I have a steady supply of Brewer's spent grain and would like to try growing mushrooms of any easy variety on it. I grabbed two small samples of fresh grain and stuck in some mushroom butts that I had on hand. They seem to be taking to the grain, which prompted me to consider growing mushrooms more seriously.
I know the commercial way would be to grab grow bags and culture syringes and try to do it in a sterile way and I've only seen grain done that way, is that really the only option? I know grain is not natural like wood, and I have doubts that I can grow mushrooms and not a bunch of mold unless I start sterilizing the bags.
But if there's a more
holistic approach with less disposable plastic I'd like to try that. Would lacto-fermenting the grain help deter rampant mold? I can keep the grain in my fridge for a good week without mold growth, can mycelium spread at those temps? Any thoughts from
people more knowledgeable about mushrooms?