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Although most people including us have great success from using horticultural hydrated lime, some do not. They end up burning there mycelium or the mycelium just never colonizes through to the casing soil. We think perhaps the hydrated lime they are buying has a much higher alkaline level then then the Hi Yield brand we are using. Hi Yield brand is our preference and works great for us. But just to play it on the safe side, we are going to suggest you buy calcium carbonate.

Another tip, look for the large chunked oyster shell sold at feed stores. The fine powder shell is fine, the but the large chunked shell gives a much better texture and the mushrooms grow even better on this soil. You can find oyster shell anywhere birds are sold, or at most feed stores.

The exact mix, to fill a filter patch bag 3/4 full is:

15 1/2 cups vermiculite
15 1/2 cups peat moss
4 1/2 cups crushed oyster shell
1.2 cups of hydrated lime
1 cup short of a gallon of bottled water

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will dolimite lime be to strong for the mushies?

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Yep, oyster shells are calcium carbonate, albeiht (sp) a vary coase grade.

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Yes, the flour would be much better.

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