How to prepare Grain Spawn
Introduction:
When you visit our store, we tend to start with the basics of mushroom growing. I like to think that growing mushrooms is more of a journey and that when you get to stop and appreciate every step of the growing process you’ll end up doing better and actually enjoy Mushroom Growing.
What is grain spawn?
Grain spawn is a commonly used substrate for growing mushrooms. It is made by sterilizing grains such as rye, wheat, or millet and then inoculating them with mushroom spores or mycelium. The mycelium grows and colonizes the grains, creating a network of fungal cells that can then be used to inoculate larger substrates such as sawdust, straw, or wood chips.
Grain spawn is a popular method for cultivating mushrooms because it is relatively easy and inexpensive compared to other techniques. The grains provide a nutritious substrate for the mycelium to grow and develop, and the sterilization process helps prevent contamination from other microorganisms.
Grain spawn can be used to grow a variety of mushroom species, including shiitake, oyster, and lion's mane. It is often used by home growers and small-scale farmers who want to produce their own mushrooms for personal use or for sale.
Overall, grain spawn is an essential component of mushroom cultivation and a valuable tool for anyone interested in growing their own mushrooms.
How to Prepare and Make Grain Spawn at Home:
Grain spawn is a commonly used method for cultivating mushrooms, especially for species such as Lions Mane, Reishi, Chicken of the Woods, shiitake and oyster mushrooms. Here's how to prepare grain spawn for mushroom growing:
1. Choose your grain: Common grains used for making spawn include rye, wheat, and millet. Make sure to choose grains that are high in nutrition and have a low likelihood of contamination. You can purchase dried whole grain from us.
2. Sterilize the grain: Rinse the grains and soak them in water overnight. Drain the water and fill the grains into jars or bags. Sterilize the grains in a pressure cooker or autoclave for at least 60 minutes at 15 PSI. We sell Small Autoclaves for Pressure Sterilizing grain spawn. The consistency of the sterilzied grain should be similar to al dente pasta or cooked rice, when grain spawn is sterilized al dente, it retains its shape and texture, and is not overcooked and mushy. It is important to have proper texture and moisture of the cooked grain as to prevent bacterial growth.
Autoclave to Sterilize Grain Spawn.
3. Inoculate the grain: After sterilization, let the grains cool down to room temperature. Add mushroom spores or mycelium to the grains using sterile tools such as a laminar flow hood or a glove box.
4. Incubate the grain: Store the inoculated grain in a warm, dark, and humid environment for several days to allow the mycelium to grow and colonize the grains. The ideal temperature for most mushroom species is around 24-28°C (75-82°F).
5. Use the grain spawn: Once the mycelium has fully colonized the grain, it is ready to be used for inoculating mushroom substrates such as sawdust, straw, or wood chips. You will want to carefully break apart the grain spawn (if in bags) or shake (if in jars). In a clean sterile environment you will want to inoculate your bulk substrate, we usually aim for 1 to 5 ratio of Grain to Bulk Substrate. You’ll want to capture a bit of clean air and create a pocket on the top of the bag then heat seal it, similar to below. Give your Newly inoculated Bulk Substrate “Fruiting Block” a good shake. Slowly watch as the mycelium colonizes the bulk substrate.
Preparing grain spawn for mushroom growing can be a delicate process that requires careful attention to hygiene and sterility. However, with the right tools and techniques, anyone can successfully grow their own delicious and nutritious mushrooms at home.