All-in-One Grow Bags vs. Monotubs: Why Monotubs Are the Better Choice for Growing Mushrooms

If you're new to mushroom cultivation or looking to upgrade your current setup, you’ve likely come across all-in-one grow bags and monotubs. Both are popular options in the home mycology world, and while all-in-one bags offer convenience, monotubs win when it comes to yield, scalability, and long-term success. Let’s break down the pros and cons of each — and why we believe monotubs are the superior choice for most growers.

All-in-One Grow Bags: The Convenience Factor

All-in-one grow bags are pre-packaged grow systems that usually include a sterilized substrate, grain, and sometimes a self-healing injection port. They're designed to let you inoculate the bag, let it colonize, and fruit all in one container — no extra equipment needed.

Pros:

• Beginner-friendly – Very little setup or knowledge required.

• Space-saving – Great for small spaces or closets.

• No equipment necessary – No tubs, lights, or extra tools needed.

Cons:

• Limited yield – Typically produces smaller flushes.

• Less control – Once it's sealed, you can’t easily fix contamination or drying issues.

• One-and-done – After the first flush or two, performance drops quickly.

• Harder to scale – Not ideal if you want to grow multiple strains or increase your output.

Monotubs: Control, Volume, and Results

Monotubs are larger plastic containers modified for airflow and humidity control. When used properly, they create an ideal fruiting environment and can produce significantly more mushrooms over time.

Pros:

• Higher yield potential – More substrate and better conditions = bigger harvests.

• Better environmental control – You can dial in humidity, airflow, and light to optimize performance.

• Easier to monitor – You can visually inspect the grow at all stages.

• Reusable setup – Once built, you can run batch after batch with the same tub.

• Great for bulk grows – Ideal for hobbyists or semi-serious cultivators who want consistent results.

Cons:

• Slight learning curve – You’ll need to understand basic sterile technique and maintenance.

• More space required – Best if you have a dedicated area like a closet, shelf, or grow tent.

• Requires a few extra tools – Substrate, grain spawn, liner, and micropore tape at minimum.

Why We Recommend Monotubs

At Colorado Cultures, we’ve tested it all — and monotubs consistently outperform all-in-one bags in nearly every category that matters to serious growers. With a monotub setup, you’ll get:

• Bigger and healthier flushes

• More control over environmental factors

• Longer lifespan per grow cycle

• Better bang for your buck over time

If you’re ready to level up your mushroom cultivation game, we always recommend starting with a simple monotub kit and learning the basics of spawning and fruiting. The payoff in both quality and quantity is worth the extra effort.

Final Thoughts

All-in-one grow bags can be a good way to dip your toes in, but monotubs are the future-proof choice if you’re serious about growing mushrooms. Whether you're cultivating gourmet, medicinal, or exotic strains, a monotub gives you the flexibility and performance needed to really thrive.

Need help getting started? Swing by our shop or check out our online store for monotub kits, spawn bags, substrate, and everything else you need to build a successful home grow.

Happy growing.