Emma Wilson
Wild Bird Seed (WBS) is a popular and cost-effective substrate for mushroom cultivators. It is a mixture of various seeds such as millet, sunflower seeds, milo, and cracked corn. WBS is readily available at most grocery and hardware stores, as well as online. While it offers nutritional diversity and fosters healthy mushroom growth, it may require extra preparation to avoid contamination and seed clumping. WBS is typically soaked, cleaned, and strained before being cooked to just below boiling point to avoid seed lysis.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full Form | WBS stands for Wild Bird Seed |
| Composition | Millet, sunflower seeds, milo, cracked corn, and other grains |
| Cost | Around $14 for a 40-pound bag |
| Where to buy | Grocery or hardware stores, Walmart |
| Preparation | Soak in water to remove debris and unwanted seeds, add gypsum and coffee (optional), simmer, strain, and dry |
| Advantages | Affordable, widely available, provides nutritional diversity for robust mycelial growth and abundant fruiting |
| Disadvantages | Potential contamination, seeds may stick together |
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What You'll Learn
- WBS is an affordable and widely available substrate for mushroom cultivation
- WBS is typically composed of millet, sunflower seeds, milo, and cracked corn
- WBS preparation includes cleaning, hydration, cooking, and sterilisation
- WBS can be purchased from grocery stores, hardware stores, and Walmart
- WBS is not suitable for boiling as it may turn into a brick of hard, sticky birdseed
WBS is an affordable and widely available substrate for mushroom cultivation
Wild Bird Seed (WBS) is a popular and effective substrate for mushroom cultivation. It is a mixture of seeds, typically including millet, sunflower seeds, milo, and cracked corn. WBS is readily available at most grocery and hardware stores, often labelled as "wild bird feed" rather than "wild bird seed". It is also commonly found at Walmart, where a 40-pound bag costs around $14.
WBS is a favourite among mushroom cultivators due to its affordability and accessibility. Its mixed composition of seeds provides a diverse range of nutrients, fostering healthy and robust mycelium growth. The nutritional diversity of WBS leads to a more extensive mycelium network and potentially more abundant fruiting.
While WBS offers numerous benefits, it also comes with some challenges. Contamination is a common issue, as bird seed can sometimes harbour unwanted organisms. To mitigate this risk, it is essential to ensure thorough sterilisation during the preparation process. Additionally, the seeds have a tendency to stick together, making it difficult to distribute the mycelium evenly. This issue can be addressed by adding a scoop of gypsum to the mixture.
Preparing WBS for mushroom cultivation involves several steps. First, the WBS is soaked in water to remove unwanted debris and sunflower seeds, which float to the top and can be skimmed off. This step is repeated until the water remains relatively clear. Next, a handful of gypsum is added to prevent the grains from sticking together, and a cup of mild coffee is optional to increase nitrogen levels. The mixture is then filled with water, covered, and soaked for at least 12 hours to allow the grains to fully hydrate.
After hydration, the mixture is heated until it simmers, being careful not to boil as this can cause the grains to break apart. This cooking process softens the grains, making it easier for the mycelium to consume them. Finally, the grains are strained and allowed to air-dry for 45-60 minutes until they no longer leave a puddle when placed on a paper towel.
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WBS is typically composed of millet, sunflower seeds, milo, and cracked corn
Wild Bird Seed (WBS) is a popular choice for mushroom cultivators as it is an affordable and widely available substrate that provides a rich variety of nutrients. It is typically composed of millet, sunflower seeds, milo, and cracked corn, although there are variations in WBS mixes.
Millet is a type of small seed from various species of grass and is often a component of birdseed. It is a good source of nutrients for mushrooms, providing a diverse diet that fosters healthy and robust growth. Sunflower seeds are also commonly found in WBS mixes, although some cultivators prefer mixes with fewer sunflower seeds. These seeds have a similar structure to millet and provide additional nutritional benefits for mushrooms.
Milo, also known as sorghum, is another type of grain that can be found in WBS. It adds to the nutritional diversity of the mixture, contributing to the healthy development of mushrooms. Cracked corn, or whole corn, is also included in WBS and is known for its impressive colonisation times. It is a sensitive ingredient that requires careful preparation, particularly when simmering, but it offers the advantage of rapid mushroom growth.
While WBS typically includes these four main components, there can be variations in the specific types and proportions of seeds included. Some cultivators may prefer certain brands or types of WBS based on their personal preferences and experiences. The preparation and sterilisation process for WBS is important to ensure successful mushroom cultivation and prevent contamination, which is a common issue due to the potential presence of unwanted organisms in birdseed.
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WBS preparation includes cleaning, hydration, cooking, and sterilisation
WBS, or Wild Bird Seed, is a type of bird feed used in mushroom cultivation. WBS preparation includes cleaning, hydration, cooking, and sterilisation.
Firstly, cleaning. WBS should be cleaned to remove any contaminants. This can include skimming off floaters, such as sunflower seeds, and removing any sticks or other debris. Some people choose to remove sunflower seeds as they believe they can cause clumping, but others argue that sunflower seeds do not cause any issues and can even be beneficial. It is also important to note that WBS should not be washed like other produce, as this can spread germs. Instead, it should be rinsed and then dried with a paper towel or clean cloth.
Secondly, hydration. WBS needs to be hydrated before use. This can be done by soaking the seeds in water for a period of time, usually around 18 hours.
Thirdly, cooking. Cooking the WBS is an important step to kill any bacteria and sterilise the seeds. However, it is important to note that WBS does not take boiling well and can become hard and sticky if boiled for too long. Instead, a simmer may be more suitable. Even then, simmering can cause the WBS to become sticky, so it is important to monitor the cooking process closely.
Finally, sterilisation. Sterilisation is a crucial step in WBS preparation to ensure that any bacteria, fungi, or other contaminants are killed. This can be done through various methods, such as using heat, chemicals, or pressure. One common method is to use a pressure cooker to sterilise the WBS, ensuring that all bacteria are eliminated.
Overall, WBS preparation requires a careful and thoughtful approach to ensure the seeds are properly cleaned, hydrated, cooked, and sterilised for successful mushroom cultivation.
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WBS can be purchased from grocery stores, hardware stores, and Walmart
Wild Bird Seed (WBS) is a popular option for mushroom cultivators. It is a mixture of various seeds such as millet, sunflower seeds, milo, and cracked corn. WBS is widely available at grocery stores, hardware stores, and Walmart.
WBS can often be found in the wild bird feed section of grocery stores and hardware stores. It is usually sold in large bags, ranging from 40-pound bags at Walmart to other larger sizes. The price is typically affordable, with some paying around $14 for a 40-pound bag.
When purchasing WBS, it is important to look for a mix with a minimal number of sunflower seeds, as they can be more challenging to work with. Some recommended brands include Pennington's Finch Seed and Pennington's Wild Bird Seed, with the latter containing more sunflower seeds but offering a larger quantity for a good price.
Additionally, some cultivators opt to remove the sunflower seeds from their WBS. This can be done by soaking the seeds in water and skimming off the sunflower seeds, which will float to the top along with other unwanted debris. This process may need to be repeated several times to effectively clean the WBS.
Overall, WBS is a convenient and cost-effective option for mushroom cultivation, which can be easily sourced from grocery stores, hardware stores, or Walmart.
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WBS is not suitable for boiling as it may turn into a brick of hard, sticky birdseed
Wild Bird Seed (WBS) is a popular option for mushroom cultivators as it is an affordable and widely available substrate that provides a rich variety of nutrients. It is typically composed of seeds such as millet, sunflower seeds, milo, and cracked corn.
While WBS is a great option for mushroom cultivation, it is important to note that it is not suitable for boiling. Boiling WBS can cause the seeds to break apart and turn into a hard, sticky mess, resembling a brick of birdseed. This is a common issue reported by mushroom cultivators. One cultivator shared their experience, stating that their WBS came out very sticky and unusable after simmering it, similar to their experience with rye.
To prepare WBS for mushroom cultivation, it is recommended to start by soaking the seeds in water to remove any unwanted debris or sunflower seeds, which tend to float on the surface. This step may need to be repeated multiple times until the water remains relatively clear. After cleaning the WBS, some cultivators choose to add a handful of gypsum and brewed coffee, although this step is optional and not mandatory.
Following the cleaning process, the WBS should be hydrated by adding hot water until there is about an inch of liquid above the seeds. It is then recommended to let the mixture sit for 8-12 hours or even overnight to ensure the grains are fully hydrated, which is crucial for successful mushroom cultivation.
Once the grains have absorbed enough water, it is time to cook them. It is important to heat the pot until it reaches a simmer, being careful not to let the mixture boil. Boiling WBS can not only cause the seeds to break apart but also lead to lysis of the seeds, which is undesirable for mushroom cultivation. The cooking process helps soften the grains, making it easier for the mycelium to consume them.
In summary, while WBS is a cost-effective and convenient option for mushroom cultivators, it is important to avoid boiling it to prevent the seeds from turning into a hard, sticky mass. Proper preparation techniques, including soaking, cleaning, hydration, and simmering, are key to successful mushroom cultivation using WBS.
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Frequently asked questions
WBS stands for Wild Bird Seed. It is a mixture of various seeds such as millet, sunflower seeds, milo, and cracked corn. WBS is commonly used to feed birds but is also a popular choice for home mushroom cultivators as a grain spawn substrate.
WBS is widely available and affordable. Its nutritional diversity provides a varied diet for growing mycelium, fostering healthy and robust growth.
First, you need to clean the WBS by soaking it in water and stirring to remove unwanted debris and sunflower seeds. Drain the floaters and repeat until the water is relatively clear. Next, add a scoop of gypsum and (optionally) a cup of mild coffee to increase nitrogen levels. Fill the pot with water until it is about one inch above the grains and let it soak for at least 12 hours. After hydration, cook the grains by bringing the water to a simmer. Be careful not to let the mixture boil as this can cause the grains to break apart.
WBS can be purchased from grocery or hardware stores, as well as online vendors. Some sources mention buying WBS from Walmart.
Contamination is a potential issue as bird seed can harbour unwanted organisms. Another challenge is the seeds sticking together, making it difficult to distribute the mycelium evenly.
