Category: Guides

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How to Use a Spore Syringe: The Ultimate Guide for Growing Medicinal and Gourmet Mushrooms

Discover the benefits of using a spore syringe for growing medicinal and gourmet mushrooms. This guide provides detailed instructions on making a spore syringe, offers valuable tips for using it effectively, and shares essential information on proper storage methods.

Why Use a Spore Syringe for Mushroom Cultivation?

Using a spore syringe offers several advantages when cultivating medicinal and gourmet mushrooms. Unlike other inoculation methods, such as liquid cultures or spore prints in agar, spore syringes provide a straightforward and reliable approach. By employing proper sterilization techniques, the risk of contamination remains relatively low. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced cultivator, spore syringes allow for direct inoculation into the substrate, ensuring a consistent and controlled growth process. Not only are spores great for beginners, but they also allow you to really isolate your own personalized genetics – as multi-spore syringes contain billions of genetic potentials that can result in all sorts of different types of fruiting body.

Making a Spore Syringe for Mushroom Cultivation

To create a spore syringe, you’ll need a source of mushroom spores. Obtain spore prints, which are available online or from reputable vendors. Follow these step-by-step instructions to make your spore syringe:

  1. Prepare a clean and low airflow environment, such as a still air box or a sterilized room with bleach-treated surfaces. Minimize contamination risks by wearing gloves and a mask.
  2. Sterilize a syringe (10-20ml) and sterile water in a pressure cooker, maintaining the temperature at 15psi for at least 30 minutes for thorough sterilization.
  3. Allow the water to cool to room temperature to prevent damage to the spores. It’s recommended to let the water cool overnight.
  4. Sterilize tweezers and a scalpel using a flame.
  5. Using the sterilized tweezers, retrieve the spore print and hold it over the opening of a sterile shot glass or small dish.
  6. With the sterilized scalpel, carefully scrape a small amount of spores from the print and transfer them into the sterile water in the shot glass or dish.
  7. Fill the syringe by inserting the tip into the spore solution and drawing it up. Repeat the process a few times for even distribution of spores in the water.
  8. Allow the spore syringe to sit at room temperature for 2-3 days to ensure complete hydration.
  9. Store the spore syringe in an airtight ziplock bag in the refrigerator. Properly stored spore syringes can remain viable for up to 12 months.

Using a Spore Syringe for Mushroom Cultivation

Using a spore syringe to inoculate your chosen substrate is a relatively simple process. Follow these steps for effective usage:

  1. Ensure the substrate and environment are prepared for inoculation, following appropriate sterilization protocols.
  2. If using a jar with microporous tape or a plug, create an entry point by piercing the tape or removing the plug for the spore solution.
  3. Squirt a small amount (usually a drop or two) of the spore solution onto the substrate, considering the size of the jars or containers.
  4. Maintain a sterile environment by covering the entry points with new microporous tape or replacing the plugs.
  5. Place the inoculated jars or containers in a suitable warm and dark location.
  6. Monitor the growth progress and ensure the substrate remains free from contamination.

Proper Storage of a Spore Syringe

Proper storage is crucial to maintain the viability of a spore syringe. Follow these guidelines:

  1. Always refrigerate the spore syringe between 2°C and 8°C. Store it in darkness to prevent degradation of the spores.
  2. Avoid freezing the spore syringe, as the freezing process can damage the spores’ cells.
  3. With optimal storage conditions, spore syringes can remain viable for up to 12 months. However, note that spores naturally lose viability over time.

Reusing a Spore Syringe

Spore syringes can be reused multiple times if sterilized properly and undamaged. Sterilize the syringe by filling it with sterilized boiling water or using a pressure cooker. The needle can be sterilized using a flame

Mastering the use of a spore syringe is essential for successfully cultivating a variety of medicinal and gourmet mushroom species. Whether you’re a first-time grower or an experienced cultivator, this guide equips you with the knowledge to harness the power of spore syringes in your mushroom-growing endeavors.

Disclaimer: Always comply with local laws and regulations regarding the cultivation and use of mushrooms or any other substances.

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Making Mushroom Spore Prints: A SporesWorldwide Guide

Learning how to make a mushroom spore print is an essential skill for any aspiring mycologist. Whether you’re an avid mushroom forager or interested in cultivating your own mushrooms, spore printing is a valuable technique for mushroom identification and completing the mushroom life cycle. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the process of making mushroom spore prints, its various applications, and provide step-by-step instructions to help you master this technique.

What are Spores?

Mushroom spores, often referred to as “seeds,” carry half of the genetic information required to produce a mushroom. These microscopic structures are released from the gills or pores located under the mushroom cap. Dispersed by air currents, spores can land in suitable environments and develop into mycelium, which eventually forms a new mushroom. While spores come in different shapes, colors, and sizes, the most visible characteristic to the human eye is the spore color, making spore prints crucial for accurate mushroom identification.

How to Make a Mushroom Spore Print

The process of making a spore print is relatively straightforward and can be applied to both gilled mushrooms and those with pores. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create your own spore prints:

Step 1: Choose a Mushroom

Select a mature mushroom that has reached the spore-producing stage. Avoid picking mushrooms that are too young, as they may not have released enough spores for a successful print. Additionally, ensure the mushroom’s gills or pores are exposed for spore deposition.

Step 2: Prepare the Mushroom Cap

Carefully detach the mushroom cap from the stem, preferably at the highest point possible. For certain varieties like shelf mushrooms or oyster mushrooms, using the entire fruiting body may be suitable for creating the spore print.

Step 3: Position the Cap for Printing

Place the mushroom cap with the gills or pores facing downwards onto a surface suitable for spore deposition. For most mushrooms, a regular sheet of white paper works well. However, if you require precise identification, consider using black paper for better contrast. If you plan to grow mushrooms from spores, tinfoil is recommended due to its sterility and ease of transferring spores.

Step 4: Cover and Wait

Cover the mushroom cap with a glass or small bowl to prevent air currents from dispersing the spores. This enclosure helps ensure a clear and uncontaminated spore print. Allow the mushroom to sit undisturbed for 6 to 12 hours to allow ample time for spore release and deposition.

Step 5: Retrieve the Spore Print

After the designated time, carefully remove the glass or bowl covering the mushroom cap. You should find a fully formed spore print on the surface below. To preserve the print, fold the paper or tinfoil, enclosing the spores, and store it in a ziplock bag. Spore prints can be kept at room temperature for an extended period, remaining viable for years without the need for refrigeration.

Mushroom Spore Prints for Identification

Spore prints are invaluable for identifying different mushroom species, primarily based on their spore color. However, it’s essential to exercise caution and not rely solely on spore color for mushroom edibility determination. Variation in color perception among individuals can make precise identification challenging. Therefore, it’s advisable to use additional identification methods and create multiple spore prints on different colored papers when unsure.

Spore Prints for Mushroom Cultivation

While growing mushrooms from spores can be unpredictable due to genetic variation, making spore prints is an excellent technique for capturing new genetics and expanding your mushroom cultivation repertoire. Here’s an overview of the process:

  1. Germinating Spores on Agar Plates: a. Sterilize a scalpel and touch the spore print to collect numerous spores. b. Streak the scalpel tip across the surface of a nutrified agar plate, creating an “S” pattern. c. After 5 to 15 days, spores should germinate, forming distinct colonies that can be transferred to additional agar plates for cultivation.
  2. Creating a Spore Syringe: a. Sterilize a syringe and fill it with sterile water. b. Collect a small amount of spores from the spore print and inject them into the syringe. c. The spore syringe can be used to inoculate various mushroom substrates, increasing the chances of successful germination and cultivation.

Conclusion

Spore printing is a simple yet fascinating technique that allows mushroom enthusiasts to explore the world of fungi in multiple ways. From identifying mushroom species to expanding genetic diversity in mushroom cultivation, spore prints offer a wealth of opportunities. Remember to handle the process with care, ensuring cleanliness and sterile conditions to maximize the success of your spore prints. With this comprehensive guide, you’re now equipped to embark on your own mushroom spore printing adventures and uncover the hidden wonders of the fungal kingdom.


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A Comprehensive Guide to Psychedelic (‘Magic’) Mushrooms: Types and Effects

The world of mycology and psychedelic mushrooms can be both fascinating and perplexing, especially for beginners. With over 200 different species containing psychedelic compounds like psilocybin, psilocin, and baeocystin, understanding the various types of mushrooms and their effects becomes crucial. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the diverse world of psychedelic mushrooms, their classifications, and their effects on the human body.

Types of Psychedelic Mushrooms

Psychedelic mushrooms, commonly known as psilocybin mushrooms, come in a wide array of species and genera. Some of the most prevalent genera include Psilocybe, Gymnopilus, Panaeolus, and Copelandia. While Mexico boasts the highest number of psychedelic mushroom species (53), these unique fungi can also be found in Canada, the United States, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and surrounding islands.

  1. Psilocybe Cubensis: One of the most well-known and abundant varieties, Psilocybe cubensis, often referred to as the “golden cap,” features a cinnamon-brown top with a diameter ranging from 2 to 8 cm. The cap starts with a conical shape and eventually flattens out as it matures. With approximately 60 different strains, each varying in shape, texture, and potency, Psilocybe cubensis is easily recognizable due to its distinct golden colors.
  2. Psilocybe Mexicana: Commonly found in Central and South America, the Psilocybe Mexicana, or Mexican mushroom, sports a small brown cap with a diameter of 0.5 to 2 cm. When injured, the cap of the mushroom turns blue, serving as a distinguishing factor. Known for its mild effects, the Psilocybe Mexicana is favored by some mushroom enthusiasts.
  3. Psilocybe Semilanceata: Often referred to as the “liberty bell,” Psilocybe semilanceata grows in grassy, damp fields where animals graze, but not on animal dung. With a conical-shaped cap ranging from 5 to 25 mm in diameter, this species induces visual hallucinations, heightened reflexes, increased heart rate, and pupil dilation.
  4. Psilocybe Azurescens: Thriving in the northern Oregon Coast, Psilocybe azurescens is known for its high concentrations of psychoactive compounds like psilocybin and psilocin. Its cap resembles a flying saucer, giving it the nickname “flying saucer mushroom.” The effects of this highly adaptive species are usually felt around 30 minutes after ingestion.
  5. Psilocybe Cyanescens: Recognizable by its wavy cap shape, Psilocybe cyanescens, also known as “wavy caps” or “blue halo,” is found in the United Kingdom and North America. Due to its potency, it is widely used among enthusiasts in the United States.
  6. Psilocybe Pelliculosa: Growing in clusters on forest debris, Psilocybe pelliculosa is commonly found in British Columbia, Canada, and the Pacific Northwest regions of the United States. Initially featuring a cone-shaped cap, it develops into a broadly bell-shaped top. This species is known to have milder effects compared to others.
  7. Psilocybe Weilli: Among the rarest magic mushrooms, Psilocybe weilli can only be found in northern Georgia, United States. These mushrooms grow from May to December in areas with red clay soil and pine needles. They are characterized by their unique smell and taste, often described as similar to cucumber.

Psychedelic Mushroom Effects and Safety

Psychedelic mushrooms exhibit similar effects on the human body, including hyperventilation, increased heartbeat, heightened sensory and emotional responses, and drowsiness. The intensity of these effects is directly linked to the concentration of active biochemicals present in the mushroom. However, it’s important to note that identifying and distinguishing psychedelic mushrooms from toxic varieties is crucial to ensure safety.

Conclusion

With a vast array of species and genera, psychedelic mushrooms offer a captivating journey into the world of mycology and altered states of consciousness. By understanding the different types of mushrooms, their effects, and taking necessary precautions, enthusiasts can embark on safe and enlightening experiences. Remember to prioritize proper identification and research, and always approach psychedelic mushrooms with respect and responsible use.

Disclaimer: The use of psychedelic substances is subject to legal restrictions in many countries. It is important to familiarize yourself with the laws and regulations in your jurisdiction before considering the use or possession of psychedelic mushrooms.

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How To Make Liquid Culture

Making liquid culture is a process that utilizes mushroom spores, mushroom fruit body, or another mycelium liquid culture to create a powerful and convenient solution used for growing mushrooms. If you find yourself wondering “why do these spores take so long to grow?”, spores to liquid culture is certain to fix those problems!

Our favorite LC recipe is a Light Malt Extract (LME) liquid culture recipe – but you can simply replace the LME in our recipe with 24mL honey if you wish.

Supplies Needed:

Light Malt Extract

Pressure cooker

Tin foil

Micropore tape

Jars

70% Alcohol

Distilled Water

Essentially the liquid culture recipe consists simply of 1g of LME (or 24mL of honey) per 600mL of water. You can inoculate this nutrient solution with either a multispore syringe or spore print, mushroom fruiting body, or another mushroom liquid culture.

Making Liquid Culture

1: Jar Prep

You can use for the most part any size jar. Simply make sure your jars and jar lids are cleaned very well, and then poke 1 hole in the lid of each jar with a screwdriver or syringes (tip – keep one extra lid unpoked for the next step). Be careful when doing this!

2: Filling the Jars

There is 2 options in this step – 1. You can calculate how much water and LME (or honey) you need and put that in a pot to heat on low for 5-10 minutes or 2. Simply fill each jar with water and the corresponding amount of LME and shake it up well (this is where the unpoked lid comes in).

3: Tin Foil/Micropore Placement

Again, you have 2 options here – you can fill the holes in the jar lids with tin foil (make sure it fits snug) or you can use micropore tape. Then after you do one or the other, cover each jar lid with tinfoil.

4: Sterilization of the Jars

Place the jars into your pressure cooker and sterilize them at 15psi for 35 to 40 minutes. Let them cool to at least room temperature before the next step.

5: How to Inoculate Liquid Culture

Ideally setup and sterilize your still air box or flow hood, otherwise sterilize the area of inoculation by wiping it down with alcohol.

Remove jars from pressure cooker, place them in the sterile area, remove tin foil from jars and wipe lids with alcohol wipes. If you put tin foil in the holes, take it out and place micropore tape over the hole.

For Multispore Syringe or Mushroom Culture Syringe: shake very well, (optional – flame sterilize needle), clean needle with alcohol wipe, lift up micropore tape, and inject 1-2cc of solution per 500mL.

For Fruit Body, Spore Print, or Agar Culture: Take piece of culture/fruit/pile of spores and simply dump them into the jar.

6: Mixing/Allow Colonization

Now you must mix this solution once a day. This can be done by shaking it up, or you can purchase a stir plate and metal stir bar that can use to mix it for you.

Liquid culture mycelium generally takes 24-72 hours to show noticeable growth (sometimes a bit longer for mushroom spore liquid culture) and can take 5-20 days to fully colonize. Using a liquid culture allows faster growth than spores, as it is contains already colonized mycelium – whereas multispore syringes and prints generally take 5-15 days to even begin forming noticeable mycelium. Check out our article on spore syringes vs. liquid cultures !

How to store liquid culture?

Liquid culture should be stored in the fridge, and can last up to 6 months. Do not let them freeze or get in high temperatures. You can store them in a plastic bag or bin if you like.

How long does liquid culture take to colonize grain?

Generally liquid culture should show noticeable mycelium growth on grain within 24-72 hours (although sometimes longer due to growth patterns) and takes about 10-30 days to colonize a jar of grains.

What is the best liquid culture recipe?

This is something that is for the most part subject to personal preference, supplies available, and other environmental factors. Generally our LME mushroom liquid culture recipe is one of the most simple and consistently effective, which is why we recommend it.

What good LC and bad LC look like :

liquid culture mushrooms
What your jars should look like
bad liquid culture
What your jars should not look like
lme liquid culture
Side by side comparison
healthy liquid mycelium culture
A jar of healthy mushroom liquid culture mycelium
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Safely buy Bitcoin or Ethereum with CashApp, Credit or Debit card

(Original Artwork by Emmaline Bailey)

This article will briefly explain how to purchase Bitcoin or Ethereum with credit debit in any country so that you can buy mushroom spores with cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). Please feel free to ask us any questions you might have! You can contact us on reddit at u/Psilocy3ibin or via email at silsmycsupplies@protonmail.com

*Please note, if your order total is less than 0.001BTC you should use Coinbase or a similar exchange with a low withdraw fee (as CashApp does not allow withdraws below 0.001BTC)**

Although crypto currencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum seem like risky business, you might be happily surprised to find out that they are actually safer and much less risky than most people think. To start off, they are decentralized (just like mushrooms/a mycelial network!) and from an investor standpoint, bitcoin actually has a lot more things in common with low risk assets like gold, US treasuries, and cash. Bitcoin and most other crypto currencies give the holder safe financial self custody of their assets, so it will still hold value even if all laws broke down tomorrow. Similar to gold, Bitcoin has a fixed supply and is borderless. So basically, crypto currencies like Bitcoin are a currency that gives the holder absolute power over their assets. To top it all off, crypto currencies run on extremely secure, complex, and digital blockchain technology that is considered to be much more efficient and accurate then a lot of modern-day technology that banks use. Oh yeah, did I mention websites like Coinbase, Coinmama, CEXIO and many other crypto currency exchanges are recognized by the most reputable banks in the world?

So lets get down to business, here is how to buy Bitcoin or Ethereum safely and easily anywhere in the world.

*If you have already made a purchase on our website and were directed here after you received the invoice containing the BTC or ETH address, then continue onto the steps below. If you would like to make a purchase on our site with Bitcoin or Ethereum, please make the purchase first and then follow this guide once you have received an email invoice from us containing the Bitcoin or Ethereum address to send the funds to. *

Step 1: Choose a crypto currency exchange to buy Bitcoin or Ethereum on. Here is a list of well known and safe exchanges that allow you to purchase crypto currency with your credit or debit card worldwide:

CashApp: https://cash.app/help/us/en-us/3101-buying-bitcoin & https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoeSOe31lcI

https://www.coinbase.com/buy-bitcoin

https://www.coinmama.com/how-does-it-work?locale=en (note coinmama requires extra steps)

(there are many other trusted and safe exchanges, places like reddit provide tons of reviews and information on trusted and safe exchanges. Having trouble? Feel free to reach out to us with any questions you might have!)

Step 2: Follow the instructions on the exchange of your choice to purchase either Bitcoin or Ethereum with your desired payment method. Purchase the amount of BTC or ETH that was told to you in the invoice we sent.

Step 3: Once you have purchased the BTC or ETH required for your order, copy and paste the address we gave you in the invoice (keep in mind you can only send BTC to Bitcoin addresses and you can only send ETH to Ethereum addresses). **Double check and make sure THE ENTIRE ADDRESS was copy pasted, this is very important** Once you have verified that the address is copied correctly, follow the instructions below to send the BTC or ETH to our wallet on the site you have chosen:

https://cash.app/help/us/en-us/3106-bitcoin-withdrawal-instructions & https://www.republicworld.com/technology-news/apps/how-to-send-bitcoin-on-cash-applearn-how-to-buy-or-withdraw-bitcoins.html

https://help.coinbase.com/en/coinbase/trading-and-funding/sending-or-receiving-cryptocurrency/how-do-i-send-digital-currency-to-another-wallet.html

https://support.coinmama.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012590260-Transfering-your-coins#:~:text=To%20transfer%20your%20coins%20from,and%20the%20receiver’s%20wallet%20address.

And that’s it! Once you have sent the funds your order will be added to the paid order que and you will be notified once it has shipped. Please feel free to ask us any questions you might have!