Specially modified jars are used for the production of grain spawn and liquid culture. Modified mason jars are used to sterilise media in preparation to be inoculated with a live mycelium culture. The jars need to be sealed to maintain the media free from contamination however fresh air exchange is required for the healthy growth of mycelium. The lids are modified to feature a filter for fresh air exchange and a self-healing injection port for easy injection and extraction of liquid cultures.
With these reusable jars you can easily create you own grain spawn or liquid culture with minimal risk of contamination.
What You'll Need
For this tutorial you will need glass jars. I recommend using 500 ml jars. You may use the size of your preference. Plastic lids are fine as long as they can withstand the conditions within the pressure cooker. Plastic lids will not rust and have a longer lifespan.
- Glass Jars
- Step Drill Bit
- Plastic Lids
- PTFE Syringe Filters .22 micron (Hydrophobic)
- Injection Ports
- RTV Sealant
- Gloves
- Micro Pore Tape
Step 1. Drill Holes In The Lid
Make 2 holes in each lid. 1 hole in the centre for fresh air exchange and one near the edge for the injection port. Widen the hole gradually to ensure that the fixings fit tightly in each hole before continuing.
Ball Plastic Wide Mouth Lids
Use plastic mason jar lids to avoid rust and extend the lifespan of your mushroom spawn jars.
Ball leak-proof mason jars lids are perfect for modifying with with a step drill bit to create the perfect smooth edge before installing filters and injection ports.
Step 2. Prepare Expoxy
Prepare epoxy according to safety directions. Make sure to use gloves as this can be messy.
Step 3. Attach Filters & Injection Ports
Working quickly attach syringe filters to the centre holes and injection ports to the outer holes in each lid.
Micro pore tape is an excellent filter material on grain spawn jars due to the increased fresh air exchange.
Buy Syringe Filters Online
- Suitable for mushroom growing
- 25mm diameter with .22 um pore size
- Can be autoclaved and sterilized
- PTFE membrane is naturally hydrophobic
Step 4. Allow Epoxy To Cure
Allow the epoxy to fully cure before using grain spawn & liquid culture jars.
Learn To Make Grain Spawn & Liquid Culture
Discover how to use modified jars for mushroom growing with our online guide demonstrating how to make grain spawn and how to make liquid culture.
