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Socrates6
Galago



Registered: 04/12/07
Posts: 41
Loc: TX
Last seen: 13 years, 5 months
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First Try Bulk Substrate
#7571601 - 10/29/07 12:29 AM (16 years, 3 months ago) |
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This is what I am thinking.
Since I have never done bulk before I think that it would be best to start slow and work up the sub slowly.
So I cam up with this combination.
2 Cup Straw Coco Coir
1 Cup Manure Verm Combine in a bucket to make sure it stays light and fluffy. That will give me 6 cups.
I was thinking about anding 2 cups coffee grounds also. I wanted to get some input before I jump head first. Thanks
-------------------- The whole of science is nothing more than a refinement of everyday thinking.
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CaptainLinger
A Fungus Amongus


Registered: 05/25/07
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Re: First Try Bulk Substrate [Re: Socrates6]
#7571768 - 10/29/07 03:13 AM (16 years, 3 months ago) |
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There's no particular need to combine all that, especially the verm. The vermiculite is intended to keep things airy; just use more coir.
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legallyhomeless
mooch


Registered: 07/01/05
Posts: 4,051
Loc: EZRA for the Refuge
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right, verm has NO nutes
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Wronguy

Registered: 03/05/05
Posts: 4,450
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I will not specifically comment about the addition of straw, as I don't like straw, or the ingredient ratios, but I will tell you that vermiculite is an essential ingredient. Vermiculite, while having no nutritional value, can hold an enormous amount of water, provides texture to your substrate, and provides aeration by occupying space.
I would dump straw long before I would ever dump the vermiculite. In my opinion, a good substrate recipe always starts with two ingredients, horse manure and vermiculite.
Good luck.
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Socrates6
Galago



Registered: 04/12/07
Posts: 41
Loc: TX
Last seen: 13 years, 5 months
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Re: First Try Bulk Substrate [Re: Wronguy]
#7572342 - 10/29/07 09:28 AM (16 years, 3 months ago) |
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I was going on what I read here:
Quote:
RogerRabbit said: Bagged composted cow manure and worm castings are two good additions to that list. If your mix gets too 'heavy', just toss in a bit of vermiculite to break it up. I've found the more things you throw into the substrate, the better the mushrooms grow. RR
and here.
I have been following RR recommendations so far with great success. Mainly I am not sure if I need to add a buffer or if that is just for casings. I know that ph is important as to acidic an enviorment is not good as well as not acidic enough. I am not married to the straw it is what I have available as I don't have access to hpoo.
-------------------- The whole of science is nothing more than a refinement of everyday thinking.
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Wronguy

Registered: 03/05/05
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Last seen: 12 years, 7 months
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Re: First Try Bulk Substrate [Re: Socrates6]
#7572385 - 10/29/07 09:52 AM (16 years, 3 months ago) |
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There is no question straw works and is used by many cultivators, I personally just don't like using it. Too much of a pain if you ask me, but to each his own. Many people swear by straw, so don't mistake my comments for anything other than preference.
You definitely need to add lime with that coir, as I believe coir has a PH of around 5 (to be completely honest, I don't think I've ever tested it /adds to the do list). I would use around 2 teaspoons with 2 cups of coir. I would also recommend the addition of gypsum to that mix as a buffer, maybe a full cup for the entire substrate. More importantly, if you're going to start messing around with substrates, meaning creating your own, you've got to get a pH/moisture meter. This tool is absolutely a must have. A pH strip will work, but I found a small investment in a meter will more than pay for itself in the long run.
Also, adjusting your casing and substrate for proper pH is always essential for optimal results.
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CaptainLinger
A Fungus Amongus


Registered: 05/25/07
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Re: First Try Bulk Substrate [Re: Wronguy]
#7572708 - 10/29/07 11:39 AM (16 years, 3 months ago) |
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Really Wronguy? I've always had my hpoo be fluffy enough to use straight; cow certainly requires the verm
I also fucking hate straw; it's a nightmare to hydrate, and a pain to sterilize.
Socrates, the thing is your mix isn't heavy, and mixes in a few less-than-helpful things. I'd stick to coir/coffee, pure hpoo, or cpoo mixed with vermiculite (though it seems Wronguy likes verm in the hpoo for body, too)
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Socrates6
Galago



Registered: 04/12/07
Posts: 41
Loc: TX
Last seen: 13 years, 5 months
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Thanks for your responses. What I am trying to come up with is a substrate that will be as good as one can get without actually having hpoo. Do y'all have any suggestions?
-------------------- The whole of science is nothing more than a refinement of everyday thinking.
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CaptainLinger
A Fungus Amongus


Registered: 05/25/07
Posts: 1,756
Last seen: 3 years, 7 months
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Re: First Try Bulk Substrate [Re: Socrates6]
#7572740 - 10/29/07 11:48 AM (16 years, 3 months ago) |
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There really isn't one. Mixing a lot of things is a pain too, particularly if you have no experience with them; I'd use coir/coffee 20/80. Easy, obtainable, fast, and high quality.
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mycocurious
Mike O. Kuerias



Registered: 02/09/07
Posts: 1,265
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Re: First Try Bulk Substrate [Re: Wronguy]
#7572821 - 10/29/07 12:26 PM (16 years, 3 months ago) |
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Quote:
Wronguy said: You definitely need to add lime with that coir, as I believe coir has a PH of around 5 (to be completely honest, I don't think I've ever tested it /adds to the do list).
 Coco-Coir pH (w/o amendments)
If you're using coco-coir as a substrate, you want something in the 6.5-6.8 range, ideally because just like most other living organisms, they digest their food more readily when it's already slightly acidic. (The same holds true for human's as well although our stomach acids (hydrochloric acid) are sufficient enough to neutralize most alkaline foods....)
--------------------
Don't mistake my tone for a "matter-of-fact" attitude. I'm just presenting what I believe to be correct, until I'm corrected... - How Myco-Curious Prepares Coir & Compost Substrates - How Myco-Curious Builds A Bulk Humidifier - How Myco-Curious Builds An Automated Greenhouse ------------------------------------ figgusfiddus said: Keep in mind that inoculating or whatever in front of a flow hood won't help your bad substrate, your bad inoculant, your bad sterile procedure, etc. etc. etc. It's not a +3 flowhood of magic, it's just a tool.
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CaptainLinger
A Fungus Amongus


Registered: 05/25/07
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Re: First Try Bulk Substrate [Re: mycocurious]
#7572825 - 10/29/07 12:28 PM (16 years, 3 months ago) |
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I can also confirm a 6-6.5 range when using coir straight.
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MotorCityMadman
Rubberfan andFunketeer



Registered: 10/02/06
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another vote here for coir/coffee.
works great and is cheap.
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