A Beginner's Guide to Growing Magic Mushrooms

Magic mushrooms, also known as psilocybin mushrooms, have been used for centuries for their psychoactive properties. They contain a naturally occurring chemical called psilocybin, which can induce a range of experiences from altered perception to mystical experiences. If you're interested in growing your own magic mushrooms, it's important to understand the process and have the necessary equipment to ensure success.

1. Choose your mushroom strain

There are many different strains of magic mushrooms, each with their unique characteristics. Some strains are easier to grow than others, so if you're a beginner, it's recommended to start with a strain that's known to be easier to cultivate. Some of the more popular strains include Golden Teacher, B+ and Mazatapec.

1. Gather your equipment

You'll need a few things to get started with growing magic mushrooms. Here's a list of what you'll need:

• Spore syringe: You'll need to purchase a spore syringe to inject the spores into the growing medium.
• Growing medium: The growing medium is what the mushrooms will grow in. You can purchase pre-made mushroom grow kits that come with the necessary medium, or you can make your own. Some popular growing mediums include brown rice flour, vermiculite, and perlite.
• Jars: You'll need jars to hold the growing medium. Mason jars work well, as they have an airtight seal.
• Pressure cooker: You'll need a pressure cooker to sterilize the jars and the growing medium.
• Syringe filter: A syringe filter will help you sterilize the spore syringe before injecting the spores into the growing medium.
• Plastic container: You'll need a plastic container to hold the jars while they're colonizing.
• Spray bottle: A spray bottle will be used to mist the growing medium once it's been inoculated with the spores.

1. Sterilize your equipment

Sterilization is a critical step in the growing process. Any bacteria or other contaminants can ruin the entire batch of mushrooms. To sterilize your jars and growing medium, place them in a pressure cooker for 90 minutes at 15 PSI. Make sure to let them cool completely before inoculating with spores.

1. Inoculate the jars

Once your jars and growing medium are sterilized, it's time to inoculate them with spores. Use a syringe filter to sterilize your spore syringe, and then inject the spores into the growing medium through a small hole in the lid of the jar. Use about 1cc of spore solution per jar.

1. Let the jars colonize

After injecting the spores, place the jars in a plastic container and let them sit for 2-4 weeks while they colonize. During this time, the mycelium will grow and consume the nutrients in the growing medium.

1. Transfer to a fruiting chamber

Once the jars are fully colonized, it's time to transfer them to a fruiting chamber. A fruiting chamber is a container that will provide the right conditions for the mushrooms to grow. You can purchase pre-made fruiting chambers or make your own using a plastic container and a humidifier.