How to Pasteurise Mushroom Substrate (5 Easiest Methods)

[@GroCycleTV]

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[@-The_M.]

You guys have been super helpful. Thanks to your videos, I have 2 four foot polytubing logs (4 mil lining and 10" diameter) sitting in my grow tent waiting to grow a ton of oyster mushrooms.

[@gregthomas4177]

Detailed without over sharing. Thanks.

[@joalexsg9741]

You guys are amazing. Although I can't do many of the procedures for several reasons, I do share your videos on all the alternative media (i.e. not Facebook or related) I've joined. Congratulations for your educational activism and for helping us keep our Mother Earth healthier, also promoting such cruelty-free food!

[@elliottdebell7783]

Finally a video that quick to the point! Verynuseful

[@branbello]

You guys are doing a great job. Thank you for contributing so much information to the mushroom community.

[@guy5710]

Hi guys, thank you for your videos all of them are very helpful, where can I find more information about the vinegar?

[@mightyconker3903]

Thanks. I didn't know these methods. This really helped open things up. Keep up the good work

[@miz180]

What a wonderful video about cold water pasteurization! Thank you for sharing.

[@swhaht6807]

Please add / wear safety glasses around lime for eye security. Otherwise great info. Topz! I especially appreciate cold water methods.

[@dillonwerth7581]

This is amazing 💪thank you for your video guys. Testing out the builders lime this weekend and will have to give feedback in a months time 🎉🍄

[@meatcreap]

I love you GroCycle! So informative and so innovative!

[@thefoodproject]

Thanks for this. What's the ratio with vinegar?

[@ahmedtaktak581]

Great video! Thank you for sharing the knowledge! Quick question: Can the water be re-used?

[@Ben-ww1zq]

Cool video, my favorite so far. I absolutely love low tech and being off grid is essential to being balanced. Quick question, have you used or know why caustic soda isn't being used?

[@farmerdude3578]

Wow, you guys are great at making videos. Fantastic job. Thank you.

[@t.h.o.r.]

hey thank you for this video. How do you feel about keeping the water for next weeks substrate?

[@Polarcupcheck]

Cool. I am trying the wood ash method. talk about dirty, but we will see if that impacts the yield because I only drained it, didn't rinse.

[@odnewdylee]

Can we use the lime bath water on another batch of straw as soon as we pull out the first batch after 16-20 hours. My vegetable garden is no till in straw, figure I should get as many uses out of the straw as I can.

[@alvinengstrom]

Does lime pasteurisation works for saw dust?

[@Ascension1776]

Appreciate the video!

[@apoorvakumarsingh861]

Nice video if possible make a video for machines used in mushroom cultivation

[@RAMSHACKLE28]

Complete eye opener! Thank you! Also maybe squeeze a lemon in to bring down pH before discharge.. :{)

[@so_bendy]

Just the video I've been looking for! Thank you!!

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

if using coir would you, "Add the lime to the coconut" but don't drink it all up or you'll say "Doct-tah!" ----------------------------------------------------------- if you heat with wood,[or have a friend who will trade you] ash is a no-brainer and the mineral content for the shrooms is excellent. The lime or ash pH methods also do a preparatory hydrolysis that opens the cellulose for mycelial digestion. That and the minerals is why yields are better. hey fellas, I like your style

[@GroCycleTV]

Thanks for watching, and hope you've managed to relieve your belly ache...!

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

@@GroCycleTV When we were naming our farm my wife drew a picture of a farmer with a large semispherical abdominal protrusion and proposed that we name the place "Big-Belly Acres" But we were both quite slim so then used YBT Gardens. "You Betcha Toots" was my stock answer when ever she asked for help on something.

[@cccc7006]

Since you mentioned that soap can be used, can you also use dishwashing liquid?

[@Diepenheim36]

Great job Grocycle! I will try lime pasteurization with straw and use bucket to start growing oyster mushrooms. May i just ask what can i supplement to straw if i soak it in lime water to give more nutrients. Most of growers here use 70:25:2:3 straw/sawdust/molasses/rice bran and steam pasteurization. But your method is the kost economical. Please advise.tyvm

[@Gorkilein]

There's an even cheaper and better solution! I discovered that by accident and then read about it and it was the best method I ever found! I once got too much water in my grow bag and the bottom didn't colonize because it was soaking wet. Instead it fermented. After 2 Weeks or so I cut open the bag and draimed the water out. After that the mushrooms did colonize that part of the bag in a spee I never before have seen! Ther was zero contamination in that part (even the upper dry part of it had mold) and was extremely quickly colonized by really strong mycelium! So basically let your substrate rot under water for 2 Weeks, drain and inoculate. It stinks while rotting but its the cheapest, easiest and even best way I saw until today!

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

I think the cellulose is breaking more thoroughly and the colony can digest it quickly. I will probably have to experiment with extended soak times and ash content to test this hypothesis. Many think your report is hooey, but lab accidents often lead to next level knowledge. thanks for paying attention.

[@michakot6287]

What's perfect pH level of substrate while colonization and fruiting?

[@SamsonStumbled]

Thanks for the great info. How do you go about draining the straw bags? Do you have a valve at the bottom of the food container or you you hang the straw baskets? If hanging would this best be done in an indoor or outdoor environment?

[@hipjazzbone]

Could I pasteurize wood chips with the lime or ash? You mentioned sawdust, but not chips. I'm looking to make a really big amount of spawn for a really big Wine Cap bed. I also have tons of branches to run through my chipper, but they've been down for a few months.

[@ahmadterro4254]

Hi Good job I'm a fan 😊 I have a question Why when i use this method my substrate smell bad after 12 hours? And it became hot from inside

[@DYNAMICPLAYZ-vu4by]

Hello Grocycle team thanks for a great video. Can you please confirm if hydrated lime pasteurization cultivation for mushrooms is considered organic?

[@greendestiny3030]

They mentioned all methods were certifiable usda organic.

[@smalljman]

Great videos! You mention vinegar pasteurization, any plans to elaborate the findings? Have you tried it. I was going to give it a whirl as well.

[@giancarlo_olivini]

You are doing a great job passing on these techniques. I have a question: by pasteurizing through raising the ph with lime, after the treatment wouldn't it be appropriate to neutralize the ph to values of 7, considering that all fungi like a ph between 6-7? Residual moisture in the substrate would still contain high ph water and could affect the mycelium. Wouldn't a simple wash in ph neutral water before draining and adding the spawn be a good idea? Thank you for the great job of disseminating your technologies!!

[@aig9672]

Probably true, but wouldn’t you also lose a lot of nutrients as well

[@akoatikaw-pilipinas4981]

Hi GroCycle Team. I find it very interesting about the method of PASTEURIZATION. I've seen this Method in a video from Nepal wherein I was amazed that they are not using STERILISATION method. And there I found in your video this fascinating works. My concern now is the RATIO. Will you be able to make a video or comment back to us the ratio of mixture of chemicals for us to have reference if we apply it. Thanks

[@jonnymycomushrooms]

Great job, thanks again for your awesome work 👏

[@timmyle4342]

Thank you for the videos. I tried to find hydrated lime but not sure which kind to use. Can you help me find it?

[@markdsouza9042]

Hey guys great vid..I have a quick question though...Does using hydrated lime or the chlorine method make the substrate and hence the mushrooms non organic???

[@pembsparagliding]

I found this video super helpful. I had just finished watching a whole stack of videos on making steam pasteurization units- it struck me in times of rising energy costs, -they seemed possibly costly- my one question is- if you have raised the ph so much, with the lime method, and achieved Field capacity in the substrate at the same time- how can the mushrooms /mycelium cope with such a high PH? I believe you, that they do- I'd just like reassurance before commencing this method, as it seems the best, so far, by far-to me!! thanks guys :-)

[@mightyconker3903]

Rising energy costs is a misnomer. It's simply rising consumer energy charges. The cost to produce is no higher than it was.

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

Look on craigslist at the firewood adds. the guys that sell firewood know customers who would trade you ashes for a few shrooms.

[@TJDASHDASH]

As always very informative video's. Have you guys considered using ozonated water?

[@GroCycleTV]

Great idea and no direct experience yet.

[@mcnowski]

Does anyone know if you can skip the lime and use PH-up?

[@urbanmealwormsfarming]

In cold water Pasteurization. What's the water temp? Is it like tap water in winters or icy water?

[@csn583]

Interesting, is the residual acidic/basic moisture in the substrate not a concern for the mycelium? No need to bring it back near neutral pH? I don't know how I was unaware that cold pasteurization was even an option. I'm nano-scale and not trying to turn a profit, but on reduced effort alone this seems a major upgrade. Time to experiment!

[@mashjprime2795]

The mycelium will grow fine in high PH but contaminants will not

[@ryaeon9793]

@@mashjprime2795i think it because oyster mushroom that can tolerate high or low ph. did you try shiitake with cold past? or other mushroom?

[@Polarcupcheck]

@@mashjprime2795 That is interesting. I am trying with regular white buttons mushrooms.

[@marcuss5330]

2 simple questions. 1. Do you neutralize the pH lvl somehow or doesn't matter for the included mycelium? 2. What kind of mushrooms are idle for this kind of substrate?

[@MattRoadhouse]

No need to neutralize, but you need to drain Oyster and other culinary strains are mainly straw (woodlovers basically)

[@Polarcupcheck]

@@MattRoadhouse lol. I just drained it with no rinse, and it smells like cement. lol We shall see if it grows.

[@TheScrinn]

@@Polarcupcheck how it goes?

[@thiliniabayarathna7968]

can we use this method for saw dust culture

[@jayvize6951]

Hi, any tips for neutralizing the wastewater from lime pasturization technique?

[@DizzyNLD]

Lime is an alkali so any acid would work to neutralize it. I’ve seen people say that you can expose it to open air and it would react with the co2 in the air and turn into calcium carbonate, but that can take a long time. For acid, you could use vinegar. Add it, wait until it stops reacting and measure pH. Don’t use stronger acids, it’s risky. And don’t take my advice as gospel. Work safely in a ventilated space, take precautions and do your own (extra) research. I’m not a chemist ;-)

[@thematrixcentre]

Very helpful video. Want to know, what would happen if we add too much lime?

[@Jack-cc3qm]

Mycelium don't mind high ph. Around 13 or so will do the job.

[@ryaeon9793]

what about baking soda and ANAEROBIC PASTEURIZATION (only water)? after googling around i found that egg shell mean calcium that can go to ph7.4 to ph9.2 ?

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

did you test it out for yourself?

[@nubletten]

Do this then mean that the wood type doesn't matter when you are steam sterilisering? All So what is it about the process that Changes the efficiency?

[@sumguy5853]

So the substrate is not rinsed to bring the ph back down before inoculation?

[@slivace]

How much bleach and vinegar per liter of water is needed for pasterization?

[@johnmorgan6724]

Do you need to reduce oil in your growing area as part of the maintenance / cleaning?

[@penrithomas115]

I'm seeing this 8 month is how did vinegar go I fancy making some so could tweet the strength 🤔

[@violettracey]

Thanks!

[@kati7463]

No rinsing after the bath? Just draining?

[@slivace]

Can we combine, example using lime for 20 hours and then using bleach for 20 hours also for the same substrate???

[@walaatota314]

Thanks alot ❤

[@lesleyewen-foster3629]

I live in Southern California where we are conscious of wasting water. The lime approach to pasteurization appeals to me. If I added something to raise the pH after the pasteurization process, could I then use that water for growing vegetables in my garden? Do you have any suggestions? (You two are a gold mine of information-Thank you!)

[@GroCycleTV]

Water is a very precious resource indeed. With Lime you would not to reduce the pH and then should be fine. you could also consider recycling the water in a shower like system.

[@Marlene5018]

I suggest to check first the ph of your soil, if the soil is acidic then you can neutralize or make it more alkaline with lime water. For example, if you are planting or already have berries this option is not for you since berries prefer acidic soils.

[@thangavelganesh5294]

Hello sir.... your video is very helpful for me....I have few questions....which one is best lime bath or other chemicals

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

wood ash

[@2zNick]

Can you use this method for coffee grounds

[@ericchurchill8402]

Nice video

[@haslefreeman1613]

Hello from India bro I was just wondering how long we need to keep lights on for our fruiting room per day ? So no need of darkness after moving to the fruiting room? Please reply. Many Thanks

[@paulmcnutt4145]

Can you use stale nuts as a substrate or a supplement to grow mushrooms? No shells or salt.

[@vauxclair]

Thanks for the video. Any thoughts about using hypochlorous acid to pasteurize the straw?

[@mightyconker3903]

They said some use chlorine so it should be fine

[@pheresy1367]

What type of mushrooms WOULD NOT benefit from these methods. Is this ONLY for wood lovers? Some types enjoy a slightly acidic environment. Would a hydrated lime bath be too base for the mycelium to overcome?

[@DeannaPhillips-l9k]

What percent chlorine solution would you suggest when using pool tablets to sterilize?

[@rendhiae2198]

Can cold pasteurization be used for mass production?

[@GroCycleTV]

Yes, and we've done it a lot! If you can mechanise some of the process, you can cut down on some of the man hours involved too.. just need larer scale equipment and space, but it's all scalable!

[@MNiTwInInG]

Can I re use the water for pasteurize another batch?

[@luisj.serrano5821]

is it possible to lime pasteurize straw pellets?

[@anishulislam148]

Can we use lime method with sawdust ?

[@landfishtrading4671]

Have you held the water and used it for multiple soaks?

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

yes just add a little more lime to adjust.

[@janhow1911]

How about bicarbonate soda? It increases the ph level of water too.

[@tonater]

Chemically you should use lime because of hydrogen

[@brianfairfield3274]

Would you be able to use one bucket full of high pH water to pasteurize multiple batches of straw, assuming there is enough solution to fully soak the straw or do you recommend only soaking straw in a freshly mixed solution of lime and water and dumping the solution after every batch?

[@soSOLORIOos]

I have the same question

[@GroCycleTV]

Reusing the water- we've seen this done in the form of a 'closed loop' system where you circulate the water and use a shower to spray over the susbtrate

[@soSOLORIOos]

@@GroCycleTV Thanks for your answer! Regards from Mexico!

[@brianfairfield3274]

@@GroCycleTV that is interesting to hear, i think I might try to convert my homebrew mash tun into a lime pasteurization system. Thanks for the advice.

[@TheVerspagets]

Can I also safely use sodium bisulfate to raise the PH level for pasteurization? Thank you

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

test it for yourself

[@ale.ktheo.g4394]

Lime also pasteurize brans? Like soy bran??

[@ale.ktheo.g4394]

I mixed hardwood chips and 10% (of the dry weight from the wood chips, normally is 2kg of dry woodchips turn into 7kg of hydrated weight) of soy bran. I'm getting a little bit of contam ;/

[@epameinondaspaspalidis1528]

Hi, thank you for sharing such valuable information. I want to ask if I can use a ph-up liquid (like those used in hydroponics) instead of lime. The base solution I normally use is formulated using potassium hydroxide and potassium carbonate.

[@jthomasp8591]

Have you done a video of vinegar test?

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[@burhaneffendi7725]

Sir, can i use caco3 for this? And how much?

[@clayjones553]

Would this method work with mulched oak?

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

test it out

[@AvatarMakusan]

Does this process also work for Non-wood (manure) mushrooms?

[@sayuas4293]

Manure needs sterilization

[@maxlynn9877]

Got a question - When your draining the straw how to you prevent the straw from becoming contaminated again?

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

by inoculating it with spawn.

[@enniaable]

is this the same with button mushrooms?

[@jetsesmits1946]

Can i re use my water after i used it once for another batch? I put lime in there till the ph is 12.5 and then the straw. I do this now a few times a week and it feels as a waste of the lime and environment to just throw it away after one use

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

yes just adjust it back up to 12-13

[@lorrainelamb4664]

I can't find builders lime anywhere. Where do u get it?

[@lorrainelamb4664]

I just paid $36 for 5 lbs. The only place I could find. Where did u get yours?

[@royallan3717]

There is also iodine in the soak or hydrogen peroxide

[@rubytuby6369]

I started some golden oyster on straw June 13 they started to pin about a week ago but haven’t done much since . Although I am noticing some new pins. I thought they would flush sooner, wondering if they’re OK.?

[@bigmomma9371]

Are they getting enough oxygen?

[@mannicalavera]

Great informative video! I have a question, does anyone know how can you bulk pasteurize manure?

[@AviatorDave]

MAGA

[@vytautas.take2]

How do you dispose of remaining chemicals? Also, why do you call it pasteurisation? Active property of your treatment is acid, not heat.

[@guillormo]

I think it will be cool to add the anaerobic pasteurization. It smells bad though

[@tedmorgan4135]

You don't have to buy ph down guys, lemon juice works just fine, plus it's still technically organic right and cheaper.

[@coryg7051]

Does anyone known if i can use timothy hay for growing rather than straw? I have Timothy hay for my rabbits and it would be very convenient if it would work as well

[@burymebelowawillowtree9243]

Same here I have a bunny and Timothy hay.

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

if mixed with wood pellets, ok

[@kesterratcliff1]

How about a combination of lime and bleach? (So maybe you could use lower dosage rates of each and get even more effective pasteurisation?)

[@robertpowser5624]

It will give off a very deadly gas that will burn your lungs.

[@nikikrastev5606]

You can use the left over water for your garden instead of buying gardening lime. This is great for acidic soils.

[@trip_lord1atinstagram890]

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[@hachac6301]

Hello, doesnt those methods to kill germs can also affect the growth of mushroom?

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[@roberthousedorfii1743]

so, why can't you just keep the lime water and re-use it several times? Add more lime of the pH falls to low? i do realize it will get cruddy after a few days. but store it outside in a black plastic barrel, and that should keep it sterile, no?

[@martinolsson7018]

Question: Does the highly alkaline solution of lime water have any impact on the container used for pasteurisation? Is there any chance for example that plastic (or metal from using a steel drum barrel) from the container would leach out into the substrate from using this method?

[@branbello]

High pH can definitely react with metals but wont react with a plastic bucket.

[@Roarpian]

@@branbello I learnt that from breaking bad

[@GodsMushroom]

Does this work for coir as well?

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

yes. You" add the lime to the coconut"

[@YorticusTV]

Is there a reason why PH up to PH 11-13 wouldn't work?

[@Grimgrinpeg]

Has anyone used this method for shiitake?