Supplemented Hardwood Mushroom Substrate Blocks
Want to maximize your mushroom yields while keeping things simple? Master Mix might just be your new best friend in the cultivation game. This powerhouse substrate blend has become the go-to choice for both commercial growers and serious hobbyists – and for good reason.
Why Master Mix Rules the Substrate World
Think of Master Mix as the perfect meal for your mushrooms. By combining hardwood pellets with soybean hulls in an optimal ratio, you're creating a nutrient-rich environment that mushrooms absolutely love. The hardwood provides the complex fibers while the soy hulls add the starch boost that leads to explosive growth and impressive harvests.
Why This Blend Works So Well
- Higher yields than traditional sawdust blocks
- Faster colonization times
- More consistent results
- Works great for most wood-loving species
- Easy to scale up or down
Perfect For These Species
- Oyster mushrooms
- Lion's Mane
- Reishi
- King Trumpet
- Turkey Tail
- And most other wood-loving varieties
Base Recipe Measurements (For 5 lb. Substrate Bag)
- Hardwood pellets: 600ml (2.5 cups)
- Soybean hulls: 600ml (2.5 cups)
- Water: 1400ml (5.9 cups) Total volume: 2600ml (11 cups)
Required Equipment
- Large mixing container or cement mixer
- Measuring cups
- Clean water source
- Nitrile gloves
- Substrate bags
- Spray bottle with 70% isopropyl alcohol
Step-by-Step Procedure
Mixing Process
- Add the 2.5 cups (600ml) hardwood pellets to your container
- Add the 2.5 cups (600ml) soybean hulls
- Gradually add 5.9 cups (1400ml) water while mixing
- Mix thoroughly until moisture is evenly distributed
Field Capacity Moisture Testing
- Squeeze test: material should hold shape when squeezed
- Only 1-2 drops should come out
- If too wet: add small amounts of dry ingredients (maintain ratio)
- If too dry: add water in 60ml (¼ cup) increments
Bagging Tips
- Fill bags leaving 25% headspace
- Dry the mouth of the bag and wipe away any residue before sealing
- Verify the seals and calibrate the sealer as needed
Pro Tips
- For larger batches, use a cement mixer to do the heavy lifting
- Quick conversion: 1 cup ≈ 240ml
- Use the same measuring tools throughout for consistency
APPENDIX: Master Mix Scaling Guide
3 lb. Bag
- Hardwood pellets: 360ml (1.5 cups)
- Soybean hulls: 360ml (1.5 cups)
- Water: 840ml (3.5 cups) Total volume: 1560ml (6.5 cups)
5 lb. Bag (Base Recipe)
- Hardwood pellets: 600ml (2.5 cups)
- Soybean hulls: 600ml (2.5 cups)
- Water: 1400ml (5.9 cups) Total volume: 2600ml (11 cups)
10 lb. Bag
- Hardwood pellets: 1200ml (5 cups)
- Soybean hulls: 1200ml (5 cups)
- Water: 2800ml (11.8 cups) Total volume: 5200ml (22 cups)
20 lb. Bag
- Hardwood pellets: 2400ml (10 cups)
- Soybean hulls: 2400ml (10 cups)
- Water: 5600ml (23.6 cups) Total volume: 10400ml (44 cups)
Conversion Notes:
- All measurements maintain the original 23:23:54 ratio
- For precise measurements, use ml when possible
- 1 cup ≈ 240ml for conversion reference
- Always perform squeeze test regardless of batch size
- Larger batches may require longer mixing time for even hydration