Author Archive for: neil
Entries by Neil
FAQ: How do I choose and prepare my mushroom substrate
The most commonly used and accessible is wheat straw. Most pet stores and farmers co-op stores, stock wheat straw. Choose good quality straw, there should be no odours or mouldy growth. It is important to chop it as finely as possible, the optimum is an average particle size of 10mm. We have seen multiple ways […]
FAQ: Basic oyster mushroom production cycle
The basic cycle is – Substrate preparation – obtaining suitable substrate, drying and grinding the substrate to produce an average particle size of 10mm. Finally pasteurization or sterilization of the substrate. Inoculation – introduction of good quality spawn into the pasteurized substrate. Spawn run/Colonization – when the mushroom mycelium grows from the spawn into the […]
FAQ: can I grow different species of mushrooms in the same room?
FAQ: can I grow different species of mushrooms in the same room? Short answer is yes. Long answer, the species you can grow effectively in the same room, will depend on each species climatic requirements. I have found that shiitake and king oyster do well together and that the “normal” oysters, pink, yellow, grey and […]
oyster mushroom growing and lime pasteurization
The lime soak method relies on 4 key principles: Quality spawn using low magnesium hydrated lime – in South Africa marketed as “Water purifying lime” keeping the pH of the lime soak solution above 12 all through the soak period excellent fresh air exchange (FAE) ensuring that you meet these criteria will ensure your success
Black truffles: season 2018
Let the season begin, black truffles are coming. That was June, now in July 2018 a truffle farmer near Wakkerstroom in Mpumalanga province has found black truffles. The price for 2018 season truffles is approximately R15 000/kg, so we have one very happy farmer. As an alternative crop truffles are the only crop I have […]
Pictures of wild mushrooms in Northern KwaZulu-Natal
Pictures of wild mushrooms in Northern KwaZulu-Natal Some images wild mushrooms found on a recent trip to northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Hydrated lime soak – Fungi Ally and Manna Mushroom farm visit
It seems to be all the rage and fashion the “hydrated lime soak” for oyster mushroom and other fast-growing species production on straw. This post is for background and information on the use of hydrated lime to prepare straw to become oyster mushrooms! This is the method in use by Simply Manna Gourmet Mushroom Farms […]
Double extraction reishi tincture
Double extraction reishi tincture Mushrush Reishi Extract & Tea instructions April2014 Double reishi extractions combine both hot water and alcohol extracts which are better at boosting the immune stimulating and anti-inflammatory compounds in reishi mushrooms, than simple hot water extractions. A double reishi extraction combines both hot water and alcohol extracts to create […]