Substrate Recipes
Different mushroom species require different substrates depending on what their specific requirements are. For some species the spawn provides the nutrition for the mycelium and the substrate is just a way to hold moisture. For others we want a nutritious substrate so the maximum yield can be achieved.
Coco Coir and Vermiculite
The coco coir and vermiculite substrate is naturally resistant to contamination and highly effective at retaining moisture.
Recipe
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1 brick of Coco Coir (approximately 23 oz.)
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2 quarts Vermiculite
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4 quarts Water​​​
Add water to the coco coir to allow it to expand before mixing in the vermiculite. Using hot water will speed up the expansion process. This recipe yields approximately 10 quarts of substrate.
Master's Mix
The master's mix substrate is a very nutritious substrate most often used to grow culinary mushrooms. The nutrient density allows for quick mycelial growth and large yields.
Recipe
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1 pound Oak Pellets
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1 pound Soybean Hulls
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3 pounds Water
The key to this recipe is achieving a 60% moisture content. That is 60% of the total weight is water. This substrate needs to be sterilized at 15 psi for 2.5 hours.
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Wood Pellets and Alfalfa
The ingredients of this recipe can be easier to source than the master's mix recipe and will achieve similar results. It can be used to grow both functional and culinary mushrooms.
Recipe
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1 pound 6.5 ounces Wood Pellets
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9.5 pounces Alfalfa Pellets
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3 pounds Water
We recommend supplementing with 30% alfalfa pellets for the best results. Any type of wood pellets will work, but hardwood pellets are preferred if available. This substrate needs to be sterilized at 15 psi for 2.5 hours.