Growing magic mushrooms can be an exciting, rewarding process. With the right supplies and this guide, you will be able to harvest your own magic mushrooms in no time! From getting the right equipment to preparing the substrate, we’ll go through each step of the process so that you can successfully cultivate your own mushrooms.
Gather the Necessary Supplies.
The first step in growing magic mushrooms at home is to get the necessary supplies. You’ll need mushroom spawn, psilocybin spores, a laboratory-grade pressure cooker or an autoclave, medium-sized mason jars or plastic containers, perlite, hydrated lime (not citric acid), and gloves to handle the materials in order to avoid contamination. Make sure you have all of these supplies before you begin your project.
Prepare the Growing Environment.
Once you have all the necessary supplies, it’s time to set up your growing environment. To ensure good air circulation and humidity levels, you want to make sure that the space is well-ventilated but also humid. If you can’t provide proper ventilation, purchase an evaporative cooling system or use a fan in combination with a modest evaporative cooler to keep things at an ideal humidity level.
Additionally, to prevent contamination, place plastic sheeting over the walls of your designated space and wear protective gear while handling your mushrooms.
Select and Inoculate Your Substrate.
After you have properly set up your growing environment, it’s time to select and inoculate the substrate. Generally, you can use an all-purpose mushroom substrate such as pasteurized straw or sawdust. Once you’ve decided on a substrate, it’s time to inoculate it with the spores of your mushrooms.
To do this, collect a small amount of healthy mushroom mycelium and add it to the substrate. Don’t forget to sterilize the area first by spraying rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide over everything!
Monitor Moisture Levels and Temperature for Optimal Growth Conditions.
After inoculation, it’s important to monitor the environmental conditions in the growing area. Temperature and humidity are key here as they will determine how successful your mushroom cultivation is. Make sure that you maintain a temperature of between 65-77F (18-25C) and a relative humidity of 96%. You can also mist the surface of your substrate if it starts to dry out. Once these two key factors are taken care of, the mushrooms should start to grow within 7-14 days.
Harvest and Cure Your Magic Mushrooms.
Now that your mushrooms are ready to be harvested, it’s important to take the time to properly cure them. To do this, cut them from the substrate and lay them out on a paper towel in an area with plenty of airflow. Let them sit for a day or two to let any excess moisture evaporate. You can then store them in airtight containers for up to two weeks in the refrigerator. After this, your magic mushrooms will be ready for consumption!