What Is Grain Spawn?
Grain spawn is a little known secret weapon of the world of mushroom cultivation.
It’s made from sterilised grains that have been inoculated with a live mycelium culture. These inoculated grains are consumed by the growing mass of mycelium.
The fully colonised grain spawn can be used as a starter culture for growing mushrooms. These grains are sometimes referred to as mushroom seeds due to their appearance and application.
Why Use Grain Spawn?
Grain spawn contains a lot of energy for the mycelium to consume. It’s a bit like rocket fuel for mushrooms. Once it’s added to your substrate it takes off like wild fire.
Mother Nature works her magic using spores but in a controlled environment you need to tip the scales in your favour by using clean high-quality grain spawn so you are doing your best to ensure success.
Grain spawn is incorporated into a bulk substrate which is subsequently colonised by the mycelium culture. Once ready it will begin to convert the energy from within the bulk substrate into mushrooms.
A wide range of materials can be used as a bulk substrate for growing mushrooms. These include mulch, straw, paper, coffee grounds, hardwood sawdust and more.
Learn more about the differences between different bulk substrates for growing mushrooms in our guide to substrates.
Grain Spawn
Available Internationally
Learn How To Make Grain Spawn
Eventually any budding mycological fanatic will want to try their hand at making grain spawn. Learning to make grain spawn at home is a valuable experience. Learn more about mushroom spawn and how it’s made with our step by step guide.
