Preparation

  • Ensure your All-In-One Bag is stored in a cool, dry place before use. Gather your chosen liquid culture or spores and a sterile injection needle.
  • Prepare a clean, smooth work area and sterilize all work surfaces with isopropyl alcohol.
  • Ensure that all fans have been turned off and all windows have been closed for at least twenty minutes to encourage a still air environment. The cleaner your environment, the higher your success of avoiding contamination will be. A clean kitchen or bathroom are good examples of ideal environments for the amateur mycologist.

Inoculation

  • Wear nitrile or vinyl gloves and spray them with isopropyl alcohol.
  • Sterilize the injection port on the All-In-One Bag with isopropyl alcohol.
  • Inject the liquid culture or spores into the bag through the injection port.
  • No tape is needed over the injection port as it is self-healing.

Incubation

  • Place the inoculated bag away from direct sunlight in a clean, warm area, away from pets and children, with a temperature range of 75-80°F (24-27°C).
  • Allow the bag to incubate for 2-4 weeks until 30% colonization.
  • At 30% colonization, break the colonized grains up in the bag without opening it.
  • Mix thoroughly and then place back for recolonization (additional 2-4 weeks).

Fruiting

  • Once the substrate is fully colonized, move the bag to a location with indirect light.
  • Cut slits in the bag to allow fresh air exchange and initiate fruiting.
  • Cover slits with micropore tape (available at grocery stores and pharmacies).
  • Maintain a temperature of 65-75°F (18-24°C).
  • The bag will maintain sufficient high humidity as long as it’s only been opened by the placement of slits and does not have air blowing directly on it.

Harvesting

  • Harvest the mushrooms by gently twisting and pulling them from the substrate when the caps begin to flatten. 
  • Cut the bottoms of the mushrooms off if they are covered in substrate.

Maintenance

  • Keep the bag clean and free of contaminants by maintaining a clean space in the surrounding area.
  • Avoid letting the outside of the bag get dirty.
  • Keep it off the floor.
  • Mist the inside of the bag lightly if it appears too dry, but avoid over-watering.

Troubleshooting

  • If you notice contamination (discoloration or foul smell), dispose of the grow bag.
  • Ensure the incubation and fruiting conditions are within the recommended ranges to avoid stunted growth.

Additional Tips

  • For a higher yield, consider using a humidifier in a larger fruiting area (grow tent or grow room) to maintain optimal humidity.
  • Rotate the bag occasionally to ensure even light exposure and air circulation.