How to Save Money in Mycology

How to Save Money in Mycology

I’ve been growing mushrooms for over six years now, and one thing I’ve learned is this: mycology can get expensive fast if you’re not careful. Between substrate materials, tools, jars, and gear, it adds up—especially if you’re growing consistently. But over time, I’ve found a few ways to cut costs without cutting corners.

When I started growing mushrooms, I was broke. I didn’t have a lab, fancy equipment, or money to experiment endlessly. I bought only what I absolutely needed to get started — a pressure cooker, some jars, grain, substrate, and a plastic tub to make a still air box.

Everything else came later, slowly, as I learned what actually mattered and what didn’t. Looking back, that was one of the best things I could’ve done. It forced me to learn the fundamentals instead of throwing money at problems I didn’t understand yet.

Here are a few of my go-to money-saving tricks:

Substrate & Materials (Where Most Money Gets Wasted)

1. Buy Vermiculite in Bulk

When I first started, I used to grab small 8–10 qt bags of vermiculite from the garden store for $15–$20 each. Problem is, those barely last a few substrate batches, and I’d be running out constantly.

Now I buy a large 4-cubic-foot bag for around $60. It might seem expensive upfront, but it lasts me close to a year, depending on how much I’m growing. In the long run, it’s way cheaper than buying the small bags over and over—and I’ll never go back.

👉 [Check out the bulk vermiculite I use on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/

Tools You Don’t Need to Overspend On

2. Use Craft Knives Instead of Scalpel Blades

I used to buy disposable scalpels for agar work and transfers. They worked fine, but I was paying like $15 for a box of ten—and they don’t last long.

Then I found out about craft knives. Total game changer.

You can pick up a craft knife set for around $5–$10 that comes with a handle and multiple replaceable blades. I just wipe it with alcohol and flame-sterilize before use. It works just as well and lasts way longer.

👉 [Here’s a budget craft knife set that works great](https://www.amazon.com/

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This means if you click and buy, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Consumables You Can Reduce or Skip

3. Skip the Nitrile Gloves (in Most Cases)

This one might be a little controversial, but I’ve stopped using nitrile gloves for most of my work—and my contam rate hasn’t gone up.

I used to think gloves were a must, but honestly, if you:

• Wash your hands thoroughly

• Work in a clean-ish, sterile area

• Wipe your hands down with 70% alcohol before handling things

...you’re probably fine without gloves for routine tasks like grain transfers or spawning tubs. I haven’t used gloves in a couple years now, and I rarely get contamination. It’s one less thing to buy—and one less thing to toss.

Final Thoughts

I’m always looking for ways to cut costs and keep mycology sustainable—not just for my wallet, but for the environment too. Small changes like these add up over time, especially if you’re growing on a budget.