Stage Two:
Casing the bag
"Casing" is a term used by mushroom growers to describe the addition of a top layer.
Although not all mushrooms need this layer, it is worth adding as it greatly increases yields.
It does this by protecting the grain from drying out and also providing a good habitat for baby mushrooms to form and develop.
We offer two types of casing - dry polymer in a bag or "soil" in a tub. Both work equally well but the dry polymer requires the addtion of hot water before use.
If using dry polymer then simply boil the kettle and add 1/2 of a mug of very hot water to the bag (careful not to burn your fingers).
Close the bag and stand upright for about 30 minutes until it cools. Shake to mix the expanded contents.
Cut the top off the white grain bag (from Stage One) about half way up.
Pour the casing layer on to the top of the grain and shake gently to even out.
If using "soil" casing then just cut the bag and add the "soil" evenly over the grain.
Fold over the top of the bag and add a couple of clothes pegs. Then cover the whole thing in foil - you should end up with something like this. Put it back in the airing cupboard at 25-30oC for 5-7 days. Go to Stage Three