Growing mushrooms is an interesting and rewarding hobby that can yield a great supply of fresh, delicious and nutritious mushrooms. There are several ways to grow mushrooms, but one of the most popular is spawning to bulk substrate using fully colonized brown rice and coco coir, vermiculite, and gypsum (CVG) substrate in a monotub. This method is relatively easy and is a great way to get started with mushroom cultivation.
In this guide, we will go through the process of spawning to bulk substrate using fully colonized brown rice and CVG substrate in a monotub. We will cover the materials needed, the steps involved, and some tips to ensure a successful harvest.
Materials Needed
To spawn to bulk substrate using fully colonized brown rice and CVG substrate in a monotub, you will need the following materials:
Fully colonized brown rice: You will need fully colonized brown rice to use as spawn for your bulk substrate. You can buy fully colonized brown rice online or at a local store that sells mushroom cultivation supplies.
Coco coir: Coco coir is a popular substrate for mushroom cultivation. It is made from the fibrous husks of coconuts and is widely available online and at garden supply stores.
Vermiculite: Vermiculite is a mineral that is commonly used in horticulture as a soil amendment. It is also an essential ingredient in CVG substrate.
Gypsum: Gypsum is a mineral that is commonly used in horticulture as a soil amendment. It helps to improve soil structure and fertility, and it is also an essential ingredient in CVG substrate.
Monotub: A monotub is a container used to grow mushrooms. You can buy pre-made monotubs online or make your own using a plastic storage bin.
Drill: You will need a drill to create holes in the monotub to allow for airflow.
Polyfil: Polyfil is a synthetic material that is commonly used to stuff pillows and cushions. It is also an excellent filter material for aeration holes in the monotub.
Spray bottle: You will need a spray bottle to mist the substrate during the colonization process.
Gloves: You will need gloves to maintain a sterile environment during the spawning process.
Face mask: A face mask is essential to prevent contamination during the spawning process.
Pressure cooker: You will need a pressure cooker to sterilize your substrate.
Step-by-Step Process
Prepare your CVG substrate: To prepare your CVG substrate, mix the following ingredients in a large container, I used:
470 g coco coir
3070 g water
264 g vermiculite
157 g gypsum
Mix the ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined.
Sterilize your substrate: Once you have mixed your CVG substrate, you will need to pasteurize it to kill any bacteria or fungi that may be present. To do this, place your substrate in a large ice chest or container and add boiling water. Allow the substrate to cool completely before moving on to the next step.
Prepare your monotub: Using a drill, create several holes in the sides and lid of your monotub. These holes will allow for airflow and help to regulate temperature and humidity. Stuff the holes with polyfil to act as a filter.
Add your CVG substrate to the monotub: Once your substrate is cool, add it to the monotub 1:1 ratio to brown rice.
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