Rephrase this, personalize it (I) and make it past tense: SUBSTRATE PREPARATION Preparing sawdust as a substrate for mushroom cultivation is a common method used by many mushroom growers. Here are the steps to preparing sawdust as a substrate for mushro

SUBSTRATE PREPARATION When I prepared sawdust as a substrate for mushroom cultivation, I followed a common method that many mushroom growers use. Here are the steps I took to prepare the sawdust: 1. **Selecting the right sawdust**: I made sure to use sawdust from hardwood trees, knowing that softwood sawdust can hinder mushroom growth. I opted for sawdust from oak, maple, or beech trees. 2. **Drying the sawdust**: I dried the fresh sawdust to remove any excess moisture. I spread it in a thin layer in a well-ventilated area, and to speed up the drying process, I used a dehydrator set at a low temperature (around 100°F) or an oven. It was important to me that the sawdust was completely dry before using it. 3. **Sterilizing the sawdust**: I understood that sterilization was crucial to eliminate harmful microorganisms that could compete with the mushroom mycelium. I used one of several methods for sterilization, such as autoclaving, pressure cooking, or employing a steam sterilizer, following the manufacturer's instructions for the method I chose.