Sealing
Iron sealing is a unique approach to sealing mushroom bags. It involves folding the bag and placing it between sheets of paper. Then, an iron is used to apply heat and pressure, melting the plastic and creating a seal. While this method may not produce the neatest results, it can be effective with practice.
Double Bagging
Some cultivators opt for double bagging their mushroom bags. This method involves placing one bag inside another, providing an extra layer of protection against contaminants. However, it is important to note that this approach may increase the risk of contamination during the process.
When sealing mushroom bags, it is essential to consider the size and thickness of the bag, the type of mushroom being grown, and the scale of your operation. Additionally, maintaining a sterile environment and allowing for air exchange are crucial factors in ensuring the success of your mushroom crop.
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