NON-COMPOSTED SUBSTRATES

The use of non-composted and semi-composted materials as mushroom growing substrates is common among commercial growers of Pleurotus. Vohariella, Flammulina and Stropharia. Because of the simplicity and ease by which they are produced, these substrates are ideal for the home cultivator. The advantages of these substrates are the rapid preparation times and the easily standardized mixtures formulated from readily available raw materials. These substrates can be treated by sterilization, pasteurization or used untreated in their natural state. 

The ridge beds should be made 4-6 inches deep and 2 feet wide. To insure a humid microclimate for mushroom development the bed should be made under rhododendrons or other leafy ornamentals, along a fence or hedge row, or on grass which is allowed to grow up through the bed. 

The bed must never be placed where it is exposed to direct sunlight but it should not be so well protected that rainfall can not reach it. 

Throughout the winter the beds can be protected by a layer of straw, cardboard or new chips topped with plastic. This is particularly important for harsh climates. Other possibilities include making the bed inside a cold frame or plastic greenhouse. Certain regions of the country like the Northwest are better suited to natural culture than others. In this respect it is desirable to use a local strain adapted to local conditions. In climates unsuitcd To ouTdoorculTivation, the wood chips can be filled Into trays and brought Inside. 

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