Let's face it, if you don't start with a Sterilized Grain your Mycelium will not colonize. I start with 3lbs of Sterilized Grain, Inoculated with usually 10cc of Spores. Patience is definitely the key.
Within 2-3 weeks the Grain bag is about 40% Colonized. At 8 weeks the Mycelium is ready for my Monotub and 5lbs of your Bulk Substrate.
***IT ALL STARTS WITH THE GRAIN***