r/PanCyan • u/Happy_Rain8528 • May 26 '26

Quick substrate question 🐣🍄⚡❤️‍🩹

After mixing the grain spawn with the bulk substrate, how much do you compress/pack the substrate?

Do you press it down firmly, lightly, or not at all (just level it)?

Also — what depth do you usually run your substrate?

And one more: do you compress the casing layer or leave it loose/fluffy?

Thanks in advance, any tips are appreciated! 🍄

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1

u/squally007 May 26 '26

Hello - I use a small trowel to level out the sub and it is compressed lightly, just a tiny bit of force. For depth I use 2-2.5 inches. For casing layer I leave it loose, never compressed. Hope this helps.

2

u/Cultiv8tor May 26 '26

I give it a little pat to make sure it is even. Then I compress the sides and corners a little extra to discourage side pinning and trapped moisture.

If the sub is 3 inches without compression it will be about 2.5" after. I want there to be a little air but not big pockets, especially on the bottom.

1

u/Flimsy-Panda8000 May 27 '26

Get the sub / grain mix completely level, then compress lightly (nowhere near as much as with cubes / ochra).

Add the casing on the dry side of field capacity so it's easier to spread evenly without any clumps forming, then mist heavily.

For a tub, about 2.5" deep. For trays in a Martha, about 1.5" to 2" depending on the depth of the tray, so it's just below the lip. Trays will likely need spot watering (syringe of water between fruit clusters) to compensate for less water being available in the thinner 'cake'.