MYCOLOGOS | Mobile MycoHome™

MYCOLOGOS Mobile MycoHome™

Supported number of grow kits: 2
Approximate cost: $20–30
Construction time: 20–40 minutes

Materials:

(2) 10’ segment of 1/2” PVC pipe
(4) 1/2” PVC 3-way (X, Y, Z axis) connectors (with one side threaded)
(4) 1/2” PVC threaded slip connectors
(8) 1/2” PVC T-connectors (non-threaded)
(8) 1/2” PVC elbow connectors (non-threaded)

(Note: These materials were all available at our local Home Depot and will likely be found at a big box or neighborhood hardware store near you. Non-threaded 3-way connectors can be substituted for the threaded version, if available. If these are used, the 8.5" pieces in the bottom tier will need to be lengthened.)

Tools:

Measuring tape
Something to cut the PVC, such as a hand saw, a miter saw, sharp knife, or a PVC cutter. Most hardware stores will also cut PVC for free.
Electric drill driver
Optionally, PVC cemen t can be used to create a more permanent MycoHome

Step 1: Cut and Sort

Measure and cut the following segments from the PVC pipe, and sort out the connector pieces for each levels of the MycoHome.

Top Level:

(2) 1.5”
(2) 11”
(4) 1-1/8”
(4) Elbow connectors
(4) T-connectors

Middle Level:

(2) 11”
(8) 9”
(2) T-connectors

Bottom Level:

(2) 11”
(2) 8.5”
(4) 2”
(4) Elbow connectors
(4) 3-way connectors
(4) Threaded male connectors

Step 2: Build the top

Place an elbow connector on either end of both 11” pieces.
Connect two T-connectors with a 1.5” piece, with the third opening of both connectors pointing down.
Connect the T-connectors and elbows with a 1-1/8” piece.

Step 3: Build the middle

As though constructing a wide “H,” face two T-connectors toward each other, connecting them with an 11” piece of PVC.
Make the “H” taller both placing four 8” pieces in the remaining openings.
Repeat with the remaining pieces.

Step 4: Build the bottom

Tightly screw the four male connectors into the threaded arms of the 3-way connectors.
Connect two elbow pieces with an 11” piece of PVC.
Connect each of these elbows to a non-threaded opening of a 3-way connector using a 2” piece of PVC. Orient the 3-way connector so that the threaded female connector is parallel to the 11” piece of PVC and the remaining opening is pointing upward.
Connect the threaded female connectors with an 8.5” piece of PVC.
Repeat steps 2–4 with the remaining pieces.

Step 5: Connect the tiers

Connect the three layers and tighten up the fittings by pushing everything together firmly. Use PVC cement if desired.
Adjust the MycoHome by hand until it sits flat and square.

Use and Maintenance

The MycoHome is designed to fit the perforated compostable bag that ships to Spawn Box members. To use the system, place the MycoHome over a water collecting towel or tray (such as a large baking tray, shallow plastic tub, or small animal kennel tray) in an area with indirect sunlight or with a full spectrum light source (such as a 6500K LED light). After your grow kits have been prepared for fruiting (as detailed in the instructions provided with each Spawn Box), place them on the top and bottom tiers of the MycoHome. Cover the MycoHome with the perforated bag, misting the inside walls of the bag as it is lowered. Try to avoid spraying the kit or any developing mushrooms directly as this can stunt the growth of the mushrooms.

Mushrooms need a high degree of humidity to fully mature, so be sure to remove the plastic bag and mist inside of it often (ideally, at least 1–3 times per day, depending on ambient humidity and temperature levels).