We start off by preparing our substrate, which in this case is straw purchased from Lowes ![IMG_1572.JPG](https://steemitimages.com/DQmP9s5fpYbKYVaYSKv5cwZXxcjpPHfGcjKBBL1dXERaVSU/IMG_1572.JPG)
The mycelium will colonize the straw much better if you cut it into pieces no larger than 4 inches...I use a weed whacker to do this, but you may find a better way ![IMG_1576.JPG](https://steemitimages.com/DQmdXzDkCcahwxsjogDVSHHP3BV7qmsTdWPGdP5HYiopsRf/IMG_1576.JPG)
The prepared straw must now be pasteurized. We use the hot water method. A pillow case, will help keep the straw together for ease of handling. ![IMG_1577.JPG](https://steemitimages.com/DQmeLq76e2GhefnbgQHL6gPztQig448qQ1U1uLxFyNnJQwy/IMG_1577.JPG)
Pasteurization gives our oyster mushroom spawn a chance to colonize our straw substrate before any bad fungus can. We use a propane burner and a 60 quart pot to reach 160-180 degrees F for at least an hour ( no more as sterilization is NOT our goal ). A few bricks also help hold down the straw. ![IMG_1582.JPG](https://steemitimages.com/DQmVUP845icKVdboLdqPtwjbZN99ZbVMEtfmdsWi3crK8v8/IMG_1582.JPG)
A clean work surface is needed to work with our pasteurized straw and spawn. We want to avoid contamination. We use a spray bottle and alcohol to spray down our hands and surfaces. ![IMG_1583.JPG](https://steemitimages.com/DQmd2Z212EwZo5ZXrqGMhWyE8c7KXj1xvtRLo1z9XoUm8Lt/IMG_1583.JPG)
Allow your straw to cool down. Smoking hot straw will kill your spawn. ![IMG_1586.JPG](https://steemitimages.com/DQmTdoqvUi9q3wTPciCT53jmHJcz5KJMWF1XzvsWfpHp4MH/IMG_1586.JPG)
For this grow, we used an 18 gal tote...which is not the most efficient...Drill a few holes around 3/4" for mushrooms to sprout. Cover them with tape until container is fully colonized and ready to begin fruiting stage ( which will be at least ten days ). Make sure your tote is clean and has been sprayed down with some alcohol. ![IMG_1591.JPG](https://steemitimages.com/DQmbntb6hxRkTBEA8mZUnDdwtsnU5GsYM2kTveZTuDkgcbC/IMG_1591.JPG) ,
We purchased this spawn from http://www.fieldforest.net/ In the future we will also show how me make our own... ![IMG_1585.JPG](https://steemitimages.com/DQmd6sjoFQvFQtW9f8fviKtDhaAEJ1qzc4BkDDCW55mnMRP/IMG_1585.JPG)
Next, with clean hands , layer in a mix of spawn and straw ![IMG_1595.JPG](https://steemitimages.com/DQmNhbWPXBP2iyndgky4FUSfWToQhYaETXFbH7PGDGu2yjE/IMG_1595.JPG) ![IMG_1593.JPG](https://steemitimages.com/DQmX7AM9FbUugDf92ALxzrb8U2dHzzw5RHvtoUjqeHSe9fF/IMG_1593.JPG)
Once fully mixed, we cover the tote and sit in a dark area ( its already a black tote so...) for about ten days at 70 degrees F for it to completely colonize. We check on this type of set up once a day or so to "burp" the container ( opening the lid for a second or two to allow some air exchange ). This picture is at 7 days and is about 70% colonized. The smell of healthy mycelium is almost sweet and very earthy . It is the best indication that everything is going well. Beware of anything green or "off" smells. ![IMG_1613.JPG](https://steemitimages.com/DQmQwSGJcPiXZ5aJd5EoPhSAKfPApgfVHU51GqbDJxVXanQ/IMG_1613.JPG)
After the tote is fully colonized, we remove the tape covering the holes and place the tote in our fruit chamber, exposing it to light, humidity and a temperature between 55-65 degrees F. Our fruit chamber is essentially a plastic tent in our garage with a heater and cheap humidifier... From anywhere between 7-14 days, you should begin to see pins... ![IMG_1527.JPG](https://steemitimages.com/DQmQAHgmLs5FzVRpfXAxqnUbYojpvA64nyAsAssmLNe8TiE/IMG_1527.JPG)
Keep the humidity and conditions consistent and you will see a nice flush ![IMG_1535.JPG](https://steemitimages.com/DQmR4286SF4ckUUYKuXv8K9VTDjQkZXEj9pkHDmqGNCX2Q8/IMG_1535.JPG) ![IMG_1542.JPG](https://steemitimages.com/DQmU8EXsLheFF65BUyUjEDEwH8PjpSbFeGfuhCHQaaZKekE/IMG_1542.JPG) ![IMG_E1545.JPG](https://steemitimages.com/DQmfMzUqqrMZdZEJiyoCVebaC6EgtAc4JJPZv1ucPTvnWcY/IMG_E1545.JPG) ![IMG_1544.JPG](https://steemitimages.com/DQmVvMyZwAt4f9V3ZhtrjCCScgAhac5qiZ3cY4nZNfNkT9W/IMG_1544.JPG)
Thanks for reading! Let me know what methods you use

urbanhomesteader