Emily Johnson
The monotub method is a popular technique for cultivating mushrooms, known for its simplicity, scalability, and relatively low maintenance. It involves creating a controlled environment within a large plastic container, optimizing conditions for mushroom growth. The ideal time to harvest mushrooms from a monotub is just before or as the veil breaks, which typically occurs between 5 to 12 days after the first pins appear. This stage is critical as it impacts the potency and future flushes of the mushrooms. Harvesting is generally done by twisting and pulling the mushrooms, with subsequent drying and storage processes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mushroom type | Magic mushrooms, Psilocybe species (e.g. P. Cubensis), edible agaricus (e.g. white button or cremini), shaggy mane (Coprinus comatus), oyster mushrooms of the Pleurotus family, chestnut, namekos |
| Monotub construction | Large, clear, transparent plastic container with a lid and evenly spaced holes for airflow |
| Monotub preparation | Fully colonized grain bag, inflated monotub, secure air valves, disinfect with 70% isopropyl alcohol, break up and mix the colonized grain bag, cut open the top of the grain and substrate bags |
| Substrate | Sterile, serves as the nutrient source for mushrooms, a blend of 50% coco coir and 50% horse manure that has aged for at least six months, moist but not overly wet |
| Casing layer | Provides an environment for pinning mushrooms, materials include coco coir, peat moss, or vermiculite, spray the tub daily with water and keep the lid slightly offset for oxygen flow |
| Harvest time | Before the veil breaks, usually between 5-12 days after the first pins appear, when the cap begins to open and the veil tears, when the mushrooms reach the desired stage |
| Harvest method | Twist and pull at the base of the stems, use tweezers for shorter or hard-to-reach mushrooms |
| Post-harvest | Dry mushrooms in a dehydrator, store dried mushrooms in an airtight container with a silica gel pack, rehydrate the cake for consecutive flushes |
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What You'll Learn
Harvest before the veil breaks
The veil is a membrane that connects the cap of the mushroom to its stem and covers the gills. When the mushroom is ready to reproduce, the veil breaks, uncovering the gills and releasing spores. The spores will cover the other mushrooms and the substrate underneath, reducing the potency of the mushroom. Therefore, it is best to harvest the mushrooms before the veil breaks.
The monotub method is a popular technique for cultivating mushrooms as it is simple, fast, scalable, and requires minimal space and maintenance. It involves creating a controlled environment within a large, clear plastic bin with a lid, known as a monotub. The monotub is prepared by drilling holes for air exchange, lining the bottom with an opaque plastic bag to direct growth upwards, and sterilising the tub and tools with rubbing alcohol.
To begin the cultivation process, the monotub is inflated using an air pump or by blowing into the valves. After 20 minutes, the air valves are secured, and the inside of the monotub is disinfected. The grain bag is then colonised by white mycelium, indicating that it is time to add the bulk substrate. The bulk substrate is typically a blend of coco coir and horse manure, moist but not overly wet, known as "field capacity".
Daily checks of the monotub are essential to monitor the growth of the mushrooms and maintain a consistent environment. The best time to harvest the mushrooms is just before the veil breaks, which usually occurs between 5 to 12 days after the first mushroom pins appear. This timing can vary depending on strain variation, humidity, temperature, and fresh air. Harvesting is typically done by twisting and pulling the mushrooms at the base of the stems.
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Sterilise the monotub
Sterilising the monotub is an important step in the mushroom-growing process. It ensures that your mushrooms grow in a healthy colony, free from contamination.
To begin, you'll need to gather your supplies. The monotub itself is typically a large plastic bin with ports and fresh air exchange filters. You can also use a large Tupperware-style container with holes drilled in it. The number and size of the holes will depend on the mushroom species being grown. For example, growing a certain variety of medicinal mushroom requires just two 2-inch holes. However, if you're cultivating a wider range of species, you may need to add more holes for optimal airflow.
Next, you'll need to prepare your work environment. Find a sanitary space, such as a kitchen surface wiped down with 70% isopropyl alcohol. Minimise drafts in the area. Put on gloves and a face mask, and sanitise your hands, arms, and the monotub lid and base using isopropyl alcohol spray and sterile wipes.
Now, it's time to focus on the substrate. The substrate is the material that goes into your monotub and serves as the growing medium for your mushrooms. It's crucial to sterilise the substrate to prevent contamination. Place the substrate in a pressure cooker or boiling pot of water, heating it to 140-160°F (60-71°C) for about 1-2 hours. This step eliminates any unwanted microorganisms. Allow the substrate to cool to room temperature before mixing in the mushroom spawn.
By following these steps, you'll create a sterile environment for your mushrooms to thrive, minimising the risk of contamination and maximising the potential for a successful harvest.
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Monitor the mushrooms daily
Daily checks of your monotub are essential. You are looking for the spread of white, fluffy mycelium across the substrate, indicating healthy growth. You should also be mindful of maintaining a consistent environment; subtle adjustments in humidity and temperature can significantly impact mushroom development.
Be on the lookout for any signs of mould or odd colours, which could signal contamination. This proactive monitoring is key to identifying and solving issues promptly, safeguarding the health of your mushroom crop.
Once the mushrooms are growing, you should be extra vigilant. The veil connects the cap of the mushroom to the stem and covers the gills. When the mushroom matures, the veil will break and uncover the gills, and the mushroom will release spores from the gills to make reproduction possible. The released spores will cover the other mushrooms and the substrate underneath them. This is harmless, but the potency of the mushroom will reduce a little when you wait with the harvest of your mushrooms after the spore release.
Therefore, it is important to harvest before the spores are released. The spores need to be conserved for further cultivation. The best time to harvest is just before the veil breaks. Veil breaking time is usually between 5-12 days after the first mushroom pins pop up from the substrate. This time indication is broad because the maturing of mushrooms can vary, depending on strain variation, humidity, temperature and fresh air.
You can use tweezers to carefully pick any shorter or hard-to-reach mushrooms leftover in the bin.
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Prepare the monotub
The monotub tek method is a popular way to cultivate mushrooms indoors. It is easy, fast, and space-efficient, making it a great option for those new to mushroom cultivation. To prepare your monotub, follow these steps:
Step 1: Choose a Container
Select a suitable container for your monotub. Plastic bins with ports and fresh air exchange filters are commonly used. These bins facilitate airflow while maintaining ambient humidity levels, which is ideal for mushroom growth. You can also opt for large Tupperware-style containers or purchase a monotub kit that includes everything you need to get started.
Step 2: Drill Holes
Once you have your container, drill holes to allow for proper airflow. Drill a total of six 2-inch holes around the perimeter of your tub: two holes on each long side and one hole on each end, positioned about 8-10 inches from the base of the tub. Additionally, drill 1-inch holes approximately 4-5 inches from the base. The placement and size of the holes can be adjusted depending on the mushroom species you plan to grow.
Step 3: Prepare the Substrate
The substrate you use will depend on the mushroom species you choose to cultivate. Common substrates include manure-based substrates for species like Psilocybe Cubensis, or hardwood-based substrates for oyster mushrooms. Prepare your substrate by mixing it with water to ensure it is at field capacity. The substrate should be moist but not soggy.
Step 4: Add Spawn and Substrate
Start by sprinkling a thin layer of grain spawn into your sterilized monotub. Then, add about an inch of your prepared sterile substrate, followed by more spawn. Continue layering spawn and substrate until you reach your desired depth, usually between 3-5 inches. Make sure to sterilize the lid of your monotub with rubbing alcohol before closing it.
Step 5: Maintain Optimal Conditions
Mushrooms thrive in humid environments. Use a humidity-controlled environment to maintain optimal humidity levels for your mushrooms. Additionally, ensure that your monotub is placed in a well-ventilated area to facilitate air exchange and prevent excess moisture buildup.
By following these steps, you can successfully prepare your monotub for mushroom cultivation. With the right conditions and care, you'll be well on your way to a bountiful mushroom harvest.
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Harvesting techniques
Harvesting mushrooms from a monotub requires a careful eye and a delicate hand. The mushrooms should be harvested at the stage you desire, but it is generally recommended to do so when the veil—the membrane connecting the cap of the mushroom to the stem that covers the gills—is about to break. Breaking of the veil releases spores, reducing the potency of the mushrooms and preventing future flushes. Therefore, the best time to harvest is just before the veil breaks, which is usually between 5 to 12 days after the first mushroom pins appear.
To harvest, start by removing the lid and carefully sliding out the substrate and mushrooms. You can use tweezers to pick out any shorter or hard-to-reach mushrooms. For the larger mushrooms, the basic strategy is to twist and pull at the base of the stems. You can also use a flame-sterilized blade to cut the caps off the mushrooms that are sporulating. Remember to sanitise your hands and wear a facemask before harvesting.
After harvesting, it is recommended to dry your mushrooms in a dehydrator and store them in an airtight container with a silica gel pack. You can then rehydrate the cake for consecutive flushes. Each grow kit can typically produce two to three flushes. To prepare for the next cycle, remove all spent substrate and thoroughly clean the monotub with a disinfectant solution to eliminate any potential pathogens and maintain a sterile environment.
The monotub technique is a popular method for mushroom cultivation due to its scalability, ease, and relatively low maintenance. It involves creating a controlled environment within a tub, maximising yield while minimising space. The construction of a monotub involves using a large, transparent plastic container with a lid and drilling holes for adequate air exchange. The monotub method is commonly used for growing Psilocybe species, edible agaricus varieties, and shaggy mane, but it can also be adapted for growing oyster mushrooms by swapping out the manure-based substrate.
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Frequently asked questions
The best time to harvest mushrooms from a monotub is just before the veil—the thin membrane connecting the cap of the mushroom to the stem—breaks and uncovers the gills. This usually happens between 5 to 12 days after the first mushroom pins pop up from the substrate.
You can harvest mushrooms from a monotub by twisting and pulling at the base of the stems.
During the cultivation process, daily checks of your monotub are essential to look for signs of healthy growth and to maintain a consistent environment. Subtle adjustments in humidity and temperature can significantly impact mushroom development.
After harvesting, remove all spent substrate and clean the tub with a disinfectant solution to eliminate any potential pathogens. This step is crucial in maintaining a sterile environment for future batches and extending the life of your monotub setup.
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