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Grow Mushrooms From BRF Bags

PF Tek Bag Method for Growing Mushrooms: A Comprehensive Guide

The BRF Bag method also known as the PF Tek bag method is a popular technique for cultivating mushrooms, known for its simplicity, low contamination rate and minimal equipment required. This guide will walk you through the essential steps for successful mushroom cultivation using the PF Tek method.

Product Breakdown

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Vermiculite

Brown Rice Flour

The PF bag contains brown rice flour which is a nutrient for your mycelium in addition to vermiculite which adds hydration to your cake.

Benefits of Using the PF Tek Bag Method

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Beginner Friendly: The PF Tek method is straightforward and doesn’t require advanced equipment.

Minimal Contamination Risk: Fruiting in the sterile bag reduces the risk of contamination.

Efficient Space Utilization: Bags are space-efficient, making them ideal for small grow area

Download our FREE 3-step guide to growing mushrooms
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BRF Bag Method

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Essential Equipment

  • BRF Bags

  • Mushroom Spore or Liquid Culture Syringe

  • Alcohol swabs

  • Spray Bottle

  • Optional: Fruiting Chamber (Can use our Boom Box or Inflatable Monotub: [Buy Here])

Choosing Your Method

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There are two popular methods for using PF cakes:

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Method 1 - fruits the mushrooms in the bag and doesn’t require extra equipment including a shotgun fruiting chamber or monotub.

Method 2-  requires this extra equipment but in our experience, it leads to greater mushroom yields and larger fruits due to the greater quantity of air (fresh air exchange) in the tub compared to fruiting in the bag.

Step-by-Step Method 1​

​Step 1: Inoculate the Bag

  1. Put on the included nitrile gloves and thoroughly wipe the grey injection port with the provided alcohol and chlorhexidine prep pads.

  2. Use a fresh needle and inject 1-2 mushroom spores or liquid culture into the BRF Bag.

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Step 2: Incubate the Bags

  1. Store the inoculated bags in a warm, dark area with temperatures between 70-80°F (21-27°C).

  2. Monitor for mycelium growth. The substrate should become white and fluffy as the mycelium colonizes it.

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Step 3: Fruiting

  1. Once the substrate is fully colonized, the mushrooms will begin to pin in the bag and eventually fruit into mushrooms. You do not need to spray the bag with water. You can “pump” the bag by pushing air in and out of the white fresh air exchange (FAE) filter at the top.

  2. Alternatively, you can cut the bag open with sterile scissors and fold over with a paper clip or micropore tape. This allows for greater co2-o2 exchange and can encourage pinning if your bag is failing to start fruiting. 

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Step 4: Time To Harvest!

  1. Harvest mushrooms when the caps are fully expanded but before they begin to release spores.

  2. Use a clean knife or scissors to cut the mushrooms at the base.

​​Step-by-Step Method 2​

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Step 1: Inoculate the Bag

  1. Put on the included nitrile gloves and thoroughly wipe the grey injection port with the provided alcohol and chlorhexidine prep pads.

  2. Use a fresh needle and inject 1-2 mushroom spores or liquid culture into the BRF Bag.

​

Step 2: Incubate the Bags

  1. Store the inoculated bags in a warm, dark area with temperatures between 70-80°F (21-27°C).

  2. Monitor for mycelium growth. The substrate should become white and fluffy as the mycelium colonizes

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Step 3: Fruiting

  1. Once the substrate is fully colonized, submerge the cake in water overnight or for 12 hours. Place the cake into a shotgun fruiting chamber or monotub, and pour 2-3cm of perlite to increase hydration in the tub as perlite absorbs moisture. 

  2. Spray the tub 4-6 times daily with water to increase humidity (aim for 90-100% humidity reading) and fan 4-6 times daily to increase co2-o2 exchange.

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Step 4: Time To Harvest!

  1. Harvest mushrooms when the caps are fully expanded but before they begin to release spores.

  2. Use a clean knife or scissors to cut the mushrooms at the base, or pluck them.

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Tips For Success

  • Maintain Sterility: Always work in a clean environment to minimize contamination risks. Always use a still air box or laminar flow hood when inoculating your bags.

  • Monitor Humidity and Temperature: Proper conditions are crucial for optimal growth. Aim for 90-100% humidity and 22-28C for fruiting. 

  • Use Quality Spores or Liquid Culture: Ensure that you use sterile mushroom spores from a trusted spore vendor.

BRF Bag Video Guide

Our BRF Bag kit can be found HERE
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Written by Curious Ape Mushrooms 2024

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