When should I add a casing layer?
After your substrate has completely colonized with mycelium, it’s time to apply the casing layer. You will be able to tell if it has completed colonization when the substrate has turned completely white.
Is a casing layer necessary?
The main function of the casing layer is to aid with moisture retention in the substrate. Some casings also contain biological components, microorganisms that are necessary for fruitbody formation in some species.
Do you need to case your Monotub?
When you start to see hyphae knots or pins you’ll want to case your monotub. You can now safely remove the lid from your bin. Add a thin 1/2 to 1 inch casing of 100% coco coir to the bin and spray the bin with water until the casing is showing signs of being fully hydrated.
Does casing increase yield?
The use of a casing layer enhanced the yield by 141% over non-cased substrates. When casing and substrate supplementation were combined, the yield increased 179% over no cased/non-supplemented substrates [16].
Do you let casing colonize?
You should let your casing layer colonize 50-75% before introducing fruiting conditions.
How thick should my casing layer be?
The specific weight of the casing layer depends on the quality and the humidity of the material that is being applied. The optimal layer thickness is 5 cm, this kind of layer holds a sufficient amount of water and creates a favorable microclimate for mushroom growth.
How do you fruit a Monotub?
Fruiting Mushrooms Using The Monotub Technique:
- STEP ONE – Purchase your tub.
- STEP TWO – Line your tub.
- STEP THREE – Create holes in a tub for airflow.
- STEP FOUR – Cover holes with micropore tape to prevent contamination.
- STEP FIVE – Sanitize all materials.
- STEP SEVEN – The “Spawn Run”
When do you put casing on a monotub?
So when doing a late casing on a monotub… if the substrate has been colonizing (hpoo/straw) for a week or so, and is 100% colonized, then you put a casing layer on it. what i want to know, is WHEN do i open my monotub’s FAE/CO2 holes and initiate fruiting.
What is a monotub and how to make one?
A monotub is a all-in-one container to mix your spawn with bulk substrate for colonizing and then also serves as the fruiting chamber. There is more than one approach to making and maintaining a monotub. I will attempt to explain the most commonly used monotub here.
How many holes does a monotub have?
Typically, a monotub is made of a clear/transparent tote/storage tub. It has 6 holes total; that’s two holes on each long side just above top of substrate and a hole at each end as close to the top as possible. While colonizing, all holes are covered with tape.
Do I need a casing for my Tub?
Initiate fruiting once 100%. Bulk does not need nor require a casing. Casings assist with microclimate so unless you cannot keep an ideal climate inside of your tub, forget casing. Hyphae: Yes “Loss of moisture from the substrate” is not a casing trigger.