mushroom substrate faq
Myco Mix: Cow Manure Mushroom Substrate
Storage: Store at room temperature (65-75°F) in a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight. Use within 3 months for best results.
Inoculation: Under sterile conditions, add 1-2 quarts of mushroom spawn. Seal bag, then mix thoroughly to evenly distribute spawn.
Colonization: Incubate at 75-80°F for 2-4 weeks until fully colonized. Substrate should turn completely white. Watch for signs of contamination.
Fruiting: Fruit at 65-75°F with 90%+ humidity and indirect light. Expect pins in 1-2 weeks. Harvest mature mushrooms before caps flatten out.
Additional Tips: Avoid over-handling or damaging the substrate to minimize contamination risk. Mist bag sides if substrate seems dry.
50/50 Horse Manure and Straw Mushroom Substrate (5lb Bag)
Storage: Store at room temperature away from sunlight. Use within 1-2 months of delivery for optimal freshness.
Inoculation: Add 1.5-2 cups of mushroom spawn, mix thoroughly to distribute. Seal grow bag after mixing.
Colonization: Colonize at 70-75°F for approximately 3 weeks or until substrate is visibly colonized. Check for signs of contamination.
Fruiting: Fruit at 60-65°F, maintain 85-90% humidity. Expose to 12 hrs light/day. First flush typically 3-4 weeks after inoculation.
Additional Tips: Some mushrooms like a casing layer applied when fully colonized. Mist blocks if they dry out during fruiting.
Manure Based Mushroom Substrate - 5lb Bag
Storage: Store sealed bag in a cool place out of direct light. Aim to use within 4-6 weeks for best results.
Inoculation: Clean and disinfect area before opening bag. Mix in 1.5-2 quarts of spawn. Reseal bag and mix spawn throughout substrate.
Colonization: Incubate in a dark place at 70-75°F for around 3-4 weeks until totally colonized. Substrate will turn white.
Fruiting: Cut X-shaped holes in bag when colonized. Fruit at 55-60°F and high humidity. Expect mushrooms 2 weeks after initiating fruiting.
Additional Tips: Move bag to a well-ventilated area for fruiting. Too much CO2 buildup can inhibit mushroom growth.
Manure Based Mushroom Substrate - 1lb Bag
Storage: Store sealed bag in a cool place out of direct light. Aim to use within 4-6 weeks for best results.
Inoculation: Clean and disinfect area before opening bag. Mix in 1-1.5 cups of spawn per bag. Reseal bag and mix spawn throughout substrate.
Colonization: Incubate in a dark place at 70-75°F for around 3-4 weeks until totally colonized. Substrate will turn white.
Fruiting: Cut X-shaped holes in bag when colonized. Fruit at 55-60°F and high humidity. Expect mushrooms 2 weeks after initiating fruiting.
Additional Tips: Since these bags are smaller, it's especially important to monitor moisture levels and mist if the substrate dries out.
Pasteurized Mushroom Casing Mix
Storage: Store sealed in a cool area away from sun. Use within 2 months of ordering for best results.
Usage Instructions: Apply a 1/4 inch layer to fully colonized substrate. Mist casing layer to keep moist but not soggy.
Colonization: Colonization occurs in the substrate underneath - casing should not be colonized by the mycelium.
Fruiting: Casing helps maintain high humidity and even pinning. Initiate fruiting by dropping temperature by 5-10°F. Mushrooms will form at the casing-substrate interface.
Additional Tips: If casing layer dries out, mist it gently to rehydrate. A proper casing helps produce high quality flushes.
Wood-Based Mushroom Substrate Bag
Storage: Store at room temp (65-75°F), away from light. Use within 6 weeks of delivery for best results.
Inoculation: Mix in 1.5-2 quarts of spawn. Reseal bag and mix spawn throughout substrate.
Colonization: Colonize at 70-75°F for 2-3 weeks until the viewing window shows full colonization. Avoid temps over 80°F.
Fruiting: When fully colonized, move to fruiting area and cut X-shaped holes in the bag. Fruit at 60-65°F with 85-90% humidity and fresh air.
Additional Tips: Lions mane and other wood-loving species may perform better with a cold shock before fruiting. Some substrates may require a soak before subsequent flushes.
Pasteurized Wheat Straw (5lbs)
Storage: Refrigerate at 35-40°F to prevent contamination. Use within 2-3 weeks for best results.
Inoculation: Allow substrate to reach room temp before inoculating. Add 1 quart of grain spawn. Mix thoroughly and seal bag.
Colonization: Colonize at room temperature (70-75°F) for 10-14 days until the straw is covered in white mycelium.
Fruiting: Cut holes in bag and expose to 12-14 hours indirect light per day. Fruit at 60-65°F and 90%+ humidity. Expect mushrooms within 1-2 weeks.
Additional Tips: Introducing fresh oxygen helps induce pinning. Fan bags 2x per day or cut larger holes in bag during fruiting.