How To Build A Monotub

Materials:

• Storage container with a clear lid that latches

  • I prefer the 15 Qt. 14 L Sterilite 161/2 L x 13” W x 65/8” H storage container.  You can purchase these at Walmart for $6

• Ruler

• Permanent marker

• Non-permanent marker

• Black gorilla tape

• Painters tape

• Paper tape

• Blowtorch

• Long 1/2" - 3/4" steel bolt

• Oven mitt

• Scissors

Instructions:

1.)   Black Out The Bottom- Measure 3” from the bottom and mark all around with a sharpie.  Run strips of your black duct tape aligning the top with the dotted line you just created.  We want the bottom to be black to reduce side pinning.  Side pinning is when small, initial mushroom growths (or pins) start to form on the sides or bottom of the fruiting chamber.  This is an issuer because these pins often retain moisture which can quickly lead to contamination.  Flip the tub upside down and continue taping so that the entire bottom and underside is blacked out.

2.)   Mark Your Holes- Once the paint is dry you want to use your non-permanent marker to mark where you will be making your holes.  I like to make 8 holes alternating from a height of 3.5” and 4.5”.  See the sketch below for details.  It is important that these holes are at least half an inch above the tape line

3.)   Melt Your Holes- Once you have made your marks carefully heat up the nail with the blowtorch until it is glowing red.  If you haven’t gathered that this is the point where you should use your oven mitt then your chance of successfully cultivating mushrooms is an inevitable disaster!  Once the nail is glowing red gently push it through each of the 8 marks to create your holes.  I have tried every method you could possibly think of to create these holes, and I promise you anything with a blade will shatter the cheap plastic.  Remove any excess plastic then use the nail to smooth out any points or rough ends so the tape adheres properly.

4.)   Cover The Holes With Tape- Begin with a small piece of paper tape making sure to completely cover the hole.  Then add a larger piece of painter’s tape pressing the edges firmly to seal.  If done correctly you should be able to easily pull off the painter’s tape without it grabbing the paper tape.

How To Make A How To Make A Monotub for Mushroom Cultivation

for Mushroom Cultivation