Learn
MUSHROOM CULTIVATION
The Essential Guide To
GROWING PSILOCYBIN MUSHROOMS
GROWING MUSHROOMS SIMPLIFIED
There are many options when it comes to growing your mushrooms at home. We are going to provide you with the methods we feel are best for most people who are new to growing mushrooms. We have displayed each method with ratings for difficulty, hours required, average yield, and the average costs to you so you can best decide which option suites you most. We will be with you every step along the way if you have any questions at all.
Monotub Grow Kits
Among the plethora of techniques available, the monotub method has emerged as a favorite for home cultivators. But what makes it stand out? A monotub is essentially a single container that provides the perfect microclimate for growing mushrooms. With its controlled environment, it enables optimal temperature, humidity, and fresh air exchange, all critical factors in successful mushroom growth.
We have partnered with the best suppliers out there for a full proof monotub system as long as you follow the easy step-by-step instructions. They are also available to call with any questions you may have. To purchase your monotub grow kit, click the button below.
The Mega Mushroom Growing and Incubator Kit
The Mega Mushroom Growing and Incubator Kit includes the following:
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18 Ultimate ½ pint substrate Jars- Pressure sterilized and ready to grow!
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Mega Growing, Incubating Chamber System- with air exchange holes - 56 Quart size!
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Grow up to 30 jars at once!
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New Digital Thermometer with Hygrometer/humidity gauge
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Liquid Graphite adjustable under-tank heating mat with adjustable thermostat dial
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Custom Hydroponic Humidifier with Hydroton
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Electric Air Pump, ultra quiet
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2 Silicone Air filtration hoses with HEPA filter built in
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Heavy duty Grower's Select timer with 48 on/off settings per day
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900 Lumen 110V 36-Diode HP LED Plug-in Grow Light with dual spectrum technology (NEW!)
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2 Gallons of Perlite- Mixed Coarseness Levels for maximum humidity
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Nitrile Gloves
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70% Alcohol Wipes
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Glossy, full color, easy to follow growing guide with step by step photo instructions. Includes our secret tips, tricks and hints that other grow guides leave out. Includes how to incubate, how to fruit, casing methods, and access to our online library of other guides for you to learn even more about how to grow mushrooms! Online and print version included.
GROWING WITH
SPAWN BAGS
Spawn Bags contain all the necessary ingredients to grow dung-loving mushrooms without the hassle of mixing different substrates or the expense of sterilization equipment. Simply inject your favorite spores or live culture into the bag, wait for the mycelium to colonize, slice a hole in the bag just above the substrate for fresh air exchange, and wait for your mushrooms to fruit! It offers peace of mind through convenience, reduced contamination risk, a controlled environment, and a beginner-friendly approach to growing mushrooms at home.
Step 1: Preparation
Prepare the jars or boxes in which you will be growing psychedelic mushrooms. Sanitize them with alcohol, then poke four small holes through each lid, evenly spaced.
Your substrate will be composed of a 2-2-5 ratio of water, rice flour, and vermiculite, respectively. Begin by mixing 2 parts water with 5 parts vermiculite. Drain the excess water in your strainer, and add 2 parts rice flour. Fill your growing containers with this substrate.
When filling your containers, be careful not to pack them too tightly. Fill them up to half an inch of their lids. Sterilize the top of your container, and top them off with a dry layer of vermiculite to insulate the substrate.
Finally, it’s time to steam sterilize your substrate. Lay your towel or paper towels into the large cooking pot, arranging the containers on top of the towel to ensure they don’t touch the base. Cover their lids tightly with aluminum foil. Add tap water up to half the height of your containers, and bring the pot to a slow boil. Let the jars steam in this low-temperature boil for 1:15-1:30 hours.
After steaming, leave your foil-covered jars in the pot for a few hours. Maybe overnight, to be safe!
TIPS FOR GROWING PSILOCYBIN MUSHROOMS
So, how do you steal the show? Growing psilocybe mushrooms can be tricky work; these tips will help you keep your shrooms happy.
Useful Tips
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Psilocybe mushrooms love freshly ground rice flour, but this isn’t often sold in stores. No problem! Use a coffee grinder or even a mortar and pestle to hand-prepare your mushrooms’ munchies.
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Sanitation is key when growing psilocybin mushrooms. Expand that motif outside of just your jars and syringes; a clean, dust-free environment will do as much to protect your psychedelic mushrooms as alcohol swabbing will!
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Check on your mushrooms regularly. Not only will you be able to selectively harvest the mushrooms that are at their ripest (an unbroken veil!), but you will receive the full experience of watching these living organisms create their gifts for you in real time. Have a nibble, and you might even see them grow!
Common Problems Encountered
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The majority of issues encountered in psilocybe cultivation are related to incorrect sterilization. Don’t skimp on this step! Treat all equipment, work surfaces, containers, and gloves with alcohol and heat (if relevant) before any work commences.
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Impatience is no virtue. First-time shroom growers can be in a rush to get at their harvest; it just isn’t worth it! Listen to your organism. Watch them grow. You’ll know when the right time to harvest is (and not just because we told you) (it’s before the veil has broken).
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Every strain of shroom is different, and the wrong environment can quickly lead to failures, such as a reduced crop or lowered psychoactivity. Always check the requirements for each different strain of mushrooms grown. Mushrooms grow in many habitats worldwide, so each one requires special attention.
Benefits of Growing Your Own Psilocybin Mushrooms
There can be tons of positives to cultivating your own psilocybin mushrooms, granted you’re not going straight into legal or health trouble. Growing your own shrooms does more than just provide a cheap source for those interested. Home-grown psilocybin is not only cheaper but safer than buying mushrooms on the street. Having taken care of your shrooms from the very point of their inception, you will know just how clean and healthy they really are.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Is microdosing mushrooms illegal?Microdosing is not necessarily illegal. Several countries allow the cultivation of psilocybin mushrooms, the purchase of psilocybin truffles, or the purchase of LSD analogues. We do not condone microdosing where it is against the law, as penalties can be severe. Make sure you know your local laws before purchasing psilocybin mushrooms to microdose. If you live somewhere that allows the cultivation of psilocybin mushrooms for personal use, consider growing your psilocybin mushrooms and storing them for future use with one of these top-vetted mushroom growing kits. If you live in Europe, you may purchase psilocybin truffles, which are legal in the Netherlands. Remember, these are less potent than psilocybin mushrooms, and an ideal starter dose is 0.5g of dried truffle powder.
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Can psilocybin be detected in a drug test?Psilocybin and its metabolites are not included in most standard drug screens; however they are sometimes included in extended drug screens.
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Can microdosing build up a tolerance to mushrooms?The short answer is yes, microdosing mushrooms can affect your tolerance for psilocybin. Paul Stamets recommends a slightly different microdosing protocol than that discussed above. He suggests taking a microdose every day for four days, then taking three days off to avoid building up a tolerance. He also suggests making psilocybin a central part of a stack including lion’s mane and niacin, to help with neuroplasticity and general well-being.
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Where can I get psilocybin mushrooms?There are a few options for sourcing mushrooms. You can learn to hunt and pick them yourself (though this could be dangerous), grow them yourself (see below), buy them in countries where they are legal, or purchase them from the Medicinal Mushroom Dispensary, which is an online mail-order dispensary for microdoses of psilocybin mushrooms.
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Where can I get psilocybin mushrooms?There are a few options for sourcing mushrooms. You can learn to hunt and pick them yourself (though this could be dangerous), grow them yourself (see below), buy them in countries where they are legal, or purchase them from the Medicinal Mushroom Dispensary, which is an online mail-order dispensary for microdoses of psilocybin mushrooms.
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How can I grow my own mushrooms?Growing your own psilocybin mushrooms is a good alternative to the potentially dangerous practice of collecting them. As well as providing a reliable, year-round supply, home cultivation eliminates the risk of misidentifying mushrooms in the wild. For many growers, it’s also a fun, low-cost hobby. While there are ready-made mushroom kits available online, some people prefer to start from scratch. The kits do contain a living mycelium substrate (the material underlying mushroom growth), which you need to grow your own mushrooms. But making your own substrate is typically more consistent, and less prone to contamination. For more information on how to start your own psilocybin grow, check out our guide here.
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Is microdosing safe?The riskiest thing about microdosing is its potentially illegal nature. Always be aware of your local laws and don’t undertake any unlawful activities. The first-ever controlled, double-blind study of microdosing LSD and psilocybin suggests that the practice is more effective than a placebo and safe. Still unknown, however, are the effects that frequent microdosing could have on the body. This is why we recommend microdosing for no longer than a few months. However, as you can see in the graph below, psilocybin is one of the safest substances you can find, both biochemically and socially. It’s much safer than alcohol. One thing is for certain – with microdosing, there is no risk of having a “bad trip” or experiencing intense psychedelic effects. Taking a microdose is the ideal way to be introduced to psychedelics safely and comfortably.
WHAT TYPES OF SHROOMS SHOULD WE GROW?
Want some recommendations? Here are the species a cultured grower should know. Another reminder: if you intend to take any psychoactive mushrooms, make sure to do so responsibly, in accordance with the law of your country and your medical condition.
The Golden Teacher
The Golden Teacher (Psilocybe cubensis) mushroom is a great start for any novice mushroom enthusiast. It has earned its name. In addition to being easy to grow and high in yield, the effects of this mushroom are gentle and broad. Consumers often report synaesthesia, visual, textural, and euphoric effects.
The B+ mushroom, also known as the Psilocybe cubensis, is one of the most popular strains of psilocybe, known for its high productivity. Although it adapts well to all sorts of climates, it actually originates from a cold region and should be grown in cooler locations.
Penis Envy Mushroom
Penis Envy Mushrooms are cherished by growers for their high concentrations of psilocin and psilocybin, contributing to intense, visual, euphoric, and revealing experiences. They leave very few spores and are notoriously difficult to cultivate.
Mexican Mushrooms
Mexican Mushrooms (Psilocybe mexicana) aren’t just mushrooms born in Mexico! This psychedelic strain is popular because of its high yield and ease of cultivation. You can even get a few batches from a single culture in optimal conditions.
McKennaii
McKennaii is a strain every shroom specialist should know about. Want to know why? It was created artificially – in a lab! The McKennaii is a very, very easy, and very potent mushroom to cultivate, earning its name after one of history’s biggest defenders of magic mushroom cultivation and consumption, Terence McKenna.