Coconut Coir

Coconut Coir Coconut Coir is the coarse fibers from a coconut husk. Coir fibers are found between the hard, internal shell and the outer coat of a coconut. The individual fiber cells are narrow and hollow, with thick walls made of cellulose. They are pale when immature, but later become hardened and yellowed as a…

Blue Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus var. columbinus)

Blue Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus var. columbinus)

The Blue Oyster Mushroom As a biology teacher, I have an interest in all things natural, and have recently come to really appreciate the mighty mushroom with its many facets. As I’ve been researching on mushrooms and their beneficial values as gourmet and medicinal foods, I found myself wanting to share my findings with whoever…

What is Bulk Substrate?

What is Bulk Substrate?

Bulk Substrate is a mildly nutritious material of greater volume that is used for mass mushroom cultivation. Bulk substrates are pasteurized and then usually mixed with a pre-colonized spawn which is made with whole grains such as rye berries or wild bird seed. The spawn then inoculates the bulk substrate. Examples Common bulk substrates (all of…