How to build a monotub for less than $10
Growing mushrooms at home can be an expensive hobby, especially if you're just starting out. The secret weapon of many mushroom cultivators is a humble fruiting chamber called the 'monotub.' In this article, we'll guide you through creating your own monotub for less than $10, making indoor mushroom cultivation not only achievable but also affordable.
Get ready to cultivate like a champ on a shoestring budget.
Key Takeaways
- 🍄 A monotub is an affordable and effective fruiting chamber used for mushroom cultivation, with the potential to save growers a significant amount of money.
- 🔨 Creating a monotub can be done using basic materials like clear plastic tubs, a drill for air vents, and various options for lining the tub. This allows growers to create their own low-cost solution without compromising on quality or efficiency.
- 🌱 Proper substrate selection and inoculation with high-quality spawn are crucial steps in creating a successful monotub. Sterile substrates like coco coir or vermiculite provide nutrients and moisture for healthy mycelium growth.
- 🌡️ Maintaining optimal temperature (70-75°F) and humidity levels (90-95%) inside the monotub is essential for promoting healthy mushroom growth. Heating mats or adjustable thermostats can help maintain the proper temperature range, while misting the substrate daily aids in maintaining humidity.
What is a Monotub and Why Use It?
A monotub is a versatile fruiting chamber used for mushroom cultivation, serving as both a container for spawn and substrate mixing and a controlled environment for mushroom growth. Its simplicity and cost-effectiveness make it a popular choice among growers, offering higher yields compared to other methods of cultivation.
Benefits of Using a Monotub for Mushroom Cultivation:
Cost-saving advantages: By creating your own monotub using basic materials, you can save money on expensive pre-made fruiting chambers while maintaining quality and efficiency.
Ideal environment: Monotubs provide controlled conditions, including temperature and humidity regulation, essential for successful mushroom growth.
Materials Needed for Creating a Monotub
To create a monotub, you will need a tub or container (preferably clear plastic), a drill for air vents, liner options such as trash bags or plastic sheets, micro-pore tape or felt, and a container like a cup as water reservoir.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tub or container (preferably clear plastic) | $7 at Walmart |
| Drill, and 1in hole saw drill bit | borrow from your neighbor |
| Liner options (trash bags or plastic sheets) | $0.1 |
| Micro-pore tape or felt | ~$2 |
| Water reservoir container (e.g., food container, cup) | recycle your last Wendy's soda cup :) |
Tub/container selection
Look for containers with clear sides to allow visibility of your growing mushrooms and ensure they receive adequate light.
Consider using plastic shoeboxes or storage bins as affordable options.
Liner options
There are various options available for lining your monotub to create a suitable environment for mushroom cultivation. One popular choice is using plastic liners, such as trash bags or heavy-duty polyethylene sheets, which can easily be secured in place with tape.
Another option is using Mylar sheets or emergency blankets, which offer the advantage of reflecting light back onto the mushrooms while providing insulation.
Additionally, some growers opt for using bubble wrap as a liner, which helps retain moisture and create an optimal microclimate within the monotub.
Regardless of your liner of choice, use a bubble wrap sheet on top of your substrate. This will prevent the surface of your substrate to dry.
Substrate and spawn
The substrate serves as the food source for the mushrooms to grow, while the spawn is used to introduce mushroom mycelium into the substrate. The larger the surface area of the substrate the higher yields in general. Most setups require 3-4 inches of substrate depth.
We recommend utilizing smaller bins, commonly known as shoeboxes, which typically hold around 6 quarts and have dimensions of approximately 14x8x4.5 inches. Furthermore, the practice of placing multiple shoeboxes inside the bin offers additional benefits. In the event that one shoebox becomes contaminated, you can continue with the others, thereby reducing risks and minimizing potential frustrations.
It's important to choose sterile substrates and high-quality spawn for optimal results. Sterile substrates can be made from a variety of materials such as coco coir, vermiculite, straw, or sawdust, which provide nutrients and moisture for the mycelium to thrive.
As for spawn, it can be obtained from spore syringes or pre-made grain jars inoculated with mushroom cultures. Choosing a reputable supplier is crucial to ensure healthy and vigorous mycelium growth in your monotub.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Monotub
Top view of the $19 monotub with a fully colonized shoebox inside
To create a monotub, start by preparing the tub, drilling air vents, adding an internal water reservoir and liners.
Finally, maintain temperature and humidity to ensure optimal mushroom growth.
Drilling air vents
A picture of the hole saw drill bit used to open the ventilation holes
To ensure proper airflow and ventilation in your monotub, drilling air vents is a crucial step. These vents allow for the exchange of fresh air while preventing the buildup of carbon dioxide.
Using a hole saw drill bit of ~1 in in diameter, carefully create several evenly spaced holes on the sides of the tub. You should position these holes about 1-2 inches above the surface level of your substrate, so about 5" from the bottom of the bin. Most people use 4-6 holes typically. However, the number and size of the holes will depend on the volume of your monotub and specific environmental requirements.
💡 Pro Tip: drill the holes slowly and gently to avoid bin rupture.
Preparing the tub
To prepare the tub for your monotub, start by cleaning it thoroughly with a mild detergent or alcohol to ensure it's free from any dirt or residue. Rinse it well and allow it to dry completely. Next, you'll want to drill holes in the sides of the tub for proper air circulation.
These holes will allow fresh air to enter and carbon dioxide to escape during mushroom growth. Make sure the holes are evenly spaced and around 1 inch in diameter. Finally, if needed, remove any stickers or labels from the tub that could potentially interfere with the growing process.
By preparing your tub properly, you'll create an ideal environment for successful mushroom cultivation without breaking the bank.
Applying the liner
This image showcases a front view of the low-cost monotub, featuring a fully colonized shoebox, a water reservoir, and strategically placed air exchange holes. The holes can be covered with micro-pore tape or adhesive thin felt to prevent contamination while allowing proper airflow.
To create a successful monotub, it's important to apply a liner inside the tub. This not only helps in maintaining the right moisture levels but avoid mushrooms from growing on the sides of the substrate.
Note: If you are using shoeboxes instead of filling the tub with substrate, it is still recommended to apply a liner to the shoeboxes as well.
Simply cut the plastic liner to fit the dimensions of your tub and secure it with tape or clips.
Ensuring a snug fit, this protective layer seals in moisture and provides an ideal environment for your mushrooms to thrive.
Adding a water reservoir
📷 The image above depicts a food container being filled with water.
To maintain a desirable humidity level in a low-cost monotub, a simple technique is to incorporate a container with a generous surface area and fill it with water.
This clever hack aids in sustaining optimal humidity within the tub. Nevertheless, it is important to regularly check the monotub and spritz it with water to prevent drying out. While spraying, it is advisable to target the walls and lid rather than directly spraying the mushrooms, as this could potentially promote bacterial growth.
Preparing the substrate
To prepare the substrate for your monotub, begin by mixing together the necessary ingredients. This typically includes a combination of organic materials such as coco coir, vermiculite, and gypsum.
These components work together to provide nutrients and proper moisture retention for your mushroom growth. It's important to ensure that the substrate is thoroughly mixed and evenly distributed before moving on to the next step.
Once mixed, you'll need to add water to hydrate the substrate mixture until it reaches the desired consistency – damp but not overly wet. Properly preparing your substrate is essential for creating an optimal environment for mycelium colonization and subsequent fruiting in your monotub.
Pro Tip: It is recommended for beginner to simply guy the substrate ready. And, it is even better to start from fully colonized substrate kits.
Inoculating with spawn
Inoculating with spawn is a critical step in the monotub cultivation process. After preparing the substrate, it's time to introduce the mycelium into the mix. Mycelium, also known as mushroom spawn, is like the root system of fungi that will eventually produce mushrooms.
To inoculate your substrate, carefully distribute small pieces of spawn throughout the mixture, making sure they are evenly distributed for optimal colonization. The mycelium will then begin to grow and spread throughout the substrate, breaking it down and preparing it for fruiting.
This crucial step sets the stage for successful mushroom growth and ensures a bountiful harvest down the line.
The importance of using sterilized tools and maintaining a sterile environment cannot be stressed enough during this process. Contamination can easily thwart your efforts, so make sure to handle everything with clean hands or gloves and work in a clean space free from any potential contaminants.
💡 Pro Tip: For beginners, it is recommended to start with pre-prepared substrate or fully colonized substrate kits for optimal results and lower risks of contamination.
📦 Maximizing Efficiency and Yield 📈
Fruiting Chamber Placement 🌿
Choose a location with stable temperatures (65-75°F/18-24°C) and moderate humidity around 70%. Avoid direct sunlight and place the monotub in a clean, well-ventilated area to prevent temperature fluctuations.
Proper Air Circulation 💨
Promote healthy growth by ensuring adequate airflow. Create small holes or vents on the side walls at regular intervals to facilitate gas exchange. Cover the holes with micropore tape or fabric to prevent contamination while allowing air movement.
Mist and FAE Automation ⏰💦
Automate misting and Fresh Air Exchange (FAE) for optimal growing conditions. Set up a misting system to spray sanitized water onto the monotub's casing, sidewalls, and lid. Introduce fresh air and expel carbon dioxide through holes or fans.
Monitoring and Adjusting 🔍
To ensure successful mushroom cultivation in a monotub, it's crucial to create and maintain the proper temperature and humidity levels 🌡️🌬️. Regularly monitor these conditions using a thermometer and hygrometer.Temperature: Aim for a range of 70-75°F (21-24°C). Use heating mats or adjustable thermostats with built-in sensors to achieve this ideal temperature range.
Humidity: Maintain humidity levels between 90-95%. Mist the substrate and walls of the monotub daily with sanitized water or utilize automated misting systems for consistent moisture. Ways to control humidity in your home.
By following these tips, you'll create an ideal environment for successful mushroom growth and increase your chances of a bountiful harvest! 🍄🌱
Our top recommended tools:
💨 Clean mushroom environment:
🌡️ Control temperature:
📊 Monitoring for Healthy Mushrooms: Wifi NDIR CO2,
* these are affiliate links.
FAQ - How to Build a Monotub for Less Than $10
Q1: What is a monotub, and why should I use it for mushroom cultivation?
A monotub is an affordable and effective fruiting chamber used for mushroom cultivation. It serves as both a container for spawn and substrate mixing and a controlled environment for mushroom growth. Using a monotub can save you money while providing controlled conditions that promote higher yields.
Q2: What materials do I need to create a monotub?
To create a monotub, you will need a tub or container (preferably clear plastic), a drill for air vents, liner options such as trash bags or plastic sheets, micro-pore tape or felt, and a container like a cup for a water reservoir.
Q3: How can I select the right tub or container for my monotub?
Look for containers with clear sides to allow visibility of your growing mushrooms and ensure they receive adequate light. Plastic shoeboxes or storage bins are affordable options to consider.
Q4: What are the options for lining the monotub, and why is it necessary?
Popular options for lining the monotub include using trash bags, heavy-duty polyethylene sheets, Mylar sheets, emergency blankets, or bubble wrap. Lining the monotub helps create a suitable environment for mushroom cultivation, retaining moisture and preventing mushrooms from growing on the sides of the substrate.
Q5: What should I consider when preparing the substrate and selecting spawn?
Choose sterile substrates like coco coir, vermiculite, straw, or sawdust that provide nutrients and moisture for healthy mycelium growth. High-quality spawn obtained from spore syringes or pre-made grain jars is crucial for successful monotub cultivation.
Q6: Can you provide a step-by-step guide for creating a monotub?
Yes! Here's a brief overview:
- Clean and prepare the tub by drilling air vents for proper airflow.
- Apply a liner inside the tub to maintain moisture levels.
- Add a water reservoir container to sustain optimal humidity.
- Prepare the substrate by mixing sterile substrates and water to the desired consistency.
- Inoculate the substrate with spawn, ensuring even distribution.
- Place the monotub in a suitable location with stable temperature and moderate humidity.
Q7: How can I maximize efficiency and yield in my monotub?
Some tips include placing the monotub in a suitable location with stable temperature and moderate humidity, ensuring proper air circulation through small holes or vents, automating misting and fresh air exchange, and monitoring and adjusting temperature and humidity levels.
Q8: What temperature and humidity levels should I maintain in my monotub?
Aim for a temperature range of 70-75°F (21- 24°C) and humidity levels between 90-95%. Use heating mats or adjustable thermostats for temperature control, and mist the substrate and walls daily to maintain humidity.
By following these guidelines, you can build a cost-effective monotub and successfully cultivate mushrooms at home. Read more about our other article on how to Build Your Own Mini Monotub: A Step-by-Step Guide Using Shoeboxes and embark on your journey to successful homegrown mushrooms. Don't miss out on this opportunity to grow your own delicious fungi without breaking the bank. Happy growing! 🍄🌱