When it comes to growing magic mushrooms, one of the first decisions you’ll make is whether to use a grow tub or a grow bag. Both methods are effective but cater to different needs depending on your goals and the strain you’re cultivating. If your goal is maximizing your harvest, understanding the pros and cons of each setup is crucial.
In this guide, we’ll explore the differences between grow bags and grow tubs, how to choose the right one for your strain, and what to consider if you aim for a bigger yield. By the end of this article, you’ll have the insights to pick the best method for your mushroom-growing journey.
Growing Magic Mushrooms At Home: Easier Than You Think
Even though growing your own magic mushrooms takes some care and specialized equipment, once you get the right spores and substrate, they’ll grow like a weed (or, well, a fungus). The most important thing to know is that everything must be sanitized. You’re creating a wet and warm environment for a fungus to thrive; you must ensure no molds or other fungi find their way in as well.
No matter which growing technique you choose, the first step is to pick the strain of mushroom you want to grow. Choose a strain that’s beginner-friendly, such as Golden Teacher or Albino Penis Envy, with strong genetics and a reasonably short fruiting time. Once you order and receive your spores, it’s time to let them grow their “roots.”
How To Inoculate Your Mushroom Spores
For most growing methods, you will need to transfer your spores into an inoculation chamber so they can grow into mycelium. Mycelium is the fungus itself — if mushrooms are the flowers, then mycelium is the root system. Here are some of the most popular inoculation methods for psilocybin:
Popcorn Kernels
You can use unpopped popcorn kernels to encourage mycelium growth. Sanitize them in either boiling water or a pressure cooker, making sure to get as much moisture into the kernel as possible. Once cooled, pour them into a sanitized glass jar and add your spores. Store in a cool, dark place.
Plain Brown Rice
Plain brown rice, made in a pressure cooker or regular pot and then cooled, is another excellent medium for mushroom inoculation. Place the rice in a glass jar, add the spores, and keep the jar in a cool, dark place.
Uncle Ben’s Rice Bag
Popularized online, many mushroom growers utilize prepackaged brown rice to colonize their spores, as the rice packs are already sanitized and pasteurized. You’ll need your spores, a microwavable plain brown rice bag, and micropore tape. You can insert the syringe directly into the bag and cover the hole left behind with micropore tape.
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Mushroom Grow Tubs
Mushroom grow tubs, often called monotubs, provide an efficient and scalable option for cultivating magic mushrooms. They’re an excellent choice for growers who want to produce larger yields in a controlled environment.
The Pros
Grow tubs come with several benefits that make them popular among mushroom cultivators:
- High yield potential: Grow tubs can hold more substrate, producing higher yields than smaller setups.
- Reusable setup: Once you have a tub, you can clean and reuse it for future grows, making it cost-effective in the long run.
- Controlled environment: The sealed design of grow tubs helps maintain consistent humidity and temperature, which are crucial for mushroom growth.
With proper care and maintenance, grow tubs can deliver impressive results for both beginners and experienced growers.
The Cons
However, there are some drawbacks to using grow tubs that you should be aware of before getting started:
- Space requirements: Grow tubs take up more room than smaller setups, which might be an issue for those with limited space.
- Higher risk of contamination: Because they involve more substrate and materials, contamination can spread quickly if not properly sanitized. Bacteria and other contaminants can cover a larger area in a shorter time, creating waste in large batches.
- Initial setup effort: Preparing a grow tub requires more upfront effort, including drilling holes for ventilation and lining the tub correctly.
While grow tubs can be rewarding, the potential risks and setup requirements mean they’re best suited for growers ready to commit to the process.
Mushroom Grow Bags
Mushroom grow bags are specialized bags designed to create a controlled environment for mushroom cultivation. They are typically made from durable, breathable material that allows gas exchange while retaining moisture, making them ideal for growing fungi. The bags often come pre-filled with sterilized substrate or can be filled with your choice of substrate, providing a ready-made growing environment for your mushroom spores or mycelium.
The Pros
Grow bags have many advantages, making them a go-to choice for those starting their mushroom cultivation journey:
- Ease of use: Many grow bags are pre-sterilized and ready to use, requiring minimal preparation. Simply add your spores and let the bag do the work.
- Compact design: Grow bags take up less space than grow tubs, making them ideal for small-scale growers or those with limited space.
- Low contamination risk: Because the bags are sealed, there’s less risk of contamination entering the growing environment, especially during the colonization phase.
For first-time growers, grow bags offer a hassle-free way to start cultivating magic mushrooms with minimal risk.
The Cons
Despite their convenience, grow bags also come with some limitations that might affect your decision:
- Limited yield: Grow bags are smaller than tubs, so the yield is typically lower.
- Single-use: Unlike grow tubs, most grow bags are designed for one-time use, which can make them more costly over time.
- Restricted scalability: Grow bags’ limited size can be a drawback for growers who want to expand their production.
While grow bags are perfect for smaller setups, their size and single-use design may not suit those aiming for larger-scale operations.
Picking The Right Environment For Your Strain
Choosing between a mushroom grow bag and a grow tub depends mainly on the specific needs of the mushroom strain you plan to cultivate. While both methods can be effective, certain strains may thrive better in one environment over another based on their temperature, humidity, and airflow requirements.
- Temperature: Most psilocybin strains, like Golden Teacher and B+, do well in a temperature range of 70–80°F (21–27°C) during colonization and slightly cooler conditions during fruiting. If you’re growing a strain that requires tighter temperature control, a grow tub might be the better choice due to its ability to maintain a stable environment. Grow bags, however, can still work for strains with broader temperature tolerance.
- Humidity: Proper fruiting requires high humidity, often around 90% or higher. Strains that require consistently high humidity may benefit from grow bags, as their sealed design helps retain moisture effectively. On the other hand, grow tubs, with their larger capacity and ventilation options, allow for more precise humidity adjustments, making them suitable for strains with specific needs.
- Ventilation: Proper airflow is critical to prevent CO2 buildup and encourage healthy growth. Grow tubs are generally better for strains requiring more active airflow because they can be modified with ventilation holes. Grow bags, while naturally sealed, are ideal for strains that tolerate less airflow or are prone to contamination.
By considering the unique requirements of your chosen strain and how well each method aligns with those needs, you can select the grow setup that maximizes your chances of success while minimizing risks.
Image source: Pexels
Starting Your Mushroom Journey With SporesMD
If you’re ready to begin growing magic mushrooms, SporesMD is a great place to start. They offer high-quality spores for beginner-friendly strains like Golden Teacher and B+. With various options and a commitment to quality, SporesMD ensures you’re starting your journey with the best materials possible.
Whether you use tubs or bags or experiment with both, the right spores make all the difference. Visit SporesMD today to find the perfect strain for your setup and take the first step toward a rewarding cultivation experience!
FAQs About Different Mushroom Growing Methods
What Is the Easiest Mushroom Strain to Grow at Home?
Golden Teacher and B+ are widely regarded as the easiest strains for beginners to grow. They are forgiving of minor mistakes, have strong genetics, and fruit relatively quickly, making them ideal for first-time cultivators.
How Long Does It Take to Grow Magic Mushrooms?
The process, from inoculating the spores to harvesting mature mushrooms, typically takes 4–8 weeks. The timeline depends on the strain, growing method, and environmental conditions.
Are Grow Bags or Grow Tubs Better for Beginners?
Grow bags are often better for beginners because they require less setup, take up less space, and are easier to manage regarding contamination. Grow tubs may be more suitable for those with experience or wanting to cultivate larger yields.
Can I Reuse My Grow Bags or Grow Tubs?
Grow bags are usually single-use because they can’t be easily cleaned or sterilized after a harvest. Grow tubs, on the other hand, can be reused if they are thoroughly cleaned and sterilized between grows.
What Are Common Contamination Signs to Look For?
Common signs of contamination include unusual colors (green, black, or pink), foul odors, or fuzzy growth that doesn’t resemble healthy mycelium. To avoid spreading mold or bacteria, always discard contaminated substrates.
Do I Need a Pressure Cooker for Mushroom Cultivation?
While not always necessary, a pressure cooker is highly recommended, especially for sterilizing your substrate. It ensures that the substrate is free of contaminants, which is critical for successful growth.
How Do I Store Mushroom Spores Before Using Them?
Mushroom spores should be stored in a cool, dark place like a refrigerator to preserve their viability. Avoid exposing them to heat or light, as this can reduce their effectiveness.
What Should I Do If My Mushrooms Aren’t Fruiting?
If your mushrooms aren’t fruiting, check the environmental conditions. Ensure the humidity is high enough, temperatures are within the optimal range, and the mycelium gets enough fresh air exchange. Adjusting these factors can often resolve the issue.
