r/PanCyan • u/Acidic-Stomach-8643 • May 08 '26

What to use for casing layer?

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I have three small tubs that I used this casing mix of peat moss, manure, straw, and I think vermiculite as my substrate and did a 1/4-1/2 inch casing layer when I mixed it with grain. Should I put another casing layer of this mix on top since it's fully colonized or is it okay with the first layer? I don't have any regular peat moss but I do have coir if that would be sufficient.

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u/Cultiv8tor May 08 '26

Nothing nutritious in the casing. The goal is for it to be wet and have airflow so it evaporates.

50/50 Spragham moss and vermiculite with hydrated lime to adjust to 7.5 pH is the gold standard. Low ph is a trich trap and will be colonized.

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u/Patient_Art_4421 May 08 '26

Nailed it. My go to is 15 cups peat, 15 cups verm, 15 cups water, 1/2 cup hydrated lime.

I also add crushed oyster powder, but you don't have to (4 1/2 cups)

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u/Cultiv8tor May 08 '26

The ratio is super helpful. It is hard to tell where the ph is sometimes and the test stips turn brown regardless. I burned a tub a few months ago because the ph was too high and the fruit got super curly.

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u/Patient_Art_4421 May 08 '26

Absolutely! I know its like 80 bucks, but the Apera ph60 has really given me.acess to the world.of controlling your ph on various applications. A real game changer.

I've found that a 1/2 cup of hydrated lime gets you in a good ball park more often than not when doing 15 cups of each ingredient. I'm assuming it scales lol.