Embarking on the journey of growing magic mushrooms can be both exciting and daunting. With a plethora of opinions and methods available, it’s essential to grasp the fundamentals to set yourself up for success. In this guide, we’ll focus on three crucial elements: spawn, substrate, and FAE (Fresh Air Exchange). Understanding these basics will lay a solid foundation for your cultivation endeavors.
Basics
Spawn, Substrate, and FAE (Fresh Air Exchange)
In addition to the three (3) fundamental things you need to grow magic mushrooms, here are some other things you should consider getting.
- Safety: N95 mask for reducing contamination, disposable gloves, and high-grade ventilation mask for disposing of moldy crops; if you can dispose of the mold in its container, you don’t need this mask.
- Supplies: paper towels, butane torch or lighter, water bottle mister, 70% rubbing alcohol (higher % dries too quickly before sterilizing). Spawn and substrate have their own supply list.
- Recommended: *SAB (Still Air Box) with a cooling rack for baking. Soak the paper towel in 70% rubbing alcohol and place it in the bottom with a cooling rack on top of that to reduce contamination. All work should be done in the SAB. If a SAB is not available, turn off the furnace and any fans one hour before working. It is important to reduce all airflow so stay away from doors and high traffic areas.
- Great beginner flow chart and information from 90-second mycology.
*SAB design: Use a 90 qt clear tote, turned upside down (lid is now the bottom) with two large holes cut into the side for your hands. You can use a large empty metal can, from soup, tomatoes, or anything, heat up the open end of the can, and “cut” through the plastic of the tote. Do not press hard, as it can crack the plastic. Rather let the heat from the can do the work.
As always, ensure that dangerous items such as crops and spawn are kept out of reach of children and pets.
Spawn
Spawn serves as the starting point for your magic mushroom cultivation journey. It consists of mycelium, the vegetative part of the fungus, colonizing a nutrient-rich substrate. You can obtain spawn in various forms, including spore syringes, liquid cultures, or pre-inoculated spawn bags. Ensure to select a reputable source for quality spawn to kickstart your cultivation process effectively.
Base: Spawn is made up of a base like rice, millet, popcorn, or even sawdust. Once you have decided on the base you want to use, you will then need to decide on the type of strain and culture you want to use. Again, there are lots of opinions out there and I hope to simplify things with what I have learned. The easiest method I have found is Uncle Ben’s Rice bag as it is pre-sterilized cooked rice and does not require anything special like a pressure cooker.
Strain: There are so many different species, each with its own strains. Each species and strain offers different benefits. I highly recommend starting with a strain like Golden Teacher. It is known for its mild potency, large crop yield, and beginner-friendly growing conditions. It is reported to provide a euphoric and mentally clear experience. Here is a short list of species/strains that are easy to grow:
- B+ Cubensis
- Cambodian
- Golden Teacher
- Thai Elephant Dung
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Inoculating Rice Bags with magic mushroom spawn
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Break and Shake Magic Mushroom Rice Bags for Optimal Cultivation
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Substrate
The substrate provides the nourishment and environment necessary for the mycelium to thrive and eventually produce mushrooms. Common substrates include but are not limited to sterilized grains (such as rye or millet), sawdust, or composted materials. To ensure proper moisture content, it is recommended to do a drip test.
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substrate: Drip or squeeze test to verify moisture level
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…
FAE (Fresh Air Exchange)
Just as the name implies, FAE, or Fresh Air Exchange, is the process in which the bad air is removed and replaced with fresh air. Maintaining proper airflow is crucial for the health and growth of your mushroom culture.
FAE ensures the removal of carbon dioxide and replenishment of oxygen, creating an optimal environment for mycelial growth. This can be achieved through various methods, including passive air exchange (such as holes in the cultivation container), active air exchange using fans or air pumps, or manually fanning the crop with the lid of the container multiple times a day. In my experience, if there is not enough FAE, the mushrooms will be stunted. Stunted mushrooms can also occur due to low moisture.
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Conclusion
By understanding and mastering the essentials of spawn, substrate, and FAE, you’ll be well-equipped to embark on your magic mushroom cultivation journey. Remember to approach the process with patience, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn from both successes and challenges along the way. Happy cultivating!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I sterilize equipment?
If the equipment can withstand heat, like the metal of scissors or a scalpel, use heat. If the equipment can not withstand heat, use rubbing alcohol.
How much does it cost to start growing?
You do not need anything major to start growing and a lot of the supplies can be found locally or in your own home. For bare-bone essentials, you could start growing for under $100 with the major cost being the mycelium culture.
Is there a danger of growing?
As with all things, there are inherent risks. Legal issues aside, the biggest risk I have seen is when a batch goes bad, as it is mold. You want to make sure you properly dispose of it safely.
How quickly could I get my first mushroom?
Every environment is different and each strain grows at its own pace. In an ideal environment, with a fast-growing strain like Tidal Wave, you may have your first crop ready in less than 2 months.
