Grow Magic Mushrooms: A Step-By-Step Guide

Magic mushrooms, or mushrooms that contain hallucinogens like psilocybin and psilocin, have been used for thousands of years. While the production, sale, and possession of magic mushrooms are illegal in some countries, there is increasing interest in their potential therapeutic uses. Growing magic mushrooms at home can be done through various methods, such as using growing kits, spawn, or substrates like compost, manure, coffee grounds, or logs. Maintaining optimal temperature, humidity, and lighting conditions is crucial for successful mushroom cultivation.

Choosing a mushroom strain

There are over 100 strains of magic mushrooms to choose from, and new strains are constantly being collected from the wild or developed in mycology labs. Some popular strains include Golden Teacher, known for its vivid golden caps and enlightening experiences; APE, a hybrid of Penis Envy and Albino strains that is highly potent and offers intense visuals and transformative experiences; and African Transkei, a strain native to South Africa with brilliant orange caps and cultural significance.

When choosing a strain, it is important to consider your goals and intentions. If you are a beginner, you may want to opt for a strain that is easy to grow and has mild to medium potency, such as B+. On the other hand, if you are an experienced grower, you may want to experiment with more potent strains or unique growth habits.

It is worth noting that the effects of magic mushrooms can vary from person to person, and the strain may have little to no impact on the experience. However, understanding the unique traits of different strains can be helpful for dosing and safety, especially when using magic mushrooms for therapeutic purposes.

Preparing the substrate

Horse manure is the traditional material for growing mushrooms and can be purchased from a local garden centre or stables. To prepare the substrate, fresh manure should be piled into a heap and forked over to mix well every couple of days for two weeks until the heap has cooled and settled.

Another option for preparing the substrate is to mix sawdust or wood pellets with wheat bran or soybean hulls. This method requires steam sterilisation and a lab for inoculation but produces the highest yields.

If using straw as a substrate, it should be placed in a damp, shady area of the garden. For coffee grounds, a bucketful can be collected from coffee shops.

For those using logs as a substrate, hardwood logs are recommended, especially for growing oyster and shiitake mushrooms. Wooden dowels or plugs that have been impregnated with spawn can be purchased and tapped into pre-drilled holes in the log.

Inoculation

The process of inoculation depends on the type of substrate being used. For example, if using a log, you may need to drill holes into it; if using a stump, you may need to cut wedges; and if using bags of substrate, you'll need to mix the spawn into the bags. Low-nitrogen, carbon-rich materials like logs, woodchips, and straw can be inoculated outside in the open air, whereas most indoor methods require a sterile space to avoid contamination.

When using coffee grounds as a substrate, it's important to inoculate on the same day as brewing coffee with them (or to resteralize). The grounds should then be mixed with 50% sawdust to increase aeration.

Two methods of spawn distribution are commonly used: "top spawning" and "through spawning". Top spawning involves adding the spawn on top of the substrate and letting it grow down, whereas through spawning involves shaking the substrate after inoculation to distribute the spawn throughout.

Maintaining humidity

Maintaining the right humidity levels is crucial for growing magic mushrooms. Mushrooms are highly sensitive to changes in their environment, and consistent humidity levels are essential for their development. The ideal humidity level for growing mushrooms is between 70% and 90% rH. If the humidity level drops below this range, mushrooms may dry out and their growth may stall. On the other hand, if the humidity is too high, it can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria, fungi, and mould.

To maintain the desired humidity levels, you can use a humidifier in your grow room. Choose a humidifier that is suitable for the size of your grow room and consider factors such as cost, ease of use, and maintenance requirements. You can also use a timer to regulate the amount of humidity released into the room. Additionally, you may want to invest in a humidity sensor to monitor and regulate humidity levels consistently. These sensors come in digital and analog options.

Another simple and cost-effective way to increase humidity is by misting the mushrooms and their surroundings with a spray bottle filled with water. This can be done several times a day to maintain humidity. However, avoid directly misting the fruits, as it may increase the chances of contamination. Instead, spray near or around the developing mushrooms or the interior walls of the fruiting chamber to allow water droplets to slowly evaporate and increase humidity.

Companion planting is another natural and cost-effective method to control humidity. This involves growing plants that require high humidity alongside your mushrooms. However, ensure that the companion plants do not compete with the mushrooms for resources like nutrients.

Finally, consider using a greenhouse or constructing a fruiting chamber with a plastic crate or bag with air holes to create a stable environment with controlled humidity and fresh air exchange.

Harvesting

To know when to harvest, you must carefully observe the veil of each mushroom. The veil is located on the underside of the cap and covers the gills. When the mushroom is juvenile, the veil is usually grey-white and fleshy. As the mushroom matures, the veil darkens and begins to sag before tearing. Harvesting just before the veil tears is ideal, but it's better to harvest too soon than too late. Even if you don't get the most out of a single mushroom, you avoid the risk of ruining your entire crop.

When harvesting, be careful not to damage the mycelium. Avoid ripping the mushrooms off. Instead, gently twist them off at the base of the stem. Sometimes the stem will snap off, and other times you will pull away some mycelium.

After harvesting, you can eat the mushrooms fresh, or dry and store them for later use. Drying magic mushrooms is easy. First, pre-dry them by laying them out on cardboard or a towel and letting them air dry for a few hours in a well-ventilated area, out of direct sunlight. Then, dry them further using a dehydrator, oven, or desiccant.

Frequently asked questions