Hey guys, don't have any pics yet, as I lack the camera to take them, although I can probably use my decent cell phone cam to take a few if anyone wants. Here is the situation...recently, had some left over WBS spawn (6-7 ounces), this spawn took almost 2 months to colonize..worth noting..i put that in a gallon zip log bag, and then put that that in a zip log bag that had some water in the bottom for humidity... microwaved the hell out of some regular old garden soil and layered about a 1/2 inch layer on top of the spawn, added some extra moisture, so far no contams and ive got pinning, going into maturation of the fruits. they're doubling in size about every day...for the circumstances, its pretty substantial pinning as well. Other conditions: No terrarium of any sort used, other than the two baggies, although that isn't producing any visible humidity
here are my questions: How the hell did this work? If this fruits all the way through successfully, and keeps up as well as it's doing, then I'll have pretty decent yield for the size of the casing. Would this be considered normal for *USED* garden soil that was pulled out of a pot on my patio, then pasteurized? LoL, I felt as if I didn't want to waste the extra spawn, but was too lazy to make some casing mix, so I just said what the hay... Second question - Has anyone ever used fresh garden soil that has perhaps slow release fertilizer as casing? Miracle Grow potting mix perhaps? Just a note...As a newbie, it is easy for me to remember that when I was just beginning learn how to grow, it seemed as if the whole process was very fragile and complicated. Now, after a little experience, it's easy to see and appreciate how hardy and thirsty for life these little button pushers are. Also, as another side note, I'd like to say that it is obvious in this world of growing that much has gone unexplored. There are so many experiments and tweaks to mushroom growing that have yet to be developed. I guess this stupid idea I thought would never work under the conditions is just something that tells me to keep following those stupid hunches you have, they can lead to cool things....like an unexpected harvest! Happy growing!
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Thanks for experimenting!
I think i've read a few posts recently about miracle grow moisture control being used as a casing layer.
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Well id like to point out that microwaving potting soil is not pasteurizing. Also fertilizers will not make mushrooms grow any bigger or more potent. There not the same as plants, If there was an acceptable way to fertilize mushrooms they would probably sell it at the store. Growing inside ziplock bags Would work , why wouldn't it ? Its like a minature terrarium. Basically I'd say you just got lucky but that this probably wouldn't but maybe 50 percent of the time. Also you can just use vermiculite as a casing since it holds in moisture.
-------------------- My Trade List I hate to advocate drugs, alcohol, violence, or insanity to anyone, but they've always worked for me. Hunter S. Thompson
I prefer dangerous freedom over peaceful slavery. ~Thomas Jefferson
Edited by DontPlay (01/15/08 09:08 AM)
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