From beginner to mushroom expert: master the art of psychedelic mushroom cultivation
Magic mushrooms, these mysterious creatures of the forest, have fascinated mankind since the beginning of time. Their ability to expand our perception, provide spiritual insights and stimulate creative processes makes them an object of desire and respect. But why rely on unpredictable nature when you can take the magic of mushrooms into your own hands?
This guide takes you into the fascinating world of magic mushroom cultivation. Whether you’re a curious beginner or an ambitious mycologist, you’ll find everything you need to know to cultivate your own psychedelic mushrooms. From basic principles to advanced techniques, this article will be your comprehensive companion on your journey into the world of mushroom cultivation.
Why immerse yourself in the world of magic mushroom cultivation?
There are many reasons why more and more people are growing their own magic mushrooms:
- Quality and safety: In contrast to buying on the black market, you have full control over the quality of your mushrooms when you grow them yourself. You know exactly which substrates were used and can ensure that no harmful pesticides or contaminants were used.
- Cost savings: Magic mushrooms can be expensive, especially if you consume them regularly. Growing your own allows you to save money in the long run and make your psychedelic experiences more affordable.
- Fascination and knowledge: Mushroom cultivation is an exciting hobby that gives you the opportunity to better understand nature and its processes. You will be amazed at how fascinating the growth and development of these creatures are.
- Independence: You are not dependent on the availability and whims of traders. With your own cultivation, you decide when and how many mushrooms you want to harvest.
- Deeper connection: Growing magic mushrooms can create a deeper connection to nature and to the mushrooms themselves. You accompany them through their entire life cycle and develop a sense of appreciation for these special creatures.
Legal framework – know the rules!
Before you embark on your mushroom growing adventure, it is essential to find out about the legal situation in your country. The possession and cultivation of mushrooms containing psilocybin is illegal in many countries. Therefore, inform yourself thoroughly about the applicable laws to avoid legal consequences.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for information purposes only. We do not encourage anyone to grow magic mushrooms illegally.
The basics of mushroom cultivation: a look behind the scenes
Growing magic mushrooms may seem complex at first, but with the right knowledge and a little patience, it is definitely doable. Here are the most important basics you should understand:
- Spores: Spores are the “seeds” of fungi, microscopically small units that contain the genetic material for the growth of the fungal mycelium. They are available in spore prints or spore sprays.
- Mycelium: The mycelium is the actual fungal organism, a network of fine, white threads that spreads in the substrate and absorbs nutrients.
- Substrate: The substrate is the nutrient medium on which the mycelium grows. It can consist of various materials, such as cereal grains (rye, wheat, barley), wood shavings, straw or special mixtures such as coconut fibers and vermiculite.
- Fruiting bodies: The fruiting bodies are the visible parts of the fungus that we colloquially refer to as “mushrooms”. They sprout from the mycelium, contain the spores and are used for reproduction.
- Contamination: Contamination is every mushroom grower’s nightmare. It occurs when unwanted microorganisms such as bacteria or molds enter the culture and hinder the growth of the mycelium or make the mushrooms inedible.
The different ways to achieve your goal: an overview of cultivation methods
There are various methods of growing magic mushrooms, each with their own advantages and disadvantages:
- Grow kits: Grow kits are the easiest and most popular method for beginners. They already contain a substrate fully colonized with mycelium and only need to be sprayed with water and placed in the right environment.opens in a newwindowwww.amazon.co.uk Magic Mushroom growkit
- Spore prints: Spore prints are a cost-effective alternative to grow kits. You can use them to grow your own mycelium on a sterile substrate. However, this method requires more experience and patience. opens in a newwindowwww.anbg.gov.au Spore print of magic mushroom
- Spore sprays: Spore syringes contain a sterile suspension of spores in water. They are used to inject the mycelium directly into a substrate. This method is more efficient than spore prints, but also requires sterile working conditions.opens in a newwindowwww.amazon.com Spore syringe
- Grain spawn: Grain spawn consists of cereal grains that are completely colonized with mycelium. It serves as a “starter culture” for larger substrate quantities and enables faster colonization. opens in a newwindowwww.milkwood.net Grain spawn for mushroom cultivation
- PF-Tek: PF-Tek (Pf Tek) is a popular method for growing magic mushrooms in glass jars with vermiculite as a substrate. It is relatively simple, inexpensive and requires little space.
Step-by-step guide: Success with a grow kit
Grow kits are the ideal introduction to the world of magic mushroom cultivation. Here is a detailed guide to help you succeed:
1. choose the right grow kit:
In our webshop [ungültige URL entfernt] you will find a large selection of grow kits of different varieties. Choose a variety that suits your preferences and pay attention to the size of the kit, depending on how many mushrooms you want to harvest.
2. preparation is the be-all and end-all:
- Hygiene: Clean your work surface, your hands and all materials used thoroughly with disinfectant. Contamination is the biggest enemy of successful mushroom cultivation.
- Prepare the grow kit: Remove the plastic film from the grow kit and carefully clean the surface with a clean cloth.
- Prepare the grow box: Get a grow box or a suitable container in which you can place the grow kit. The box should be large enough to allow good air circulation.
3. bring the grow kit to life:
- Filling: Fill the grow kit with fresh, cold water according to the instructions. Then close it again and leave it to soak for 12-24 hours.
- Allow to drain: After soaking, open the kit and allow the excess water to drain completely.
4. create the right environment:
- Location: Place the grow kit in a location with indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, as this can damage the mycelium.
- Temperature: The ideal temperature for the growth of magic mushrooms is between 23 and 25 degrees Celsius.
- Humidity: The humidity should be constantly high, ideally above 90%. Spray the inside of the grow box regularly with water to increase the humidity.
5. patience and care:
- Growth phase: Now it’s time to be patient! The mycelium needs some time to colonize the entire cake and form fruiting bodies.
- Ventilate: Ventilate the grow box once a day for a few minutes to bring in fresh air and remove CO2.
- Spraying: Spray the inside of the grow box and the surface of the grow kit regularly with water to keep the humidity high. Make sure that no standing water accumulates in the kit.
6 The harvest: the reward for your efforts:
- Signs of ripeness: The mushrooms are ready to harvest when the caps open and the veils under the caps tear.
- Harvest: Carefully twist the mushrooms out of the substrate at the base of the stem. Avoid damaging the mycelium.
- Further flushes: After the first harvest (flush), the grow kit can produce several further flushes. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to prepare the kit for the next flush.
Advanced techniques: Master the art of mushroom cultivation
Have you mastered the basics of mushroom cultivation and want to expand your skills? Then try these advanced techniques:
