Sterile Substrate FAQ

Keep sterile substrates at room temperature and out of direct sunlight. Refrigeration is not required. Stored this way, all sterile substrates will keep for several months before use.

Sterile substrates are processed in a commercial-grade autoclave. Sterility is verified using biological indicators and temperature sensors.

Yes. North Spore stands behind its products 100%. Our mission is to help you successfully grow mushrooms, and we're here to guide you throughout the process. If you're ever dissatisfied with our products for any reason, just let us know — we're always here to help.

It depends on how you're using it. When added as an ingredient in your substrate mix, coco coir does need to be pasteurized or sterilized. When used as a casing layer on top of fully colonized substrate, it does not — the risk of contamination is significantly lower once colonization is complete.

Yes! We made the following monotub tek instruction video using Boomr Bag — the same technique applies across our sterile substrate range.

Each spawn bag contains our proprietary blend of hydrated, nutrient-rich organic millet and wheat berries.

We recommend letting your Injection Port Bag sit for 1–2 weeks before injection. This exposes any issues that may have occurred in shipping and prevents wasted spores or culture syringes. If you find your product is compromised, please email us at info@northspore.com.

We recommend 2.5–5 ccs per 3 lb injection port bag. Do not use an entire syringe in one bag — excess moisture causes oversaturation, which can become anaerobic and prevent colonization.

Boomr Bag features a proprietary blend of composted horse manure, coco coir, and several quality substrate supplements — though we keep the exact formula a secret!

A "boomer" is any mushroom that grows rapidly. We formulated Boomr Bag to maximize yield, so the name seemed fitting.

Boomr Bag is ideal for any mushroom species that prefers a nutrient-rich media, including Agaricus sp., shaggy mane, oyster mushrooms, and more.

We recommend 1 lb of colonized grain spawn per 5 lb Boomr Bag. Higher inoculation rates may improve success. Mix spawn thoroughly, and always use clean hands and latex gloves to reduce contamination risk.

In a monotub, filter bag, or outdoor bed.

Yes! We made the following monotub tek instruction video using Boomr Bag.

A substrate mix of coco coir, vermiculite, and gypsum, designed for moisture retention, aeration, and pH stability.

Medicinal dung-loving species.

Typically a 1:2 or 1:3 ratio of spawn to substrate — this supports even colonization and keeps contamination risk low.

In monotubs, filter bags, trays, or an outdoor bed. CVG works especially well in monotubs and is beginner-friendly.

Wood Lovr contains a mix of micro-to-macro particle sizes of premium North American hardwood chips and sawdust, with added nitrogen supplementation to speed growth and maximize yield.

Wood Lovr is ideal for wood-loving species — oyster mushrooms, lion's mane, nameko, and more.

We recommend 1 lb of colonized grain spawn per 5 lb Wood Lovr bag. Higher inoculation rates may improve success. Always use clean hands and latex gloves to reduce contamination risk.

In a monotub, filter bag, or outdoor bed.

Yes! The monotub tek video below was made using Boomr Bag — substitute Wood Lovr depending on the species you're growing.