Introduction: ‘Spawning to bulk’ is the process of transferring your colonized grain (spawn) to a larger substrate to initiate the fruiting stage of mushroom growth. This guide is tailored for beginners, providing detailed steps to ensure a successful transition.
Materials Needed:
- Fully colonized grain spawn.
- Bulk substrate (e.g., coco coir, vermiculite, gypsum mix).
- Large mixing container.
- Sterile gloves.
- Alcohol wipes.
- Large tub or monotub for fruiting.
- Spray bottle with water.
- A clean, still-air environment.
Steps:
- Preparation:
- Clean and disinfect your workspace.
- Wash your hands thoroughly and put on sterile gloves.
- Ensure your bulk substrate is prepared and pasteurized as needed.
- Hydrating the Substrate:
- Make sure your bulk substrate is at field capacity, meaning it’s moist but not dripping water.
- Layering Spawn and Substrate:
- In your large tub, create a layer of the bulk substrate about 2 inches deep.
- Break up your colonized grain spawn and sprinkle a layer over the substrate.
- Repeat these layers, ending with a layer of the substrate on top.
- Mixing (Optional):
- Some growers prefer to mix the spawn and substrate together for more even colonization. If you choose to mix, do so gently to avoid damaging the mycelium.
- Incubation:
- Cover the tub with its lid. If it’s a monotub, make sure the air exchange holes are covered with micropore tape.
- Place the tub in a warm, dark place (around 75°F).
- Check daily for moisture levels, ensuring the substrate doesn’t dry out.
- Monitoring Colonization:
- After a few days, you should see mycelium starting to colonize the bulk substrate. This process can take 1-2 weeks.
- Once fully colonized, the surface will be covered in a white, web-like mycelium.
- Initiating Fruiting:
- Once fully colonized, move the tub to a place with indirect natural light.
- Adjust the temperature to around 70°F.
- Begin misting the surface with water and fanning for fresh air exchange several times a day.
Conclusion: Spawning to bulk is a crucial step in mushroom cultivation that requires patience and care. By following these steps, beginners can successfully transition their colonized grain to a bulk substrate, paving the way for mushroom fruiting. Remember, cleanliness and monitoring environmental conditions are key for a successful spawn to bulk process.