Mushroom Growing FAQs - Simply Mushrooms

I. Is grain spawn the same as an all-in-one grow kit?

No, grain spawn is not an all-in-one kit and cannot be used to fruit mushrooms out of the bag. Grain spawn must be mixed with bulk substrate before you can fruit it.

II. How do I use grain spawn?

Grain spawn can be used in a wide variety of ways, including indoor growing, outdoor growing, or making more grain spawn. (Grain spawn can be used to make plug or sawdust spawn, not just other grain spawn.)

Indoors, you can mix grain spawn with the bulk substrate to grow in bags, in containers, or to create fruiting cakes.
Outdoors, you can mix grain spawn with straw or wood chips to make beds and containers. (Note: Grain spawn can not be used for logs.)
A grain-to-grain transfer allows you to extend the life of your grain and create more grain spawn.

III. Can I fruit my mushrooms off of grain spawn?

Unfortunately, mushrooms don't fruit well off of just grain. Though some mushrooms may eventually grow off-grain spawn, the yields will be minuscule. It's much better to use it to inoculate other substrates. Most mushrooms prefer to fruit off of grain mixed with substrates like manure, hardwood, sawdust, compost, or straw. (Fun fact, oyster mushrooms will grow on all of these! )

IV. What substrate should I use with my grain spawn?

It depends on what your mushroom species prefer. The most common fruiting substrates are manure, hardwood, sawdust, compost, or straw.

V. How long can I store my sterile substrate?

If kept at room temperature and out of direct sunlight, sterile substrates can be stored for several months before use.

VI. Should I refrigerate my sterile substrate?

Sterile substrates do not require refrigeration; we recommend storing them at room temperature. If kept at room temperature and out of direct sunlight, all sterile substrates can be stored for several months before use.

VII. How are substrates sterilized?

Sterile substrates are processed in a commercial-grade autoclave. Sterility is verified using biological indicators and temperature sensors.

VIII. How much liquid culture should I use to inoculate my injection port bag?

We recommend using 2.5-5ccs per 3lb injection port bag. We do not typically recommend using an entire syringe in one bag. Doing so adds excessive moisture, which can create over-saturation in the bag. This over-saturation can pool and is prone to being anaerobic. Due to this, the mycelium will have a hard time colonizing.

IX. How much substrate can a 6lb bag of spawn inoculate?

One 6 lb. bag of grain will inoculate between 120-165 lb. sterilized sawdust and 100-130 lb. pasteurized straw.

X. How do I store my grain spawn, and for how long?

Our grain spawn can be stored for up to 3 months in the refrigerator.

XI. How is your grain sterilized before inoculation?

All of our grain spawn is sterilized in a commercial-grade autoclave. We also verify sterility using biological indicators and temperature sensors. e. Sterile Substrates

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