The Monotub Tek is a popular and effective method for growing mushrooms indoors. It is relatively simple to set up and maintain, and it can be used to grow a variety of mushroom species, including Psilocybe cubensis, medicinal mushrooms, oyster mushrooms, and lion's mane mushrooms.
What is a Monotub?
A monotub is a modified plastic storage container that is used to create a self-contained environment for mushroom cultivation. The container is typically filled with a substrate, such as coco coir, vermiculite, and gypsum, and then inoculated with mushroom spawn. The container is then sealed and placed in a warm, dark location to allow the mycelium to colonize the substrate. Once the substrate is fully colonized, the container is moved to a fruiting chamber, which is a place with high humidity and light, to encourage the mushrooms to grow.
Modified vs. Unmodified Monotubs
There are two main types of monotubs: modified and unmodified. Modified monotubs have holes drilled into the sides of the container to allow for fresh air to enter and carbon dioxide to escape. These holes are often covered with micropore tape to prevent contamination. Unmodified monotubs, on the other hand, rely on flipping the lid of the container to create a small gap for air exchange.
Using The Cultured Fungi Monotub Mushroom Grow Kits
The Cultured Fungi Monotub Mushroom Grow Kits contain pre-sterilized rye grain mushroom spawn bags and pre-sterilized coconut coir, vermiculite, and gypsum (CVG) mix mushroom growing substrates bags. These kits make it easy to get started with Monotub Tek, as you do not need to prepare your own spawn and substrate.
To use a Cultured Fungi Monotub Mushroom Grow Kit, simply follow these steps:
- Inoculate the rye grain spawn bags with your desired mushroom strain. This can be done using a liquid culture syringe or spore syringe.
- Once the spawn bags are fully colonized, mix them with the coconut coir, vermiculite, and gypsum mix substrate bags. Do this in a sterile environment to prevent contamination.
- Fill the Monotub with the spawn-substrate mixture, ensuring even distribution.
- Seal the Monotub and place it in a warm, dark location to allow the mycelium to colonize the substrate. This process can take several weeks.
- Once the substrate is fully colonized, move the Monotub to a fruiting chamber with high humidity and indirect light.
- Harvest the mushrooms when they reach maturity. This is typically when the caps have fully opened but before they start to droop.
Tips for Success
- Maintain proper humidity levels within the Monotub to prevent the substrate from drying out or becoming too wet.
- Monitor the temperature, aiming for a range that is optimal for the specific mushroom species being grown.
- Practice proper hygiene and sterilization techniques to minimize the risk of contamination.
Conclusion
The Monotub Tek is a great way to grow mushrooms indoors, and The Cultured Fungi Monotub Mushroom Grow Kits make it easy to get started. With a little care and attention, you can be harvesting your own mushrooms in no time!