Hey everyone. Let me just say thanks in advance for reading and helping out.
I'm starting my first grow soon when I get the supplies(within the next week hopefully), and I have a few basic questions, the answers to which I wasn't able to find through searching.
I bought a grow kit online, and I know that's generally frowned upon here, but I wanted to make sure the basics of the operation were at least done right, which I hoped would lead to less room for error on my part. The kit comes with the basics: 6 substrate jars, a terrarium (basically a tuperware container), a gallon of perlite, a thermometer/hydrometer, and a small fluorescent, battery powered light. The company gave me directions for the kit, but the directions aren't very detailed. I purchased the spores separately, which is a 12cc syringe of Psilocybe Cubensis Cambodia (it seemed like a good strain to start with).
First, I've heard many conflicting things about sterilization. I was considering making my own sterility box with gloves and all stapled or taped onto it, but the directions I received also mentioned an oven method, where you essentially inoculate the jars on the lower rack of the oven while it's being heated to 275F. Is either method preferable over the other? Also, the jars are cased on both ends with vermiculite, so the directions say that it's not necessary to tape over or cover insertion holes after inoculation. Why is it necessary to go through such lengths to ensure sterility if the upper layer of vermiculite can protect the jars from bacteria after inoculation? Also, how essential would it be to spray copious amounts of Lysol before inoculating? I plan on heating the needle with a flame every 2 jars. Is that excessive? Also, I'll be using latex gloves throughout this procedure just to be safe. Any other precautions that I should look into?
I've read that injecting more spore solution can cause stimulated mycelium growth. Is this true? Since my syringe is 12cc's, and I only have 6 jars, I could use 2cc's per jar, but I've also heard that .5-1cc is plenty. Any ideas?
From there, I plan on letting the jars sit in my closet until they appear completely colonized, and then wait 2-3 days before removal just to be safe.
As far as wetting the perlite goes, is there a preferred method for this? I don't have a strainer or anything, so I'm not sure how I'm going to let the water drain after. Any ideas?
Also, as far as giving the mushrooms light goes, during what phase is this necessary? How far into the procedure should I go before using the light? Right after I put the cakes into the terrarium?
The directions also don't give much advice beyond transferring the cakes to the terrarium. They imply that after this, you can simply leave them alone for the rest of their growth. Is there anything I need to be doing while they grow in the terrarium beyond ensuring that the temperature and humidity remain at good levels?
And after the first flush, I plan on dunking the cakes for rehydration, and repeating this until they stop producing.
Sorry for the length of this, but I just wanted to make sure I covered everything. If there's anything I'm overlooking or forgetting, it'd be great if you guys could point it out for me.
Thanks again for reading all this, and I certainly appreciate any advice.
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Also, the jars are cased on both ends with vermiculite, so the directions say that it's not necessary to tape over or cover insertion holes after inoculation. Why is it necessary to go through such lengths to ensure sterility if the upper layer of vermiculite can protect the jars from bacteria after inoculation?
It isn't necessary. If the jars are sterilized properly and you don't introduce any contams with the syringe, that should be it. The tape is just an extra precaution. As if you used condoms with your gf who is on the pill. And tape also stops the cakes from drying out too much. I usually leave mine on until I see lots of droplets on the sides of the jar, then I take it off.
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Also, how essential would it be to spray copious amounts of Lysol before inoculating?
I hate the stuff, it's too nasty. Airborne contaminants are the smallest of your worries. Just cover your hair and mouth and work in a clean area with clean instruments
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I plan on heating the needle with a flame every 2 jars. Is that excessive? Also, I'll be using latex gloves throughout this procedure just to be safe. Any other precautions that I should look into?
I've read that injecting more spore solution can cause stimulated mycelium growth. Is this true? Since my syringe is 12cc's, and I only have 6 jars, I could use 2cc's per jar, but I've also heard that .5-1cc is plenty. Any ideas?
Heat needle between EVERY JAR. THat way you avoid cross contamination.
Only use 1cc for inoculation, or slightly less. Adding too much solution will throw off the moisture content of your jars
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From there, I plan on letting the jars sit in my closet until they appear completely colonized, and then wait 2-3 days before removal just to be safe.
As far as wetting the perlite goes, is there a preferred method for this? I don't have a strainer or anything, so I'm not sure how I'm going to let the water drain after. Any ideas?
It is recommended to wait a full week after 100% surface colonisation before birthing.
Wet perlite inside a pasta strainer. You can get them for next to nothing, but I find it strange that you don't have one, you must eat pasta or rice.
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