Growing Fungi for Compost Extractions
Tweet ThisBelow is ground up oatmeal. This does not work in extractions but is used for pre-germinating fungi spores in your compost. A few days before doing your extraction, place a cup or two mixed in your compost. Make sure it is 50% moist with waterand then let it set. It is best of the ambient temperature is 65 degrees or better!
The meal has been through a wheat grain grinder. It went through about 4 times. It needs to be fine for the spores to get in good contact. Store in freezer until needed. Quaker Oats work well, but they are too expensive. The cheaper ones work just as well.
This is fish hydrolysate. It is different than fish emulsion. Fish emulsion as most of the oils removed and is only good for growing bacteria. See bacteria section, above. Fish hydrolysate is whole fish ground up in a blender with some water. That’s it. And it stinks to high heaven. This is harder to find, a good hydroponic store will carry this. There are several lines available. This product is not the biggest seller. But it is the best.
You can make your own fish hydrolysate by asking your fish butcher for fish guts. Take them home, put them in your blender with some water and give it a whorl. Try not to grind up the fish bones, it destroys your blender. This can go into your extraction; about 1/2 cup per 5 gallons. Everything can be cleaned in a dishwasher with no after smell.
Last, this is molasses. Any molasses can be used. Just make sure it does not contain any sulfur. Sulfur kills fungi. Sometimes it’s added in molasses as a preservative.
It is also good for growing bacteria. Use only 1 or 2 tablespoons per 5 gallons for extractions. For teas, use only 2 tables spoons for 50 gallons. A little goes a long way. Any grocery store carries this. You don’t have to buy the brand below. I found this one On Sale someplace out in a country store. Cheap!!!
It helps to “nuc-it” in a microwave oven be for using it. Just warm it up.
