Step by step inoculation guide

🛠️ Pre-Inoculation Checklist

Before you begin, get everything ready. Good preparation is the key to success.‌

• Prepare Your Space: Work in a draft-free room and wipe down all surfaces with 70% isopropyl alcohol. A still air box or a clean, closed bathroom works well.‌
• Gather Your Gear: Have these items within reach: your grain bags, spore/liquid culture syringe, 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes, nitrile gloves, a face mask, and a lighter (if flame-sterilizing a reusable needle).‌‌
• Inspect Your Bags: Check for any damage, torn filter patches, or visible contamination before use. Let bags sit for 1–2 weeks after receipt to ensure no contamination appears.‌
  

📝 Step-by-Step Inoculation Instructions

1. Sanitize Yourself & Your Work Area: Put on your gloves and mask, then thoroughly wipe your gloved hands with an alcohol wipe.‌
2. Prepare the Injection Port: Wipe the black self-healing injection port on your bag with an alcohol wipe for 15–20 seconds and let it air-dry completely. Do not touch or remove the white filter patch.‌
3. Prepare the Syringe: Vigorously shake the syringe for 30 seconds to evenly distribute the culture. Attach a new, sterile needle if needed.‌
   • For Multiple Bags (2–4): If you are reusing the same syringe for multiple bags, flame-sterilize the needle until it glows red and let it cool for 5–10 seconds before each injection.‌
4. Inoculate the Bag(s): Insert the needle through the injection port. Push it about 1 inch into the bag and angle it upward.‌
   • Dosage & Distribution: Slowly inject 2–5 mL of liquid culture or spore solution, distributing it into different areas of the grain to speed colonization. Some guides suggest up to 10 mL, but starting with 5 cc is a safe standard for most bags. Over-injecting can add excess moisture.‌‌‌
   • For 1 Bag: Inject the full dose into a single spot, then gently massage the bag to spread the culture.
   • For 2–4 Bags: Work efficiently. Inoculate one bag at a time. After each injection, wipe the port again with alcohol and flame-sterilize the needle before moving to the next bag.‌
5. Seal and Mix: Withdraw the needle and wipe the port with alcohol once more. Gently massage the bag to distribute the solution through the grain, but avoid breaking the kernels.‌
6. Incubate: Place the bag(s) in a warm, dark place. The ideal temperature range is 70–78°F (21–26°C).‌
   

💡 Aftercare & What to Expect

• Patience is Key: It can take 7–14 days to see the first signs of white mycelium growth, as bags often colonize from the inside out.‌
• Break & Shake: Once the grain is 20–30% colonized (covered in white mycelium), you can gently break up and mix the contents to speed up colonization.‌‌
• Watch for Contamination: If you see green, black, or pink spots, or smell something sour, discard the bag immediately.‌
  The most critical factor for success is sterile technique—work cleanly and quickly. If you have a specific mushroom strain or bag type in mind, feel free to ask for more tailored advice.‌