How to Create a Monotub Mushroom Fruiting Chamber

Growing mushrooms at home is a great way to have access to fresh, organic produce. It can also be a good way for you and your family to explore the process of cultivating fungi in a safe environment. Mushrooms are relatively easy to grow because they don't need much light or heat from the sun. This article will discuss how to create a simple mushroom fruiting room in your home.

Step 1: Identify your method

There are a few different ways you can go about growing mushrooms at home. Some of the most popular ones include the monotub, which is similar to the shotgun terrarium. The monotub is composed of plastic containers with holes drilled in the side for air flow. They are usually made out of opaque material so that they can trap heat to promote mushroom formation. We are going to discuss the monotub method in this article.

Step 2: Drill holes in the tub

Once you have your container, it is time to drill holes. The number of holes that need to be drilled depends on how many mushrooms will be fruiting at once and where they are located. You want to avoid putting any holes near the bottom because this can lead moisture from inside getting out and causing problems with mold. Most people drill a few holes near the top and a couple on each side.

Step 3: Choose your substrate and spawn

Once you have acquired a monotub, the next step is to choose what type of substrate you want to use for growing mushrooms. Common substrates include straw, wood chips, coffee grounds or grain spawn. You can also buy pre-packaged substrates from a store. Mix this substrate with water and place it in the monotub. The next step is to add spawn, which are little chunks from mature mushrooms that have been grown previously under similar conditions. You can find spawn online or at your local cultivator supply shop.

Step 4: Incubate the monotub

The final step is to add a lid and place it in an area that maintains a temperature between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit. This requires some planning because you don't want your fruiting room too hot or cold, which can hinder mushroom growth. You should also keep track of how often you mist the substrate inside the monotub to keep it moist. This process can take up to two weeks before you see any growth, but be patient because the mushrooms will eventually appear.

Step 5: Ensure that all other conditions are right

Mushrooms are fairly resilient, but it is important to make sure that all other conditions in the fruiting room are perfect for them. This includes making sure there is some light getting into the monotub. A florescent light over the top of it is usually enough, but you can also use a grow light if necessary. Make sure that the humidity levels stay between 80% and 90% to prevent mushrooms from getting too dry. How long will this take? The entire process should only take about three weeks; however, it can vary based on the type of mushroom you are growing.