Incubating Grain Spawn
Keep inoculated grain spawn in a warm and dark area. The particular species determines the exact temperature range for storing the grain spawn. Most species grow best around 70-80°F.
Light is often confusing for anyone new to cultivation. Fungi do not create energy through photosynthesis like plants. Instead, light acts as a signal to fungi, telling it which direction to fruit. There is some anecdotal evidence that mycelium grows faster with light, but I can't say that for certain.
Contamination
If any of your incubating grain spawn show signs of contamination, remove it from the other immediately. It's unlikely the contamination will spread to the other jars/bags, but it's best to eliminate all factors.
What to do With Colonized Grain Spawn
Once the grain spawn is fully colonized you are able to use it in a number of ways.
Bulk Substrate
Mix the colonized grain spawn with the bulk substrate your fungi prefers to begin the next stage of the grow cycle.
Grain to Grain
Quickly increase the grain spawn quantity by inoculating fresh jars/bags with the colonized grain. To prevent contamination, conduct the grain transfer in front of a laminar flow hood or within a still-air-box (SAB).
Grain to Agar
Place a single colonized grain on an agar plate to grow out mycelium. Again, to prevent contamination, conduct the grain to agar transfer in front of a laminar flow hood or within a still-air-box (SAB).
Store for Later
Store the colonized grain in a refrigerated environment to use at a later date.