What is the best mushroom substrate?
Top 13 Mushroom Growing Substrates | How To Make & Use
- Supplemented Hardwood Sawdust. This would need to be sterilized in a pressure cooker. ...
- Psilocybe Fanaticus Technique (PF-Tek) In 250 ml (half pint) mason jar put = 1/6 cup brown rice flour (BRF ), 1/2 cup vermiculite & 60 ml water.
- Straw. ...
- Coffee Grounds. ...
- Rye Grain. ...
- Manure. ...
- Masters Mix. ...
- Logs. ...
- Straw with Coffee Grounds. ...
- Straw with Coffee Grounds & Sawdust. ...
What is a good bulk mushroom substrate recipe?
Common Mushroom Substrate Materials (and Mushroom Substrate Recipes)
- Coffee grounds. Here at Grocycle, we started off by growing on coffee grounds and we’ve been doing it for years ever since.
- Straw. Straw is another cheap and effective material to use as a substrate. ...
- Coco Coir and Vermiculite. Coco coir is a material made of ground-up coconut shells and husks. ...
- Hardwood Pellets. ...
- Manure. ...
- Logs. ...
- Cardboard. ...
What type of substrate will grow mushrooms?
Some common mushroom growing substrates are coffee grounds, straw, sugar cane bagasse, coco coir and vermiculite, sawdust, hardwood pellets, manure, logs and cardboard. Our Complete Guide to Mushroom Substrates has more information on mushroom substrates and how to prepare them.
How to pasteurize mushroom substrate?
a) Hydrated Lime
- Prepare the substrate. Cut your substrate into long pieces of 1-6 cm in length. ...
- Mix the water and the lime. You have to use 0.2 grams of lime for every gallon of water. ...
- Soak the Substrate in the water. Afterward, you have to place the substrate on the water and let it be soaked up for 24 hours.
- Drain the water. ...
- Inoculate the dried substrate. ...
- Bagging. ...
What do you make mushroom substrate out of?
Common Mushroom SubstratesStraw. Pasteurized Straw is commonly used to grow oyster mushrooms. ... Hardwood Sawdust. Hardwoods such as oak, beech and maple make for a great substrate for many types of mushrooms, especially when combined with a bran supplement.Soy Hulls. ... Manure. ... Coco Coir and Vermiculite. ... Coffee Grounds and More.
What is the best bulk substrate for Psilocybe Cubensis?
Manure/Compost Manure is the aged, dried excrement of horses, cows, elephants, etc. It is one of the most effective bulk substrates for dung loving species like psilocybe cubensis, panaeolus cyanescens and agaricus bisporus (Portobello).
Do you need gypsum for mushroom substrate?
Gypsum is perhaps the most important additive required for constant compost quality. It fulfils a multitude of functions: It lowers the pH binds fatty substances in the compost lowers the sensitivity to ammonia at the moment of inoculation and buffers oxalic acid during mycelium growth.
How do you make bulk mushroom substrates?
Spawning Grain to Bulk SubstrateStep 1: Put your pasteurized substrate in a container in which it can be mixed up with the spawn. ... Step 2: Shake spawn jars so that the colonized grain is broken up and is no longer in large clumps.Step 3: Mix in the spawn with the substrate as evenly as possible.More items...
What substrate is best for mycelium?
A good substrate is dense in woody, fibrous materials like lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose. (These contain a lot of carbon, which is the main food source for your mycelium.)
How do you create a substrate?
0:031:28How to Make Easy Bulk Substrate (Coco Coir + Vermiculite + Gypsum)YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThen pour all three ingredients into a five gallon bucket after that you will need to boil 16 cupsMoreThen pour all three ingredients into a five gallon bucket after that you will need to boil 16 cups of water after the water comes to a complete boil pour the water over the ingredients. In the bucket.
Can you use lime instead of gypsum?
They are definitely not the same thing and should never be used interchangeably. There is a reason why a specific product is recommended in a specific context. Lime and gypsum are broadly grouped as they are calcium-containing minerals which are used for soil amendment on agricultural soils.
How much lime do I add to mushroom substrate?
In conclusion use of 2% lime is good for the production of Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus spp.) using cotton waste as a substrate. The Oyster mushroom grows well and give best yield at pH slightly basic in nature.
Is lime good for mushroom?
The process is simple. You basically just soak straw for 12-24 hours in a bath of cold water that has been treated with hydrated lime. The lime will rapidly and dramatically increase the pH of the water, causing the mold spores, bacteria, and other contaminants in the straw to be killed off.
How much gypsum should I add to mushroom substrate?
Powdered gypsum is used to increase the pH in mushroom growing substrates such as grain, sawdust, coffee grounds and straw. It is also a yield enhancer as it supplies minerals and trace elements to the mycelium. Gypsum should be mixed at a rate of 2-5% of the dry weight of the substrate.
How deep should mushroom substrate be?
You want to have 3-5 inches of substrate. One 3lb injection port bag should readily inoculate one or two moderate sized tubs. You want to start by sprinkling about one inch of bulk substrate into your sterilized monotub, or in the liner if you're using one.
Do you have to sterilize mushroom substrate?
You should fully sterilize the substrate. Always follow the sterilization method with no exceptions. Check the pressure regularly when using a pressure cooker to achieve a heat sterilization.
How do you bulk substrate for a Monotub?
1:1716:39How to Make a Monotub | Spawn Bag to Bulk Substrate | Casing LayerYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo when making your mono tub you only need to do two simple things drill six two inch holes andMoreSo when making your mono tub you only need to do two simple things drill six two inch holes and paint the bottom.
What is CVG substrate?
The Coco Coir Vermiculite & Gypsum bulk mushroom substrate (CVG) are great for a wide variety of mushrooms. Perfect for Monotubs as bulk substrate or used as a casing layer to protect your grain spawn. Our bulk mushroom substrate bags are large 2kg bags (4.4lb). Containing Coco Coir, Vermiculite & Gypsum .
How do you sterilize bulk substrates?
0:364:26Simple Oven Sterilization of Mushroom Substrate / CasingYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd we put our substrate in here we're gonna cover it with another piece of heavy duty tin foil wrapMoreAnd we put our substrate in here we're gonna cover it with another piece of heavy duty tin foil wrap it up real nicely put it in the oven for at 250 degrees Fahrenheit for about half an hour or so.
How much gypsum is in a substrate?
Gypsum should be mixed at a rate of 2-5% of the dry weight of the substrate.
Choosing a Substrate Micro Environment
Now that we understand the type of substrate we need for the type of mushroom we want to grow the next step is to decide on the type of environment we want to put our substrate into to encourage mushroom colonization…
Conclusion
Pick the right substrate for the mushroom you want to grow really just involves looking at the natural environment that mushrooms like to grow in and what they like to eat. They like to eat the 3 main components found in the cell was of plants and trees (and they like it moist):
What Is a Mushroom Substrate? What is it Used For?
A mushroom substrate is a material that mushroom mycelium can grow and establish itself in. The substrate provides mushrooms with the nutrients, moisture and energy they need to grow and fruit.
Common Mushroom Substrate Materials (and Mushroom Substrate Recipes)
There are a wide range of materials that you can use as a substrate to grow mushrooms. Some are fairly conventional while others are a bit newer and more experimental. Here are some of the most common substrates that mushroom growers are currently using.
How To Pasteurize or Sterilize Mushroom Substrates
Besides selecting a substrate to use, deciding when it’s appropriate to either pasteurize or sterilize the material is another important part in learning how to make mushroom substrate.
Why Is Pasteurization or Sterilization Necessary?
Pasteurization or sterilization reduce mold and bacteria and help ensure that the thing you’re trying to grow will have the best chance to get established.
Fermentation of Straw as an Alternative to Pasteurizing
One thing mushroom growers can do instead of pasteurizing straw is to ferment it.
How Do You Mix A Mushroom Substrate?
There’s no easier way to mix substrate than simply mixing it up with your hands. Of course, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before you begin and consider wearing a pair of disposable gloves.
Which Substrates Are Best For Which Types of Mushrooms?
As we’ve alluded to throughout this guide, different kinds of substrates are best suited to different mushroom species.
Guide to Mushroom Substrates
Luckily for growers, there are plenty of options to use as a mushroom substrate. All these options can confuse new farmers because there are so many options to choose from. We will break down everything you need to know to choose the best mushroom substrate.
How To Prepare Mushroom Substrate
Once you choose your substrate, you’ll need to make sure it is prepared for the mushroom spores or spawn. First off, you will add water and any additions to your mix. Amendments, like wheat bran or manure, add nutrients to your substrate.
Mushroom Substrate Recipes
Some mushroom substrates are straightforward, like cardboard, and do not need a recipe. These are the recipes if you are using a mix that contains multiple ingredients or supplements.
Can I Use Perlite To Grow Mushrooms?
Perlite alone is not a suitable substrate for growing mushrooms. However, it is a great addition to your mushroom substrate mix because it is sterile, retains moisture, provides aeration, and has a neutral pH.
Can You Use Potting Mix To Grow Mushrooms?
Potting soil can be used to grow mushrooms, but it is not ideal. Supplemental ingredients, like sawdust, straw, or coffee grounds, will need to be added so the mycelium has plenty of food to consume.
Can You Use Cow Manure for Mushroom Substrate?
Cow manure can be used to easily grow some species of mushrooms. However, for optimal use, it should be sterilized and mixed with a moisture-retention ingredient, like coco coir.
What Are Mushroom Substrate Bags?
Mushroom substrate bags are clear plastic bags that contain substrate. There is a small port in the bag that allows the grower to insert their mushroom spawn. Periodically, the port can be used to add fresh air to the bag to promote mycelium growth.
The Best Mushroom Substrates
Mushrooms consume carbon-based dead plant matter. Different mushrooms have different favorites. Oyster mushrooms can pretty much grow on anything.
How To Prepare Bulk Substrate
Bulk substrate for home-growing edible mushrooms is easy. For more detailed information see the step-by-step instructions on how mushrooms are grown.
Best Substrate Recipe For Growing Oyster Mushrooms
The best recipe for oyster mushrooms is used coffee grounds for stage 1 then pasteurized straw for stage 2.
Best Substrate For Growing Portobello Mushrooms
Use the same recipe as for growing button mushrooms (50% pasteurized compost with 50% pasteurized manure with one inch of pasteurized soil on top).
Best Substrate For Growing Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitakes grow best on logs, wood chips, or sawdust. Logs should be cut green then inoculated before getting infected. Wood chips and sawdust should be pasteurized by adding boiling water and maintaining a temperature of 170 degrees F for at least 1 hour.
Best Substrate For Growing King Oyster Mushrooms
King oyster mushrooms can grow in the same substrate as oyster mushrooms. Start them in coffee grounds then finish in pasteurized straw. Coffee grounds will be pasteurized by brewing the coffee than using the grounds just after they are warm to the touch but not hot.
What Is Mushroom Substrate?
A mushroom substrate is a medium used to grow mushrooms. Typical commercial cultivation happens in three steps:
What is a Mushroom Substrate?
To put it simply, a substrate is a bulk material that the mushroom mycelium can use for energy and nutrition. A good substrate is required in order for the mushroom to grow and to fruit.
Pasteurizing or Sterilizing the Substrate
Ideal mushroom substrates are moist and full of nutrition. Unfortunately, there are many other things that also thrive in these conditions, such as molds and bacteria. These contaminants can grow much faster than the mushroom mycelium, so something needs to be done in order to give the mushroom an advantage in the race to colonize the substrate.
Water in the Substrate
Mushroom fruiting bodies are 70-90% water, and all of that water is drawn up from the substrate. Unlike plants, mushrooms are not “watered” during the growing cycle.
Different Substrates for Different Mushrooms
Different species of mushrooms have different preferences of substrates, although there is definitely some flexibility in what you can use successfully.
Using Straw as a Substrate
Straw is a cheap and extremely effective substrate that works well for many types of mushroom species. Straw is the stem portion of grains such as wheat, barley or oats – it’s basically what is left over after the grain itself has been removed.
Using Hardwood Sawdust and Chips
Hardwood sawdust makes for an excellent mushroom substrate, and is commonly used in industry. It is a waste product of the lumber industry, and might be cheap and easy to find, depending on your location.
Supplementation
Mushroom substrates can supercharged by adding an easily consumed and highly nutritious supplement that the mushroom mycelium can use to grow faster and stronger.
What is Monotub Substrate?
So before we jump into our monotub substrate recipe, let's first briefly cover what monotub substrate is and why we as mushroom growers use it!
The Best DIY Monotub Substrate Recipe!
Alright, let's waste no more time. The best monotub substrate is Coco Coir mixed with vermiculite and gypsum.
Why Use These Ingredients?
So before we jump into the directions on how to prepare your bulk substrate, let's quickly cover the characteristics of each ingredient and why they help make the best medium for growing mushrooms!
Monotube Substrate Directions
With the ingredients out of the way, let's finally throw it all together and make our bulk substrate in three easy steps!
What is the Best Spawn to Monotub Substrate Ratio?
Alright, so you've got your monotub substrate all mixed and ready to go, but how much substrate do we mix with our mushroom spawn?
WHAT IS A MUSHROOM SUBSTRATE?
Plants get energy to grow from sunlight, and draw water and nutrients up from the soil. Fungi, on the other hand, do not require light to grow, and feed on decaying material in nature. The mushroom substrate is what the mushroom mycelium (the subterranean part of a fungus) uses for energy and nutrition.
PASTEURISING OR STERILISING MUSHROOM SUBSTRATES
Mushroom substrates like straw, wood, manure, etc. contain a wealth of organic substances that your mushies will devour as they grow. But along with these substances, substrates can also contain mould, bacteria, and other (undesired) fungi.
COMMON MUSHROOM SUBSTRATES
A good substrate shouldn’t just contain all the organic nutrients your mushrooms need to grow; it should also be easy to work with, and shouldn’t set you back too far in the way of cost. Know that there is no “best” option suitable for all types of mushrooms.
THE BEST MUSHROOM SUBSTRATE FOR PSILOCYBE CUBENSIS
So, what is the best substrate for growing Psilocybe cubensis, aka our magic mushrooms and truffles? In our experience, mixes of coco coir and vermiculite, but also straw and manure, give great results. This isn’t to say that you shouldn't use others, but some of these substrates might be harder to come by or are only optimal when mixed.
WHAT TO DO WITH USED MAGIC MUSHROOM SUBSTRATE?
Once you have delved deep into the exciting realm of mushroom growing, you might be surprised with the amount of spent substrate you end up with. What to do with it?