Mycelium on mycelium on grains grains

The bed of Strophaires

This is the method we recommend the most, which is suitable for most substrates.

1. Roughly clear the soil. Some cultivate it semi-buried and therefore dig a small trench, which will help it retain moisture better. Others cultivate it on the surface and cover it with a layer of soil.
2. We usually start with a layer of cardboard, but it is not mandatory.
3. Then put a first layer of wood chips/straw 5-10cm thick.
4. Crumble the mycelium by spreading it over the entire surface.
5. Apply another layer of substrate on top.
6. Humidify with a 10L watering can per square meter. Depending on the dryness of the area, cover with a thin layer of soil (2-3cm), cardboard, tarp, or shade cloth.

The "Straw Bale" Method

Very easy method, but less guaranteed.

Moisten the bale of straw. You can soak it in water overnight, or water it with a watering can 2-3 times a day for 2-3 days.

Seed the bundle by inserting small handfuls of mycelium here and there inside the straw bundle.

To prevent the straw from drying out, it is possible to partially cover the bale with soil, cover it with a tarp/shade cloth, and water it regularly. Place the bale in a shaded area or under a shade cloth.

The risk of this method is, on one hand, the drying out of the bale which will prevent the development of fungi, and on the other hand, straw that is too wet which will suffocate the center of the bale and lead to bacteria or mold. Ensure that the bale is not wet but not soaked, and that the center of the bale remains aerated.

Pot culture

Select pots about 20 to 40 cm in diameter and height. Clean them well with soapy water. This method allows for indoor or terrace cultivation, for example.

1. Soak clean straw in a basin of water overnight. You can also add a cup of lime for 50 liters of water, which will alkalize the substrate and thus reduce the risk of contamination, while enriching the substrate with calcium.
2. Mix the straw with the mycelium at a rate of 5 to 10% mycelium by fresh weight.
3. Fill your jars leaving 5 cm of space at the top. Pack the straw as much as possible.
4. You can stack several pots one on top of the other. Close the top with a lid to limit drying out.
5. After 2 to 3 weeks, the straw should be colonized. You will now add a layer of casing. This can be a mixture of peat, sand, and soil, or simply potting soil. This layer not only helps maintain constant moisture but also brings bacteria that will stimulate the mycelium to produce its fruits.
6. Keep moist. 2 to 3 weeks later you should see some stropharia appearing.

How much mycelium for what surface area?

We generally recommend using about ±10% mycelium relative to the wet substrate. Example: a bale of straw weighing 8 kg. Once moistened, it weighs between 25 and 30 kg (the straw reaches about 70% moisture). A 3 kg bag of mycelium therefore allows inoculating 1 small bale of straw, which can cover 1 to 2 m².