Grain Bags vs. All-In-One Bags vs. Grow Kits: What’s the Difference?

Whether you're brand new to mushroom cultivation or leveling up your grow setup, choosing the right starting point is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. At Colorado Cultures, we carry several options — sterile grain bags, all-in-one bags, and complete grow kits — and each one is designed for a different style of grower and skill level.

In this guide, we break down how each one works, who it’s best for, and what results you can expect so you can choose the perfect option for your next grow.

What Is a Grain Bag?

A grain bag is a sterile bag filled with properly prepared and hydrated grain — typically corn, sorghum, millet, or rye. It contains a self-healing injection port and a filter patch that allows for clean air exchange during colonization.

How It Works:

1. Inject liquid culture directly into the bag

2. Let the mycelium colonize the grain

3. Break and shake at 50%+ colonization

4. Once fully colonized, mix with bulk substrate (like Denver Dirt)

5. Put the mixture in your monotub or growing chamber

6. Colonize the mixture in the dark and then go to fruiting

Best For:

• Beginners learning proper colonization workflows

• Growers who prefer full control during each stage

• Higher-yield grows using monotubs, shoeboxes, or bags

Pros:

• Extremely versatile

• High yield potential

• Great for scaling up

• Monotub creates microclimate

Colorado Cultures Tip:

Use Denver Dirt as a casing layer between flushes to boost yields and speed up grow times.

What Is an All-In-One Bag?

An All-In-One (AIO) Bag contains both grain AND substrate layered or mixed inside a single sterile bag. It also includes a filter patch and injection port — just like our 3-lb All-In-One Layered Sorghum Bags.

How It Works:

1. Inject liquid culture directly into the grain layer

2. Let it colonize halfway

3. Break, shake, and mix the layers thoroughly

4. Let it fully colonize in the dark

5. Cut slits in the bag, apply micropore tape, and fruit inside the bag

Best For:

• True beginners

• Small-space growers

• Anyone wanting a simple, low-effort process

• People who don’t want to buy extra substrate or tubs

Pros:

• No extra equipment needed

• Simple “set it and forget it” process

• Perfect for first-time growers

  
  

Colorado Cultures Tip:

Keeping the bag between 70–75°F and mixing thoroughly after colonization ensures strong colonization and faster fruiting.

What Is a Monotub Grow Kit?

A monotub grow kit provides a more hands-on, structured system that includes everything you need from start to finish. At Colorado Cultures, our Full Flush Grow Kits and Gro Magik Grow Kits are extremely popular because they include:

• Sterile grain

• Substrate (Denver Dirt included!)

• A monotub or fruiting chamber

• FAE vents for airflow

• Step-by-step instructions

• Filter patches

• Sanitation Pack

• Your choice of culture

• Isopropyl alcohol

• Spray bottle

How It Works:

1. Start by inoculating the grain

2. Once colonized, you transfer it to the included substrate/tub

3. Follow the kit instructions to enter fruiting

4. Maintain humidity & airflow

5. Harvest multiple flushes

Best For:

• Beginners who want a structured, reliable system

• Intermediate growers scaling up

• Anyone wanting higher yields with less guesswork

Pros:

• Highest success rate

• Best yield potential

• Easy to maintain proper airflow and humidity

• Professional setup for home growers

Colorado Cultures Tip:

Our kits are designed to pair perfectly with our house genetics like CC 3rd Eye, Hillbilly Pumpkin, Golden Teacher, and more — giving you fast colonization, strong pinsets, and consistent flushes.

Which Option Should You Choose?

Go With a Grain Bag If:

✔ You want flexibility and high yield

✔ You plan to use a monotub or shoebox

✔ You’re comfortable mixing substrate yourself

Go With an All-In-One Bag If:

✔ You want the simplest process

✔ You’re growing in small spaces

✔ You don’t have extra equipment

Go With a Grow Kit If:

✔ You want the best results with the little effort

✔ You like a structured, guided process

✔ You want multiple, reliable flushes

Final Thoughts

Every grower has a different style — and the right starting point depends on your goals, space, and experience level. At Colorado Cultures, all three options are designed for success, from total beginners to advanced cultivators perfecting their craft.

If you’re still unsure which option is best for you, visit us in-store at Lakewood or Englewood, or send us a message — our team is always happy to help you pick the perfect setup.