Two Methods For Preparing Your Ultimate Substrate Mix
Our Ultimate Coir Substrate Mix can be steam sterilized or flash pasteurized. Steam sterilization neutralizes all contaminates in the substrate, which offers more effective and repeatable results but requires a pressure cooker or autoclave to sterilize the substrate. Flash pasteurization does not require a sterilization step, however contaminates aren’t completely neutralized, making the colonization phase more susceptible to mold and bacteria. Further details on the two methods are listed below.
Steam Sterilization Method
A higher moisture content can be used when steam sterilizing substrate. This allows more water to be available to mycelium during the fruiting phase which leads to larger yields. We suggest a 77% moisture content using this method, but feel free to adjust to preference.
Determine How Much Substrate to Prepare
We recommend using 2 pounds of colonized spawn for every 3 pounds of prepared substrate. This allows for quicker colonization and less chance for contamination, but feel free to adjust to preference.
Preparation
Use the following measurement per pound of substrate that is needed.
Ultimate Coir Mix: 105 Grams
Water: 350 Grams
Quick Calculations
1 Pound:
Mix: 105 Grams Water: 350 Grams
2 Pounds:
Mix: 210 Grams Water: 700 Grams
3 Pounds:
Mix: 315 Grams Water: 1050 Grams
4 Pounds:
Mix: 420 Grams Water: 1400 Grams
5 Pounds:
Mix: 525 Grams Water: 1750 Grams
Procedure
1. Mix the appropriate amount of ultimate substrate mix and water in a container.
2. Place the combined substrate into an autoclavable jar or polypropylene bag.
3. Load into a pressure cooker or autoclave and sterilize at 15 psi for 2 hours.
4. Allow the substrate to cool to room temperature and use immediately.
Flash Pasteurization Method
A lower moisture content is recommended when flash pasteurizing. Lower moisture prevents bacteria and other harmful contaminates from thriving and stalling mycelium during colonization. We suggest a 70% water content, but feel free to adjust to preference.
Determine How Much Substrate to Prepare
We recommend using 2 pounds of colonized spawn for every 3 pounds of prepared substrate. This allows for quicker colonization and less chance for contamination, but feel free to adjust to preference.
Preparation
Use the following measurement per pound of substrate that is needed.
Ultimate Coir Mix: 135 Grams
Water: 320 Grams
Quick Calculations
1 Pound:
Mix: 135 Grams Water: 320 Grams
2 Pounds:
Mix: 270 Grams Water: 640 Grams
3 Pounds:
Mix: 405 Grams Water: 960 Grams
4 Pounds:
Mix: 540 Grams Water: 1280 Grams
5 Pounds:
Mix: 675 Grams Water: 1600 Grams
Procedure
1. Bring an excess amount of water than what is required to a boil.
2. Place the appropriate amount dry ultimate substrate mix into a large container. Pour the appropriate amount of boiling water onto the dry mix and stir until combined.
3. Allow the combined substrate to cool to room temperature and use immediately.
Ways To Use Prepared Substrate In Mushroom Cultivation
The Ultimate Substrate Mix can be used to grow mushrooms in block form (using polypropylene bags) or used in monotub style grows. Once the prepared substrate has cooled, mix the appropriate amount of spawn and substrate into the preferred container and allow to incubate for 2-3 weeks until fully colonized and then place into fruiting conditions. Using a flow-hood when combining colonized spawn and substrate together will reduce exposure to airborne contaminates and increase chances of success but isn’t required. Using a high spawn to substrate ratio will allow the substrate to colonize quickly thereby reducing the need for a flow-hood. Also, incubating mixed spawn and substrate at temperatures of 65-70 degrees will lower contaminate growth rates and increase chances of success.