After preparing the substrate, according to the given recipe, it’s crucial to ensure that the substrate has the right amount of moisture. Excess moisture can lead to rot and create unfavorable conditions for growing magic mushrooms.
To do this, take a handful of substrate and squeeze it tightly. If a couple of water drops come out, you have achieved the perfect moisture content.
Excess Moisture
However, if there are more than a couple of drops, bake the substrate for a longer duration or continue to mix and air dry. Intermittently mix and perform a drip test.
Dry Drip Test
On the other hand, if no water drops appear, use a water bottle to mist the substrate until the desired moisture content is achieved. Not enough moisture can stunt the growth of magic mushrooms and can cause unfavorable growing conditions. When adding moisture, remember to mix and perform a drip test intermittently.
Perfect Substrate Drip Test
This drip test is near perfect as some moisture squeezes out between the fingers. Since no drops occur it could be misted slightly. 1-2 drops is ideal.
Excess Moisture Drip Test
This drip test has a high moisture content as multiple drips occur.