Growing Mushrooms in Everyday Containers: Oatmeal Tubs, Jam Jars, and Protein Powder Buckets

When you first get into mushroom cultivation, it’s easy to think you need specialty bags, tubs, or expensive lab equipment. The truth? Mushrooms will grow just fine in everyday containers you probably already have around the house. As long as you prepare them correctly and keep them clean, they can make surprisingly effective grow vessels.

In this post, I’ll show you a few alternatives I’ve used: oatmeal tubs, jam jars, and protein powder containers. They’re simple, affordable, and in some cases even reusable.

🍄 Oatmeal Tubs

Cardboard oatmeal tubs make a great low-tech option for starting cultures.

• Best for: oysters and other aggressive growers.

• Why it works: the cardboard sides breathe a little, which helps with gas exchange.

• Tips: Line with a plastic bag or wax paper if you’re worried about the container softening as the mycelium colonizes.

🍓 Jam Jars (No-Pour Agar & Grain Spawn)

Jam jars are one of the most versatile mushroom containers out there.

• Agar work: They’re perfect for no-pour agar — just prep agar in the jar, sterilize, and pour nothing at all.

• Grain spawn: The same jars can double as small grain jars once you add a self-healing injection port and filter.

• Bonus: Clear glass lets you watch colonization progress.

🏋️ Protein Powder Containers

Empty protein powder containers (the big white or black ones) are tough, reusable, and surprisingly good fruiting chambers.

• Best for: fruiting blocks (like oysters or lion’s mane).

• Why it works: thick plastic holds humidity better than cardboard and withstands cleaning.

• Tips: Drill or melt a few small holes and cover with micropore tape for air exchange.

Why Use Everyday Containers?

Not everyone has access to unicorn bags or monotubs — and honestly, you don’t always need them. Repurposing what you already have saves money and keeps your grow approachable. These DIY options are especially handy if you:

• Want to experiment without spending much.

• Don’t have access to specialized suppliers.

• Just enjoy being resourceful and creative.

Final Thoughts

Whether it’s a cardboard oatmeal tub, a glass jam jar, or a leftover protein powder container, mushrooms don’t care about brand names. They just need food, moisture, and the right environment.

These container hacks are proof that you can start growing today with what’s around you — and upgrade later if you want.

❓ FAQ: Growing Mushrooms in Everyday Containers

Can I sterilize oatmeal tubs or protein powder containers?

• Oatmeal tubs (cardboard) can’t handle high heat, so don’t pressure cook them. Instead, pasteurize your substrate before filling and keep things clean.

• Protein powder containers (plastic) can be washed with hot soapy water, rinsed, and wiped down with isopropyl alcohol. Don’t put them in a pressure cooker — they’ll warp.

Are jam jars safe for pressure cooking?

• Yes. Glass jam jars can be pressure cooked just like mason jars. The main limitation is size — they hold less grain, so they’re best for smaller batches.

Which container is best for beginners?

• Jam jars are the easiest starting point since they’re heat-safe and let you see colonization progress. Oatmeal tubs and protein containers are more experimental but work once you’ve got a feel for the basics.

Do I need to add air holes or filters?

• For fruiting containers (like protein powder tubs), yes — add a few small holes and cover them with micropore tape.

• For spawn jars, use injection ports and filters. Oatmeal tubs usually don’t need extra holes since cardboard breathes a little on its own.

Will I get the same yields as “proper” equipment?

• Not always. These containers are more about resourcefulness than max efficiency. But for home growers, they can produce plenty of mushrooms without extra cost.