Mushroom Substrate
Our premium Mushroom Grain Spawn & Substrates are available in various organic, sterilised options, including bulk and combo packs. Each of our mushroom substrates and grain, unless stated, are sterilised at 15 PSI for 3 hours in our UK lab, ensuring a clean and healthy environment for your mycology projects. Our substrates and grain are expertly prepared to support optimal growth, making them ideal for both novice and experienced cultivators alike.
So whether you're looking for the versatility of Organic Rye Grain or fast inoculation with White Millet - we've got the grain to enable robust growth and accelerate your learning. Our substrates are mixed to field capacity ensuring moisture is retained to encourage mycelium's fruiting bodies, mushrooms, to emerge strong & vibrant.
Grow your mushrooms with our finely-tuned recipes of Mushroom Grain & Mushroom Substrate. These tried, tested & trusted mixes are blended spcifically to optimise mycelium growth and encourage high mushroom yields. Available for fast, discreet delivery directly to your door.
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What is the best mushroom growing substrate for beginners?
If you're just starting out, our coco coir mushroom substrate mix, i.e. CVG – Coir, Vermiculite & Gypsum, is the ideal choice. We provide a high-quality blend that retains moisture, promotes aeration, and has a low contamination risk, perfect for beginners.
Should I sterilise or pasteurise my Mushroom Substrate?
It depends on the type of substrate you’re using. Our pasteurised mushroom substrates, such as manure-based or high-calcium blends, are designed to retain beneficial microbes while eliminating harmful contaminants. This allows for a balanced, healthy environment for your mycelium to thrive.
Why is coco coir one of the best mushroom growing substrate materials?
A coco coir mushroom substrate is a good choice due to its excellent moisture retention, contamination resistance, and ability to support strong mycelium growth. We supply high quality, hydrated coco coir mushroom substrate, making it easier than ever to get started.
Does manure improve mushroom yield?
Manure-based mushroom substrates provide extra nutrients that regular substrates like coir cannot support. Recent research suggests that additives and nutrients can play an important role in more robust growth.
What is pasteurisation?
Pasteurisation is a milder heat treatment that kills off harmful bacteria, molds, and pathogens while allowing beneficial microbes to survive. These beneficial microorganisms help outcompete any remaining contaminants and support the health of the substrate.
What are the advantages of a manure based mushroom substrate?
A manure-based mushroom substrate is perfect for dung-loving species. It provides a rich nutrient base. It’s used in the bulk cultivation of many gourmet and medicinal mushrooms as it’s believed to help form stronger more robust mycelial growth.
How should manure based mushroom substrate be prepared?
Our pasteurised mushroom substrate is ready to use straight out of the bag. Simply mix with your chosen spawn and incubate at the right temperature for rapid colonisation.
What is the best way to store mushroom substrate before use?
Our pasteurised mushroom substrate is best stored in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. If ordering bulk mushroom substrate UK, we recommend using it as soon as possible for optimal freshness and performance.
What is a casing layer?
A casing layer is normally a non-nutrient based substrate, that creates a moisture retaining layer which is normally added to the substrate once colonised.
What are the benefits of a casing layer?
A casing layer can keep the surface of the substrate moist, which helps the mycelium establish a strong, healthy fruiting surface. If the substrate surface dries out, it can create micro-environments where contaminants like molds and bacteria can take hold. The casing layer helps to maintain humidity and reduces the likelihood of surface dryness, which can prevent these issues.
In some cases, the casing layer acts as a physical barrier between the colonised substrate and airborne contaminants. It can help protect the substrate as it enters the fruiting stage, where it's most vulnerable to contamination. By keeping the mycelium well-covered, the casing layer might reduce the chance of spores or bacteria settling directly onto the substrate.
Do I need to use a casing layer?
That depends, some species of mushroom depend on it but most don’t. We suggest you do your research to help you in your search for the most optimal setup for your Gourmet and Medicinal mushrooms.
A good casing layer can provide the ideal conditions for the mycelium to fruit by encouraging proper gas exchange and humidity. A well-established and healthy mycelium is better able to outcompete contaminants. If the casing layer is correctly applied, it may also support faster colonisation, which helps reduce the time that contaminants have to take hold.