Once the labwork is complete and the mycelium is thriving, the next step is inoculation. This process involves placing inoculated grain or spores into a substrate where it will colonize over several weeks.
Unlike fruiting chambers that require strict environmental controls, an inoculation chamber is typically a cool, dark space. If fully colonized spawn is purchased from a supplier, this step can be bypassed, but for those cultivating from scratch, proper inoculation is essential for a successful harvest.
Key Inoculation Techniques and Skills:
- Grain and Substrate Selection – Choosing the right medium, such as wood, manure, vermiculite, or coir, to optimize mushroom growth.
- Substrate Preparation – Pasteurization and sterilization techniques to create a contamination-free environment.
- Colonization Methods – Ensuring successful growth in jars or bags over several weeks before transferring to fruiting chambers.