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pastor erickson
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Registered: 08/10/20
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Last seen: 3 years, 4 months
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Draining Straw Substrate
#26872870 - 08/10/20 08:17 AM (3 years, 5 months ago) |
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Hello, I am growing golden oysters for the first time and could use some guidance on handling my substrate after pasteurization. (I bought the grain spawn since I am a beginner, so I am nervous about it going to waste if there is contamination) I've treated my straw to a lime bath and now I'm ready to drain the water off and layer my spawn and straw in my fruiting containers. Although I want to keep a relatively sterile surface, I have limited space to work with. Some sources say that I could leave my substrate on the ground outside/concrete to dry, but I don't want to over-expose it to contaminants. Ideally, I'd use a wire mesh or large grate to drain it on, but I don''t have access to those materials. I was considering using this thin, almost mesh bed linen that I found, but I haven't found a space/ way to suspend it yet. How do you drain your substrate at home?
edit: I found a wooden swing bench in my neighborhood, I plan to put this mesh linen over it and allow the straw to drain there. I'll sanitize the sheet first, but pls lmk if you see this as a potential contam hazard
Edited by pastor erickson (08/10/20 09:12 AM)
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Pastywhyte
Say hello to my little friend


Registered: 09/15/12
Posts: 37,808
Loc: Canada
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This thread was moved from Mushroom Cultivation.
Reason: Not many people in mushroom cultivation are using straw on large scales. Might find better answers here instead.
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Stipe-n Cap


Registered: 08/04/12
Posts: 7,623
Loc: Canada
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Pasteurization creates a window of opportunity for the mycelium to get a head start on the substrate before competing molds take over. Your straw is not sterile, there are plenty of beneficial microorganisms that facilitate healthy growth still present in the straw. While your substrate is in open air it's picking up all sorts of airborne contaminants so as long as you're not throwing it in some obvious filth then you should be gtg.
Go get a roll of window screen from Lowe's or some hardware store, grab a few 2x4s and build a rectangle "box" with a screen bottom large enough to act as a strainer. It can double as a grain strainer when you graduate to grain prep.
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SHROOMSISAY01
Mr. Shrooms



Registered: 01/22/17
Posts: 3,849
Loc: Virginia, USA
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Re: Draining Straw Substrate [Re: Stipe-n Cap]
#26873807 - 08/10/20 06:10 PM (3 years, 5 months ago) |
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Stipe-n Cap


Registered: 08/04/12
Posts: 7,623
Loc: Canada
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Lol, I have these and somehow never thought of it. Good one.
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pastor erickson
Stranger

Registered: 08/10/20
Posts: 4
Last seen: 3 years, 4 months
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Re: Draining Straw Substrate [Re: Stipe-n Cap]
#26879722 - 08/14/20 08:06 AM (3 years, 5 months ago) |
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So far, the buckets are colonizing nicely with no current signs of contamination. However, getting a nice screen setup for draining is something that I plan to do with my next batch (surely a shitton easier than what I did with this batch). I also want the 55 gal rain drum bc pasteurizing in a tote is kind of a pain in the ass and only houses enough substrate for 3 five gal buckets (I want more!)
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pastor erickson
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Registered: 08/10/20
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Last seen: 3 years, 4 months
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I almost used this method! I mean, with the mesh bag for pasteurization to avoid drying in the open air. I don't have space in my garage (its my bfs glass studio so not ideal for mushroom prep) helpful links, though - ty!
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pastor erickson
Stranger

Registered: 08/10/20
Posts: 4
Last seen: 3 years, 4 months
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Re: Draining Straw Substrate [Re: Stipe-n Cap]
#26879732 - 08/14/20 08:13 AM (3 years, 5 months ago) |
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Ok this will be taking up the rest of my day lol ty for the info
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