How to Make Bulk CVG Substrate for Growing Mushrooms 2024 (2024)

You may have heard about the CVG recipe ratio if you’re interested in growing mushrooms.

This ratio is used to calculate the ingredients needed to create a substrate that is ideal for growing mushrooms.

In this article, we will answer all your doubts about the CVG recipe ratio in the mushroom theme, including what it is, how to calculate it, and other common questions.

What is CVG?

CVG stands for Coco Coir, Vermiculite, and Gypsum.

It is a popular substrate recipe for growing mushrooms, especially in the home cultivation community.

Coco coir, or coconut fiber, is used to help retain moisture, while gypsum is added to provide calcium and sulfur to the substrate.

What is Coco Coir?

Coco coir is a natural fiber extracted from the husk of coconuts.

It is widely used in gardening as a soil amendment or potting mix because of its water-retaining properties, aeration, and ability to improve soil structure.

Coco coir is an excellent alternative to peat moss because it is a renewable resource and does not contribute to destroying peat bogs.

Why Use CVG for Mushroom Cultivation?

This combination is essential for healthy mushroom growth and development.

Using CVG as a substrate will also help reduce the risk of contamination and increase the yield of your harvest.

For these reasons, I consider it one of the best mushroom substrate recipe.

CVG Ratio Calculator

The cvg calculator is an online tool that helps you prepare the ideal substrate for growing mushrooms at home.

You just have to enter a few details, such as the size of your container, the depth of the substrate and the proportion of colonized grain you want to use.

The cvg calculator allows you to save time, money and avoid mistakes when making your substrate.

What is the Recipe for CVG Substrate?

The CVG recipe ratio is usually expressed as a percentage of each ingredient.

The ratio can be calculated by adding up the total weight of the components and then dividing each ingredient’s weight by the total weight.

Here’s an example:

Suppose you want to make a batch of substrate that weighs 5 pounds. You would need to add the following:

• 2 pounds of coco coir
• 2 pounds of vermiculite
• 1 pound of gypsum

To calculate the ratio, you would add up the total weight of the ingredients:

2 pounds + 2 pounds + 1 pound = 5 pounds

Then, you would divide each ingredient’s weight by the total weight and multiply by 100 to get the percentage:

• Coco coir: (2 / 5) x 100 = 40%
• Vermiculite: (2 / 5) x 100 = 40%
• Gypsum: (1 / 5) x 100 = 20%

Therefore, the CVG recipe ratio for this batch of substrate would be 40% coco coir, 40% vermiculite, and 20% gypsum.

How Much Substrate Does CVG Make?

The amount of substrate that CVG makes depends on the ingredients’ weight.

In the example above, the recipe would make a batch of substrate that weighs 5 pounds.

You can adjust the recipe to make more or less substrate as needed.

What Are Some Common Variations of the CVG Recipe?

While the traditional CVG recipe is an excellent substrate for mushroom cultivation, there are many variations that you can try to customize the recipe to your specific needs.

Here are a few common variations:

CVC

Some cultivators replace vermiculite with calcium carbonate in the CVG recipe to increase the pH level of the substrate. This variation is called CVC.

CVGC

This variation is similar to CVG but includes coffee grounds and other ingredients. The coffee grounds provide additional nutrients and help increase the harvest yield.

CVGG

This variation includes coco coir, vermiculite, gypsum, and spent brewer’s grain. The spent brewer’s grain is a byproduct of beer brewing and is rich in nutrients that can benefit mushroom growth.

CVGS

This variation includes coco coir, vermiculite, gypsum, and straw. The straw provides additional structural support to the substrate and can help increase the harvest yield.

CVGH

This variation includes coco coir, vermiculite, gypsum, and horse manure. Horse manure provides additional nutrients and can help increase the harvest yield.

It’s essential to note that while these variations can be effective, they may require additional steps in the preparation process.

Following a trusted recipe and adjusting it gradually is best based on your specific needs and experience.

How to Prepare CVG Substrate?

Once you have calculated the ratio for your desired amount of substrate, you will need to prepare it. Here’s how to do it:

1. Soak the coco coir in water overnight to rehydrate it fully. Squeeze out any excess water and fluff the coco coir with your hands.
2. Add the vermiculite and gypsum to the coco coir and mix well. You can use a large bucket or mixing bowl for this step.
3. Add water slowly, mixing as you go, until the substrate is moist but not soggy. You can test the moisture level by squeezing a handful of the substrate – it should hold its shape without releasing any water.
4. Pack the substrate into sterilized jars, bags, or trays, depending on your preferred growing method. Seal the containers with lids or plastic wrap and sterilize them according to your method.

Conclusion

Coco coir, vermiculite, and gypsum comprise the CVG recipe ratio, an excellent substrate for growing mushrooms.

Understanding the ratio allows you to customize your substrate to your specific needs and improve your mushroom cultivation.

Remember to follow trusted recipes and adjust gradually based on your experience to achieve the best results. With some practice, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious mushrooms!