Oyster Mushroom Bucket Tek

Step 1: Prepare the Substrate

 

Why: Pasteurization minimizes unwanted microorganisms in the straw while keeping some natural microbial diversity in the substrate.

 

• Place your Sugar Cane Mulch (chosen substrate) in a laundry basket within a large plastic tub.

• Add cold water and Hydrated Lime at a ratio of 3 grams per 1 liter of water. Let it sit for 12-24 hours. Lime raises the pH level, eliminating mold spores, bacteria, and other undesired contaminants in the straw.

• After soaking, drain excess water for about 20 minutes until it's not dripping. You can quicken drying by spreading it on a table or a fly screen.

 

Step 2: Prepare the Bucket

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• Drill small holes around the sides and bottom of the bucket for airflow and drainage.

• Clean the bucket with Isopropyl Alcohol or Trichterminator to ensure it's free from contaminants.

 

Step 3: Load the Bucket

 

• Break the oyster mushroom spawn into pieces.

• Combine and layer uniformly with the Pasteurised Straw Substrate.

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Step 4: Seal and Wait

 

• Cover the bucket with its lid.

• Keep the bucket in a warm, humid spot in indirect sunligh or darkness for around 7-14 days to colonise.

 

Step 5: Fruiting Stage

 

Small mushroom "pins" will begin growing out of the holes. Harvest them when they reach your desired size. Gently twist or cut them off the substrate.

 

TIP: FLUSH TO GET MORE FRUITS!

 

After harvesting, you can soak the bucket in water for a few hours to trigger a new growth cycle.
 

Happy mushroom growing!