How to Sterilize Casing Soil

Casing is a term used to describe the upper layer of substrate used to grow mushroom spores. The spores are contained in a liquid that is injected into the substrate and mushrooms begin to grow. Before using the casing, it is critical to sterilize it using heat which kills any bacteria, fungus and microbes. If the casing is not sterilized, you will end up with mold and other undesirable growths in the mushroom container.

Glass bowl
Peat moss
Vermiculite
Casing material
Water
Spoon
Oven mitts
Microwave
Baking sheet (optional)
Over (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Pour the casing mixture into a large glass bowl or other microwave safe container. To create your own casing, mix 50 percent peat moss and 50 percent vermiculite.
- 2
  Add 1 to 2 quarts of water to the bowl and stir the mixture up with spoon until it is muddy. You will use more or less water depending on how much casing you are preparing, but the mixture should be a thick paste when you are done.
- 3
  Insert the container into a microwave and heat it on high power for two minutes.
- 4
  Put on oven mitts, since the container will be hot, and remove the casing mixture from the microwave.
- 5
  Set the container on the counter and allow it to cool for 15 to 20 minutes until it reaches room temperature. Do not stir the mixture with an unsterilized spoon during this time, since you will recontaminate the casing.

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