4 replies to this topic

[Sunshine Daydream]

Hi,

I have a few questions about making straw logs (specifically the method in this thread http://mycotopia.net...read.php?t=6283 , but it should be generally applicable).

I have heard of using straw pellets (used for pets) instead of using straight straw, but not specifically for making straw logs. So, would making straw logs be possible with straw pellets? I'm thinking that it might be too compact for mycelium (not that I really know)? Also where is a likely spot to buy straw (not pellets) in a large city without straying too much from the city itself?

Also, has anyone ever tried using hay as a growing medium? I don't know any of the mechanics of what would work and what would not, but I'm asking this because of a few reasons: hay and straw seem similar, hay is supposed to be more nutritious than straw (obviously in reference to animals, I don't know how this would apply to mushies), and there was some confusion as to whether or not what a friend bought was straw pelletes (said that's what he asked fo) or hay pellets.

Thanks!

[Bobcat]

Hay will work, but your risk of contams will be much higher. This is because it is so rich. Growth could be slower, there could be some nitrogen burn, blah blah blah. Hay is baled green, so there will be much more 'activity' going on. There is also the factor that the word "hay" represents variable combinations of plants where as straw is typically wheat straw. Or some other yellow-stemmed-when-dry grain.

Regardless, straw is straw. you can make it what you want it to be, which is nice. But instead of playing with hay, at least until you are more experienced, you could try Hpoo. If you want a stronger substrate.

[Mycorama]

Im using Critter Country right now, i dont see why you couldent use it to colonize INTO a log. nice you dont have to pasturize it...
you would need to mix it with something to give it some texture though, maybe the largest size vermiculite you could find and peat moss would work.

i made a casing and it happend to get contaminated, but i took it out of the dish it was in, it litterally looked like it was a straw log. i dont think it would be too difficult to do.
just make sure you squeeze the pellets after the soak. and i like to let them hang for a couple hours to get back to room tempature and drip out excess water.

[culturecounter]

i would think that the straw pellets could be used to replace wood pellets in h202 tek

[roc]

Straw pellets will work fine with this method... Growing Mushrooms with Hydrogen Peroxide