How to use Sterilized Coco Coir (CVG) Mushroom Substrate

In this guide, you will learn how to inoculate sterilized mushroom cvg substrate using colonized grain spawn. CVG substrate is best used with Psilocybe Cubensis varieties. We sell sterilized gourmet mushroom substrate here.

As a side note, if the spawn you are using is contaminated, the substrate will not work. Please ensure your spawn comes from a reliable supplier and has been tested. 

Cleanliness

Keeping your workspace, spawns, substrate, and cultures clean and sterile is essential to successful mushroom cultivation. Each step of the process takes a significant amount of time, and the last thing you want is for you to introduce competing bacteria to your developing mycelium, resulting in a contaminated grow.

Take the time to clean all of your tools, yourself, workspace, and supplies with isopropyl alcohol, as well as ensure that the spawns and substrates are sterilized correctly. 

To successfully inoculate mushroom substrate, you will need fully colonized spawn. 

Occasionally, people ask if they can inject spores or liquid culture directly into substrate without first starting with a spawn. The answer is no.

How to Inoculate Sterilized CVG Mushroom Substrate

Ideally, you will want to perform these tasks in front of a flow hood or within a still-air box. At the very least, in a low-airflow room that has been cleaned with any airflow devices turned off and the door closed. This helps reduce contamination risk as the sterile mediums will be exposed to the open air while you’re performing the mixing.

The process will vary slightly depending on which fruiting method you plan on using (bags or tubs). 

1. Slip on a pair of gloves and begin cleaning everything with 70% isopropyl alcohol. 
2. Break up the fully colonized spawn from outside the bag or jar before beginning.
3. With clean scissors, cut open the top of the substrate bag and the spawn bag.
4. For monotub users, pour both mediums into the clean monotub, mix with your hands, and lightly tamp. For bag fruiting, dump the spawn into the substrate bag and mix the mediums together from outside the bag.
5. Quickly seal the bag or monotub to prevent any contaminants from getting inside.
6. Place the newly mixed substrate in a warm, dark place for colonization. 
7. Once the substrate has turned fully white with mycelium colonization, it’s time to fruit the mushrooms.
8. To fruit, you must change the environmental conditions (see below).
9. After 5 to 10 days, baby mushrooms will develop and mature quickly.
10. Harvest and place back in fruiting conditions for continuous fruiting until all of the nutrients have been used up.

Note: Colonization can take 1 to 3 weeks. Place the bag in a dark, warm spot (20C to 25C), and ensure the bag is not suffocated. Fresh air exchange will occur through the filter patch near the top of the bag

Fruiting Conditions

Increase Humidity

• Mist the sides of your tub or the sides of your bag with a water spray bottle set to “fine mist setting.” You should always see condensation on the walls of your fruiting device. However, avoid water pooling on the surface of your substrate.

Increase Fresh Air Exchange

• During fruiting, mushrooms need more fresh air than during previous colonization phases. The filtered air holes built into your monotub or fruiting bag will not be enough. Crack the lid on your monotub or fruiting bag to achieve this. 
• Tip: For bags, cut the top of the sealed bag, and attach a binder clip to allow just enough air to get in and out.

Light Exposure

• After removing your fruiting device from the darkness during colonization, it should now be exposed to 12 hours of indirect light and 12 hours of darkness. The light source can be indirect light from a window, or a light in the room where your mushrooms are.

Temperature

• To fruit your mushrooms, the temperature should be between 20 °C and 25 °C, or 68°F and 77°F.

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