Should I mix straw and manure before pasteurizing?

[Mycorama]

Should I mix straw and manure before pasteurizing or pasteurize them separately and then mix together with spawn?
I ordered quite a large amount of dry-aged Hpoo and a not so large order of wheat straw. I was curious as to what you opinions would be on mixing in order to produce the best substrate consistency. I am a bit cautious that mixing them together before pasteurization will end up with something too dense, but I guess I will have to aerate it by hand when applying spawn either way.
Would it be a good idea to pasturize them seperatly, let them cool, then mix them both together with my spawn? Seems to be the quickest way to go about it that I could come up with.
Any suggestions?

[Awestruck]

I've always had luck mixing before I pasteurize, but other folks like to miz after. It seems like a matter of preference.

[Golden Teacher]

I just put all my substrate in a king size pillow case. I mix it around and then pasturize.

Works for me...

Good luck and let us know how it goes for you.

One love,


GT

[tbonus]

Good question.One that I was going to ask,as well

[mestophilies]

Originally Posted by Golden Teacher

I just put all my substrate in a king size pillow case. I mix it around and then pasturize.

Works for me...

Good luck and let us know how it goes for you.

One love,


GT

Same here...

[Mycorama]

I am now wondering, do I even need straw in the mix? Could dry verm be mixed in order to aerate the substrate? Straw is cheap, but would save me a few bucks if I had the option of not using it..

[mestophilies]

coir and verm work well, never done just verm and hpoo myself, so not sure on that one....as the straw is more for keeping the sub fluffy I will guess that yes it should be ok, but let another head chime in before you run with that!

[Awestruck]

Sure, verm is good to fluff up the substrate and can be used in lieu of straw. Verm in a casing layer serves a similar purpose

[Hippie3]

i've done alot of both
and i mix after
as they need different soak times
and moisture content.

[M&M420]

I've always been lazy and half-assed on my pasteurizations.By the time I get finished cutting straw() and crumbling poo and I'm just ready to get it over.Normally I just pasteurize at 165-170 for about 4 hours and let drain overnight.I have been thinking I should start soaking the straw before hand though.It works good like it does but I wonder if the extra bit of water would really make it that much better.I know water=weight with mushies but is it really worth the extra time to go through it?

[Hippie3]

imo yes
do it overnight,
add a drop or two of dishsoap
to reduce surface tension of water
for better penetration.

[Mycorama]

Thanks guys.