SHROOMFOLK
ALL-IN-ONE GROW BAG KIT
Instructions for Use
Your Kit Contains
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✓ All-in-One Grow Bag Sterile rye grain (bottom layer) CVG substrate (top layer) ✓ Agar Tester |
✓ Alcohol Wipes (2) ✓ Nitrile Gloves ✓ Spray Mister ✘ Culture syringe (sold separately) |
Your bag has two layers. Inject ONLY into the lower grain layer through the bottom injection port.
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⚠ CRITICAL WARNINGS • Never inject into the substrate layer — only the rye grain layer accepts liquid culture • Always wear PPE — re-sanitize gloves before handling • Never open the bag during colonization — this introduces contamination • Use only sterile/distilled water — tap water contains contaminants |
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1 |
PRE-INOCULATION PREP |
• Clean your work surface thoroughly with included alcohol wipes.
• Put on the provided nitrile gloves. Wear a face mask if available.
• Wipe the injection port on the bag with an alcohol wipe.
• Have your culture syringe, agar tester, and bag ready before proceeding.
Work in a still, draft-free room. Turn off fans and close windows.
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2 |
AGAR TESTING (MANDATORY) |
Test your culture BEFORE injecting into your kit. This protects your investment.
• Shake your liquid culture syringe vigorously for 30 seconds.
• Inject exactly 0.5ml (about 3 drops) onto the agar tester surface.
• Seal the agar tester and store at 75-80°F for 3-5 days.
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✔ HEALTHY — Proceed Pure white, fluffy growth radiating from the drop points. No discoloration. |
✘ CONTAMINATED — Discard Any green, black, pink, or yellow colors. Sour smell. Slimy or wet patches. |
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⚠️ |
If your agar test shows contamination, DO NOT inject into your kit. Contact your culture supplier for a replacement. |
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3 |
INOCULATION |
• Shake the liquid culture syringe vigorously for 30 seconds to break up and distribute the mycelium.
• Wipe the injection port closest to the BOTTOM of the bag with a fresh alcohol wipe.
• Insert the syringe needle through the bottom injection port.
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⚠️ |
INJECT INTO THE GRAIN LAYER ONLY. The needle should reach into the rye grain at the bottom of the bag. Never inject into the substrate layer on top. |
• Slowly inject 5-10ml of liquid culture while gently rotating the needle to distribute the culture across the grain.
Even distribution is critical — uneven inoculation causes patchy colonization and increases contamination risk.
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4 |
COLONIZATION |
• Place the bag in a dark environment such as a closet or cabinet.
• Store in complete darkness at 70-75°F (21-24°C).
• DO NOT OPEN the bag during colonization. The filter patch handles gas exchange.
• Check progress every few days by looking through the bag — do not open.
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LIQUID CULTURE 4-8 weeks for full colonization |
SPORE SYRINGE 8-12 weeks for full colonization |
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5 |
BREAK & SHAKE |
This step is essential for even colonization and preventing anaerobic conditions inside the bag.
When to do it: Once 30-40% of the grain layer shows white mycelium growth. You will see white patches on the grain when looking through the bag.
How to do it: Without opening the bag, use your hands to gently break up the colonized grain through the bag and mix it together with the substrate layer. Knead and massage the bag until the grain and substrate are blended together.
• After mixing, lay the bag flat and spread the contents evenly.
• Return the bag to darkness at 70-75°F.
• Allow the bag to fully colonize — the entire contents should appear bright white with no uncolonized patches.
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⚠️ |
Do NOT open the bag during this process. All mixing happens through the sealed bag. |
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6 |
FRUITING & HARVESTING |
Once the bag is 100% colonized (all white, no brown patches visible), it is time to trigger fruiting.
FRUITING METHOD 1: THE PASSIVE APPROACH (Try This First)
This method requires no bag modification. It is the simplest way to fruit and works well for many varieties.
A. Move the bag: Place the fully colonized bag in a fruiting environment at 68-70°F (20-21°C) with indirect light on a 12-hour on/off cycle.
B. Let it grow: Simply lower the temperature, provide the light cycle, and let the mushrooms grow naturally. The filter patch provides adequate air exchange.
If no pins form within two weeks using the passive method, proceed to Method 2 below.
FRUITING METHOD 2: CUT-TOP (If Passive Doesn’t Pin)
This method increases fresh air exchange to trigger pinning. Use this if the passive approach doesn’t produce pins within two weeks.
A. Cut the top: Using clean scissors, cut the top seal off the bag to create a large opening. This significantly increases fresh air exchange (FAE), which helps dissipate CO2 and triggers fruiting.
B. Mist daily: You MUST mist the inside of the bag at least once daily using the provided mister to prevent the substrate from drying out.
C. Maintain humidity: Placing the entire bag inside a plastic tote will help maintain humidity. Alternatively, fold the cut opening loosely to create a tent effect.
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⚠️ |
Once you cut the bag open, daily misting is mandatory. An open bag dries out fast. |
Conditions to Maintain
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TEMPERATURE 65-70°F |
HUMIDITY 85-95% |
LIGHT 12hr/day (indirect) |
When to Harvest
• Caps have fully uncurled and opened but have NOT yet dropped spores (dark powder on the surface).
• Stems feel firm and solid, not mushy.
• Harvest by gently twisting and pulling the mushroom at the base. Do not cut.
Multiple Flushes
After harvesting, soak the substrate by carefully pouring distilled water into the bag until the substrate is submerged. Let it sit for 6-12 hours, then carefully drain off the excess water by tilting the bag. Resume fruiting conditions. Most kits produce 2-4 flushes.
Questions? Email support@shroomfolk.com