I've read up on this part of 'casing' and have seen different information about the casing layer.
One place said you can use a thin layer of the same 50/50 poo/straw you may have used to mix the myc with (which is exactly what I mixed my myc with). Another place said it should be a thin layer of coco coir. And yet another place said it should be a layer of something mushrooms won't grow onto, but through, like vermiculite.
What should I use for my casing layer? Any help is appreciated.
The Casing Layer
Started By
Guest_Water_*
, Oct 22 2006 08:28 PM
45 replies to this topic
#2
psilocibec
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Mycophage
Posted 22 October 2006 - 08:35 PM
I use a mix of 50% vermi and 50% coco coir, or pine cones powder. Add something to correct the pH also.
I dont think using the straw/poo is a good idea, it certanly improove the chances of getting a contamination in the layer.
50/50 vermi/coco coir is fine.
But if you dont have the coir there are other substitutes.
I dont think using the straw/poo is a good idea, it certanly improove the chances of getting a contamination in the layer.
50/50 vermi/coco coir is fine.
But if you dont have the coir there are other substitutes.
#3
roksoc
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Mycotopiate
Posted 22 October 2006 - 08:39 PM
Wouldnt Pine cone powder throw off the Ph balance?
#4
psilocibec
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Mycophage
Posted 22 October 2006 - 08:43 PM
Wouldnt Pine cone powder throw off the Ph balance?
Sorry, i did not understood what you meaned with "throw off".
#5
waylitjim
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A Mirror Image
Posted 22 October 2006 - 08:45 PM
Vermiculite, coco coir, and peat moss are all fine choices for a casing layer.
You can use just one of them, or a mixture. It's up to you, there is no best one.
You can use just one of them, or a mixture. It's up to you, there is no best one.
#6
Guest_Water_*
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Posted 22 October 2006 - 08:45 PM
if you dont have the coir there are other substitutes.
Can you tell me some substitutes because I'm having trouble finding coir locally and can't wait to get it online.
#7
roksoc
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Posted 22 October 2006 - 08:48 PM
Sorry, i did not understood what you meaned with "throw off".
I was under the impression that the casing layer couldnt be very acidic.
#8
psilocibec
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Mycophage
Posted 22 October 2006 - 08:52 PM
No. cone powder is fine, i have sucess using it even without pH balancers.
But a pH correction is always fine.
But a pH correction is always fine.
#10
roksoc
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Posted 22 October 2006 - 08:53 PM
cool thanks for the info. Where would one obtain some of this powder?
#11
Guest_Water_*
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Posted 22 October 2006 - 08:54 PM
So medium grade verm right?
Oh yeah, and what about pH correction?
Oh yeah, and what about pH correction?
#13
psilocibec
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Mycophage
Posted 22 October 2006 - 08:56 PM
Here in Brazil i found it in garden shops. But not everywhere.
I guess you can do your onw if dont find anything alike.
I guess you can do your onw if dont find anything alike.
#14
BuckarooBanzai
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Posted 23 October 2006 - 10:19 AM
pH is only really important with a Peat Moss casing.
#15
Guest_Water_*
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Posted 23 October 2006 - 05:38 PM
Ok, all I could find locally is 'sphagnum peat moss', will that be ok for a casing layer on 50/50 poo/straw?
#16
BuckarooBanzai
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The Abe Vigoda of Mycotopia
Posted 23 October 2006 - 06:54 PM
Peat Moss works really well. Just add some hydrated lime to balance pH and try to remove any big sticks/bark (big chunks of wood are an invite for the green nasties).
#17
Hippie3
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Posted 23 October 2006 - 07:25 PM
Jiffy Mix even makes a decent casing material
#18
Guest_Water_*
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Posted 24 October 2006 - 09:40 AM
Peat Moss works really well. Just add some hydrated lime to balance pH.
I bought some sunniland calcitic & dolomite lime blend, will that be ok?
Also, do I mix the lime with the peat moss before I add it to the casing, and what's the lime to peat moss ratio?
#19
Hippie3
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#20
Guest_Water_*
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Posted 24 October 2006 - 05:35 PM
Damn.. looks like dolomitic lime burns mycelium.
The hunt continues...
The hunt continues...
