Emily Johnson
The amount of substrate needed for mushroom logs depends on various factors, including the type of mushroom, the substrate used, and the size of the growing container or log. Logs are often used to grow shiitake, oyster, and button mushrooms outdoors. Ideal logs for growing mushrooms are typically three to four feet long and four to six inches in diameter. For a standard 5-gallon (19-liter) growing bag, 8-10 pounds (3.6-4.5 kg) of prepared substrate is recommended for optimal mushroom production. Coconut coir, straw, coffee grounds, compost, manure, and sawdust are all commonly used substrates, each with its own weight and volume considerations. To determine the precise amount of substrate needed, growers can use online calculators that factor in the dimensions of the growing container and the desired yield.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ideal substrate depth for mushroom logs | 3 to 5 inches |
| Substrate volume | Depends on the monotub dimensions |
| Substrate weight for a 5-gallon growing bag | 8-10 pounds |
| Substrate weight for small tubs | 6-8 quarts |
| Substrate weight for medium tubs | 12-15 quarts |
| Substrate weight for large tubs | 20-24 quarts |
| Substrate weight for a 10-pound block | 10 cups of hardwood pellets and 2.8 liters of water |
| Substrate weight for a 5-pound coconut coir brick | 2.3 kg |
| Mushroom species grown on logs | Shiitake, Oyster, Button, Reishi, Maitake, Chicken of the Woods |
| Types of substrates | Compost, manure, vermiculite, coco coir, gypsum, straw, cardboard, coffee grounds, sawdust, bran, wood |
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What You'll Learn
Substrate type: hardwood, cardboard, straw, etc
The type of substrate you use will depend on the species of mushroom you want to grow, your level of expertise, and your budget. Here are some details on using hardwood, cardboard, or straw as substrates for growing mushrooms:
Hardwood
All forms of hardwood, such as maple, oak, beech, poplar, birch, elm, and others, make great substrates for several kinds of mushrooms. Hardwood pellets or sawdust are commonly used. To make a 10-pound block of substrate, you'll need 10 cups of hardwood pellets and 2.8 litres of water. Wood pellets don't need to be sterilized as they're already sterilized during the manufacturing process. However, most growers supplement their hardwood sawdust with bran to provide extra nutrients for the mycelium.
Cardboard
Cardboard is a good substrate for beginners as it's cheap and easy to find. It retains moisture well, and the corrugations allow for good air exchange. Oyster mushrooms and some other aggressive species will grow on cardboard alone, but it's best to mix it with coffee grounds or other supplements for optimal results. You can even use cardboard to grow mushroom spawn from the stems of store-bought oyster mushrooms. Simply soak the cardboard in boiling water, allow it to cool, and squeeze out the excess water before colonizing it with mushroom spawn.
Straw
Straw is an excellent substrate for beginners, especially for growing oyster mushrooms. Wheat straw works best, but you can also use rice, barley, or oat straw. Straw is a good option for those on a budget, and it provides excellent bang for your buck. It doesn't need to be sterilized but should be pasteurized to remove competing organisms and give your mushrooms a head start. You can add 20% straw to your substrate mix to improve air exchange and speed up colonization.
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Substrate quantity: pounds of substrate per log
The amount of substrate needed for mushroom logs depends on various factors, including the type of mushroom, the substrate used, and the size of the growing container or log.
For a standard 5-gallon (19-liter) growing bag, 8-10 pounds (3.6-4.5 kg) of prepared substrate is recommended for optimal mushroom production. This amount ensures that the substrate retains enough moisture and provides sufficient space for the mushrooms to grow.
When using logs, it is important to consider the size of the log and the type of mushroom being cultivated. Logs that are three to four feet long and four to six inches in diameter are ideal for growing mushrooms. For example, Oyster mushrooms grow well on hardwood logs, particularly beech, and can be harvested in the same year they are inoculated. On the other hand, Shiitake mushrooms have a longer incubation period, taking anywhere from 9 months to 2 years to fruit.
The type of substrate used also plays a role in determining the quantity needed. Substrates like straw, coffee grounds, and hardwood sawdust are commonly used. For straw and coffee grounds, a typical amount is around 5 pounds, while for hardwood sawdust, 5 pounds is sufficient when mixed with other substrates.
It is worth noting that using too little substrate can lead to drying out and hindered growth, while too much can increase the risk of contamination and prolong the colonization process. Therefore, it is crucial to find the right balance and ensure that the substrate depth is appropriate for the specific mushroom species and growing environment.
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Container size: monotub dimensions
The amount of substrate and spawn you use will depend on the size of your monotub. The depth of the substrate should be around 3.5-4.5 inches. You can calculate the amount of substrate and spawn you need by using an online calculator. This will require you to input the length, width, and depth of your monotub, along with the desired ratios of spawn and bulk ingredients.
There are a variety of monotub sizes that you can use. For beginners, a 16-quart tub from Target is a good option. The classic CVG recipe (650g coco coir, 2 quarts vermiculite, 1 cup gypsum) fits well inside this tub, assuming a 3-inch depth and a 1/4-inch casing layer. This depth is also beneficial for FAE once the lid is flipped for fruiting conditions.
Another option is to use 6-quart shoebox tubs, which are perfect for testing different varieties and strains. You can use 1 quart of spawn and 2 quarts of substrate. A 15-quart tub is also a good smaller size.
For more experienced growers, a 32-quart gasketed sterilite tub is a popular choice for modded no-touch tubs. Some growers also use 34-quart tubs, which offer the benefit of reduced handling and larger mushroom yields compared to smaller tubs.
It's important to note that the size of the monotub is not the only factor to consider when determining the amount of substrate and spawn needed. The type of mushroom, your experience level, and your budget will also influence your substrate choice.
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Mushroom species: shiitake, oyster, lion's mane, etc
When it comes to growing mushrooms, the amount of substrate needed depends on the type of mushroom and the growing setup. For example, a standard 5-gallon (19-liter) growing bag requires 8-10 pounds (3.6-4.5 kg) of prepared substrate for optimal mushroom production.
Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms are typically grown on logs, specifically hardwood logs like oak, maple, beech, birch, elm, and poplar. However, many growers now use sawdust as the preferred substrate, as it is easier to manage than logs of wood. A mix of hardwood sawdust with 5% wheat bran is recommended, with a moisture content of around 55% and a pH of 6.5. Shiitake mushrooms also grow well on the Master's Mix, a substrate that supports the growth of most wood-loving mushrooms.
Oyster Mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms can be grown on a variety of substrates, including hardwood logs like elm and birch. They can also be grown on cardboard, which is a good option for beginners as it is cheap and easy to find. For budget-conscious growers, pasteurized straw is another option that delivers excellent results. Coffee grounds can be used as well, especially for urban growers with limited space, but they tend to compact easily, reducing air exchange.
Lion's Mane Mushrooms
Lion's Mane mushrooms can be grown on hardwood logs and hardwood sawdust. For lion's mane substrate, a recipe from Field & Forest calls for mixing hardwood pellets with wheat bran and lion's mane spawn in a filter bag. This setup mimics the natural growth of lion's mane on the sides of trees and logs.
Other Mushroom Species
In addition to the species mentioned above, there are many other mushroom varieties that can be cultivated on various substrates. King oyster mushrooms, for example, thrive on a substrate of hardwood sawdust and approximately 10% wheat bran, with a moisture content of about 70% and a pH of 6.5. Cardboard can also be used as a substrate for a variety of mushroom species, especially aggressive growers like oyster mushrooms. Additionally, coffee grounds, straw, and manure are all suitable substrates for a wide range of mushrooms.
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Preparation: pasteurisation or sterilisation
The preparation of your mushroom substrate will depend on the type of substrate you are using. High-nutrient substrates need to be sterilised to give your mushrooms a head start. Low-nutrient substrates can be pasteurised instead of sterilised.
Pasteurisation
Some substrates, such as straw, vermiculite, coffee grounds, and cardboard, do not need to be sterilised. Pasteurisation is sufficient to remove any unwanted microorganisms and give your mushrooms a head start. To pasteurise your substrate, you can soak it in boiling water.
Sterilisation
High-nutrient substrates, such as compost, manure, and some types of wood, need to be sterilised before use. This can be done through pressure cooking or steam sterilisation. Wood pellets, however, do not need to be sterilised as they are already sterilised during the manufacturing process.
Calculating Substrate Quantity
The amount of substrate you will need depends on the size of your growing container. You can use an online substrate calculator to determine the exact amount of substrate needed. These calculators will take into account the dimensions of your container and the desired ratio of spawn to bulk ingredients.
For a standard 5-gallon (19-liter) growing bag, you will typically need 8-10 pounds (3.6-4.5 kg) of prepared substrate for optimal mushroom production. For monotubs, the ideal substrate depth is between 3 to 5 inches, and the volume should be calculated based on the specific tub dimensions.
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Frequently asked questions
A standard 5-gallon (19-liter) growing bag requires 8-10 pounds (3.6-4.5 kg) of prepared substrate for optimal mushroom production.
The ideal substrate depth for a monotub is between 3 to 5 inches. The volume of the substrate depends on the size of the tub. Small tubs (e.g. 16” x 12”) might need around 6-8 quarts of substrate, medium tubs (e.g. 20” x 15”) may require 12-15 quarts, and large tubs (e.g. 24” x 18”) often need 20-24 quarts.
Logs are often used to grow shiitake and other varieties of mushrooms outdoors. Most hardwood varieties of trees can be used, including beech, poplar, maple, oak, birch, and elm. Freshly cut logs should be stored somewhere clean and dry for a few months before inoculating.
One recipe for a high-yield substrate includes 10 pounds of straw, 5 pounds of hardwood sawdust, 1 cup of gypsum, and water as needed. Another recipe includes 10 pounds of well-rotted compost, 5 pounds of aged manure, 2 pounds of vermiculite or coco coir, and 1 cup of gypsum.
The right amount of substrate is crucial for successful mushroom cultivation. Too little substrate may lead to drying out and hindered growth, while too much can increase the risk of contamination and prolong the colonization process. It is also important to use fresh logs that have been properly stored to prevent the growth of unwanted fungi.
