Embarking on the journey of mushroom cultivation? Don’t fret! This guide is tailored to help beginners navigate the process of creating a mushroom spawn bag using liquid culture. Let’s dive into the world of mushroom growing together with easy-to-follow steps.
Understanding Inoculation Methods
Inoculation is the crucial step of introducing your culture to a substrate like grains. Different methods include liquid cultures, spore syringes, liquid inoculants, spores, or spawn. We’ll focus on the liquid culture method, a quick and effective way with manageable risks.
Liquid Culture, Spore Syringes, and Liquid Inoculant
Pros:
- No need for a sterile environment
- Quick and easy
Cons:
- Higher contaminant risk, especially with spore syringes
Tip: Myterra Labs’ liquid cultures ensure quality control and cleanliness. Fully traceable, these cultures guarantee a successful mushroom cultivation experience.
Agar or Spawn Method
Pros:
- Lowest risk of contamination when performed in a controlled environment
- Suitable for a laminar flow hood, still air box, or Noc Box
Cons:
- Requires additional precautions
Using Liquid Culture – Step-by-Step
Tools Needed:
- Myterra Labs Liquid Culture
- Adhesive injection port (included with Myterra Labs Grains)
- 70% Isopropyl alcohol swab
- Gloves (optional but recommended)
- Myterra Labs Organic Rye Berries (5lb)
Step 1: Remove the Grain Bag from Packaging
Myterra Labs substrates are sealed in a HEPA-filtered clean room. Unpack the grain bag, being cautious not to puncture the inner unicorn bag (clear bag).
Step 2: Attach Injection Port
Wipe the unicorn bag with the included alcohol swab. Attach the injection port about an inch below the filter patch. Wipe the injection port again.
Step 3: Prepare Your Syringe
Clean your hands. Attach the needle to the syringe quickly without touching any non-sterile surfaces.
Step 4: Inject
Spray the surface of the grains with the liquid culture. Pierce the injection port, facing the needle towards the grains, and depress the plunger slowly. Move the needle to ensure even distribution. Use 10-20ml of inoculant for optimal colonization.
If you want to inoculate Myterra Labs Gourmet Mushroom Grow Kit, use 5-10ml of liquid culture for best results.
Tip: Tape over the injection port as a precaution against detachment during shaking.
Step 5: Wait
Allow the bag to sit unshaken until white mycelium forms on the grain’s top surface (approximately 1 week). Shake the bag when mycelium is robust (50-60% colonization).
Congratulations! You’ve successfully navigated the steps of using liquid culture to inoculate your grain bag. With quality products like Myterra Labs’ liquid cultures, mushroom cultivation becomes a rewarding and accessible adventure. Happy growing!