Monotubs are the tried-and-true method for growing mushrooms indoors. They are a simple, cost-effective way to cultivate the world’s most popular mushroom species, allowing growers to have their own fresh produce.

Step 1: Sterilize Your Tub and Lid

In order to inoculate your tub with fungi, you need to sterilize the inside of the tub with rubbing alcohol. This will kill off any harmful bacteria or parasites that may be present in the tub, and ensure that the fungi have a clean environment to grow in.

Put some rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle and use it to thoroughly clean your work surface, the monotub, the lid, and any tools you’ll be using. You’ll want to get all of these items sanitized as much as possible, to increase your odds of success greatly.

Tips and Tricks for Growing Large Quantities of Mushrooms at Home

Once you have your substrate sterile, you’ll need to assemble your monotub. First, fill the bottom of the tub with one inch of sterile substrate. Top this with a thin layer of fully colonized spawn, followed by another inch of substrate. Repeat this process until you’ve reached your desired substrate depth, usually around three to five inches deep throughout the tub.

Build a Liner

To protect your substrate from light, use an opaque tub. You can paint the outside of the tub to keep the fungi from getting confused about where they should make mushrooms, or you can simply line it with a clear plastic sheet.