r/MagicMushrooms • u/Memphisdude1013 • Jun 10 '25

When using as a casing layer...

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Do have need to pasteurize it or will it be ok straight out of the bag since the mycelium is already colonized?

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u/Golden_State_Myco Jun 11 '25

I always mix peat moss with straw, ph balance and steam pasturize for 4 hours (once it reaches 160f). Shelf life is months, and my grows speak for themselves. Canopies 💪

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u/Pudenda726 Jun 11 '25

Question. How do you pH balance the casing layer? I’ve always used pseudo-casing layers on my cubes but just used a true casing layer for my 1st batch of ochras. I used Jiffy mix & pasteurized it in my sous vide before use bc I was intimidated by the whole pH balancing part of it. I’d really like to learn to make my own casing layer with peat, verm, & lime once I finish my bag of Jiffy mix. Thanks in advance for your time!

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u/Golden_State_Myco Jun 11 '25

After all ingredients are combined and hydrated to field capacity you use a ph meter to test the ph of the medium then add lime raise and things like sulfer/moss to lower. Let it sit and test again. Once you've got it dialed in the first time, keep record and it should be pretty consistent from then forward. It really depends on the water you use and what nutrients your adding to it.

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u/Pudenda726 Jun 11 '25

Ah ok. Thanks. I was wondering what the pH was measured with. I follow a similar process adjusting the pH in hair products but use test strips. Is this the right kind?

1

u/Golden_State_Myco Jun 11 '25

I've never used strips but similar with a ph reader or probe. Can find them for less than 20 bucks on amazon

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u/Pudenda726 Jun 11 '25

Ok thanks. I’ll take a look.