Can you use vermiculite as substrate?

Can you use vermiculite as substrate?

Coco coir is often mixed in a 1:1 ratio with vermiculite to form a suitable mushroom substrate. Vermiculite is an expanded mineral that provides structure to the substrate and retains water, though it is nutritionally inert.

Can I mix coco coir with vermiculite?

Combining Viagrow Coconut coir with vermiculite and perlite equals one amazing premium planting mix. Viagrow horticultural perlite is commonly used alone for a completely inert hydroponic medium with good capillary and air retention properties.

Do you need to pasteurize vermiculite?

Vermiculite is an inorganic material typically added to soil to help potted plants retain moisture. It’s also very resistant to contamination, meaning it can be added directly to the top of the substrate without any consideration for sterilization or pasteurization.

What does gypsum do for bulk substrate?

Gypsum is used to improve the structure of the bulk substrate and to act as a pH buffer. It is usually added at 5-10% by volume.

How much gypsum do I add to mushroom substrate?

Gypsum should be mixed at a rate of 2-5% of the dry weight of the substrate.

How do you pasteurize vermiculite and coco coir?

Spring or purified water is heated to 160-180 degrees Fahrenheit and poured over the coir. Then the bucket is capped with a lid to retain heat and allowed to sit for one to two hours. Some methods suggest filling a pillowcase with coir so that the substrate can be pulled from the bucket, squeezed out, and hung to dry.

Do I need to pasteurize vermiculite?

How do you pasteurize bulk substrates?

Access to a tap.

1. Step 1 – Get prepared. Get all your items together around a stove.
2. Step 2 – Heat Water. Heat the water until boiling then reduce the temperature until it is stable at 65-82C (150 – 180F).
3. Step 3 – Submerge the Bulk Substrate.
4. Step 4 – Wait.
5. Step 5 – Allow to cool.

How much gypsum should I add to mushroom substrate?

Powdered gypsum is used to increase the pH in mushroom growing substrates such as grain, sawdust, coffee grounds and straw. It is also a yield enhancer as it supplies minerals and trace elements to the mycelium. Gypsum should be mixed at a rate of 2-5% of the dry weight of the substrate.