How to Use Multi Grain Mushroom Substrate Jars 12-Pack

How to Use Multi Grain Mushroom Substrate Jars 12-Pack

Preparing Your Workspace

Before using the Multi Grain Mushroom Substrate Jars 12-Pack, it’s important to set up a clean and sanitized workspace to prevent contamination. Although using a laminar flow hood or still air box is ideal, you can reduce contamination risks by following these steps:

• Disinfect your work area thoroughly with rubbing alcohol or a similar sanitizing agent to remove dust and contaminants.
• Avoid working in areas with airflow from fans, air conditioners, or heaters, as these can introduce airborne particles.
• Wipe down each jar with rubbing alcohol before handling to ensure the surface is sterile.
• Sanitize your hands and any tools, such as syringes or scissors, before working with the jars.

Maintaining a clean environment is essential for a successful inoculation process. If you don’t have access to a laminar flow hood, consider using a still air box to limit airborne contamination during inoculation.

Inoculating the Multi Grain Substrate Jars

1. Sterilize the Syringe Needle

Before injecting the liquid culture or spores into the jars, flame sterilize the syringe needle by holding it over a flame until it turns red hot. Allow the needle to cool for 30 seconds to 1 minute before proceeding. This step ensures the needle is clean and free from contaminants.

2. Inject the Colonized Spawn

Once the needle has cooled, insert it into the self-healing injection port on each jar. Inject 4-6cc of your spore solution or liquid culture into the substrate. Ensure that you inject into different areas of the jar to promote even colonization throughout the grains.

Incubating the Multi Grain Substrate Jars

After inoculation, store the jars in an upright position in a room-temperature environment (between 65-75°F). The jars should be kept away from direct sunlight and areas with temperature fluctuations. You may also incubate the jars at temperatures up to 80°F, but avoid going above this to prevent stalling the mycelium’s growth.

Ensure that the 5-micron filter patches on the jar lids remain unobstructed to allow for proper gas exchange. You should begin to see mycelium growth within 10-14 days, with full colonization typically occurring in 3-4 weeks when using spores. Liquid culture often reduces the colonization time by about a week.

Fruiting or Using as Spawn

Once the jars are fully colonized, you have two options for proceeding:

• Fruiting in a Chamber: You can remove the colonized substrate from the jars and place it into a fruiting chamber. Ensure the chamber maintains high humidity (around 90%) and proper air exchange. Mist the substrate lightly and fan the chamber daily to promote fruiting. Monitor the mushrooms as they develop, and harvest them just before the caps fully open.
• Using as Spawn: Alternatively, you can use the colonized substrate as spawn by transferring it to a secondary bulk substrate, such as manure or wood-based substrates. This allows the mushrooms to grow larger and results in bigger flushes. Break up the colonized substrate gently before mixing it into the secondary substrate.

Both methods can yield healthy mushrooms, but using the jars as spawn often leads to larger harvests due to the additional nutrients provided by the bulk substrate.

Monitoring for Contamination

While the Multi Grain Substrate Jars are fully hydrated and sterilized, contamination can still occur if cleanliness is not maintained. Watch for unusual colors, slime, or foul odors, as these are signs of contamination. If contamination occurs, discard the jar and sanitize your workspace before starting a new batch.

Maximizing Yield

To maximize your mushroom yield, ensure that the jars are kept in consistent temperatures and have proper gas exchange throughout the colonization process. Keep the filter patches unobstructed and monitor humidity levels carefully if using the jars for fruiting. When using the jars as spawn, pairing them with nutrient-rich bulk substrates like manure or wood will provide the mushrooms with additional nutrients, resulting in larger and more abundant flushes.

Conclusion

The Multi Grain Mushroom Substrate Jars 12-Pack is a convenient and versatile solution for mushroom cultivation. Whether you choose to fruit the jars directly or use them as spawn, following these steps will ensure successful colonization and healthy mushroom growth. With proper care, you can enjoy multiple flushes and optimize your harvests.

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