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wildernessjunkie
Reshitivest


Registered: 06/13/10
Posts: 8,118
Loc: HTTP 404 Not Found
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So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. 20
#24452797 - 07/02/17 06:50 PM (6 years, 7 months ago) |
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Warning: Wall of Text. Its not usually how I roll, but I cant think of another way to present this right now.
Its clear how these things are appealing. You've never grown shrooms before, and you don't really know where to start. Someone, somewhere points you toward a grow kit (Probably Midwest Grow Kits) and it appears to have everything you need included. It seems like "no brain-er", you can just buy that kit and get started immediately. But there are a lot of problems with these things that Im going to go over below.
Lets take a look at what you get in these things, and Im gonna put a link in here that is a non sponsor, hopefully I can get away with it because Im not endorsing the product but rather specifically advising against it. Here is the example Ill be referring to:
http://www.midwestgrowkits.com/comparison-chart.html
That is a comparison of the different products that they sell. Lets go through the components and see what we have:
- Container Size: The largest size they offer is 56 qt. Plenty big for a PF Tek grow, and one of the items in this kit that is reusable. Comparable 58 qt from Walmart for about $5
- Substrate jars: Those jars shown are the wrong jars. We want the short wide mouth half pints for PF Tek. Those deeper jars have a long history of stalling before full colonization. Here are the correct jars from ACE Hardware for $13
- Thermometer with Hygrometer / Humidity Gauge: Nothing to link to here. This is totally unnecessary as long as you have a Proper Fruiting Chamber.
- Ultra fine premium Perlite: The coarser Perlite works better IME. And again, can be sourced locally from a garden shop or hardware store. Lowes has vermiculite for less than $5. If you build a monotub from the link above, you dont need the perlite.
- 110V 5000k Plug in Fluorescent Light: Again, not necessary. And the wrong product for the job. Ambient sunlight coming in through a window works just fine. If you did need the light, then it wouldn't be this one. Instead you would use a 6500k Spectrum not a 5000k. No link required because no additional light is required.
- LED Grow Light: Again, not needed. Now there are two different lights that we don"t need included. At least they are getting closer on the light spectrum at 6000K, but its still not the 6500k that is optimal. If you're going to use a tool, then use the right one for the job. Again no link required.
- Hospital Grade Gloves: These are easily found in every grocery store. Usually in the pharmacy section. Looks like there is a single pair of gloves in these kits. You can find an entire box of these for cheap. Heres a whole box on Amazon for $5.50
- Isopropyl Alcohol swabs: Again, wrong tool for the job. Dont ever wipe your needle with alcohol. Alcohol sanitizes, not a sterilizes. A flame is the only way to properly sterilize a needle tip. No link needed, because this item isn't necessary.
- Step by step instructions: Instructions....you want instructions...Here you go 1, 2 That should cover pretty much everything you'll need for quite a long time.
- Electric 50W adjustable heater: One more item that isn't needed. Ill go so far as to say that its likely to be detrimental to your grow. As long as you are comfortable walking around in a T shirt in your house, then your mushrooms will be fine. Adding heat encourages the growth of contamination more that the growth of cubensis. Leave incubation out of your grow completely unless you have a problem with really low temperatures in your house.
- Silicone Air hoses with built in HEPA filters: Yet one more extraneous item that isn't necessary. Fresh Air Exchange and humidity control should be inherent and passive if you have a fruiting chamber like in the link above.
- Electric air pump: Refer to what I just wrote one paragraph up. We don't need it.
- Electric 24 hour timer with 24 on/off settings per day: Don't need it. Remember that bit about the window and sunlight above? Unless you are in a place that has 24 hour long nights, it doesn't serve a purpose in an amateur grow.
- Hydroponic Humidifier: This may serve a purpose if you are trying to bump up the humidity in a green house. But for a tub, we don't need it. Assuming you used a fruiting chamber from the link above.
As you can see, there is a whole lot of things in that kit that we don't need to do an effective grow. It seems like a lot of the items in there are based on info that has been proven ineffective, and in some cases detrimental. And on top of all that, you aren't even provided with the supplies or equipment to refill your jars and do a second grow!
We have come a long way towards understanding in a very short amount of time in mycology.
So now that I've beat down your hopes of an easy, all inclusive, mail delivered kit that is going to produce huge amounts of mushrooms. Lets break it down and see what we actually need to do this right.
The standard grow for a new cultivator is usually the PF Tek. And I provided links up above for most of this already. So lets make a list:
This is a list of one time gear, its reusable. You only need to purchase once.
- 2 of the clear tubs, one will be a fruiting chamber, and the other will become a still air box (About $10 total) - 2 bags of Perlite (About $10) and not necessary if you use a monotub. - 1 Box of wide mouth half pint mason jars ($13) - 1 Big ass pot, you probably already have on in your kitchen. Check a thrift store if not.
Total so far: $33 (Roughly)
This is a list of your consumable/disposable ingredients. You will need this for every grow.
- Spores (Check the Sponsor List for reliable products. The most inexpensive way to do obtain spores is to buy one of the "Their Choice" deals and mention you are a Shroomery member. This usually will get you your first spore syringe plus an additional freebie. Cost ($15 roughly). - Vermiculite: You can find it on the shelf right next to the Perlite you bought above for about the same price ($5). One bag will do several grows. - Grain Flour: Brown Rice Flour has always been the standard, but any grain will work. If you have a blender you can toss any grain that you find for cheap in and grind it to flour. One small bag of brown rice is about $3 locally here and will do several grows.
Total price of consumables: $23 (Roughly)
Take into account as well that the consumables are bought on a scale that allows several 12 jar PF Tek runs. That $23 does several grows, and you can now refill your own jars and you have the correct equipment on hand to replicate it at will. Learn to make spore prints and you can refill those syringes yourself and cut out the most expensive consumable.
Total cost for your first grow is about $56. Lets round it up to $60 and include a few cents worth for a lighter to sterilize your needle, plastic gloves and a shot of alcohol on them to sanitize. Its possible you already have those items in your bathroom.
For that cost, you have exactly what you need, no extraneous crap, no items that are detrimental to your grow, and you are set up to do subsequent grows without relying on a companies overpriced items for subsequent grows. Plus, its all scale-able. If you want, you can easily pick up more jars and another fruiting chamber.
The cheapest kit presented by that company linked above is $55 and is not refillable. The most expensive is $139 and is chocked full of crap that you don't need and can possibly derail your grow. And in the end, you really haven't learned half of what is available to you in the process of cultivation.
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AyePlus
Stony Danza


Registered: 12/18/14
Posts: 3,393
Loc: Fairfield, Connecticut
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: wildernessjunkie] 1
#24453952 - 07/03/17 08:27 AM (6 years, 7 months ago) |
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pi_cubed
Stranger

Registered: 06/01/17
Posts: 132
Last seen: 4 years, 10 months
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: AyePlus] 1
#24454277 - 07/03/17 11:07 AM (6 years, 7 months ago) |
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Spot on.
Embarrassingly I purchased one of those kits and realized in short time (after finding this site and reading a little bit) I didn't any of that stuff. I'm not knocking the vendor - everything they advertised was sent so I got what I paid for.
But like the song goes - I got everything I wanted but it wasn't what I wanted.
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bodhisatta 
Smurf real estate agent


Registered: 04/30/13
Posts: 61,890
Loc: Milky way
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: pi_cubed]
#24458747 - 07/05/17 09:00 AM (6 years, 7 months ago) |
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waxbrain
That Fun Guy



Registered: 05/13/17
Posts: 678
Last seen: 2 years, 10 months
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: bodhisatta]
#24458888 - 07/05/17 10:32 AM (6 years, 7 months ago) |
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i thought outgrow has a decent deal for noobs or people returning to the field and would like to succesfully have a grow. their monotub fill kit is $55 and supports a 60 qt tub. I know its WAY better to start sterilizing with your own PC and own materials. I'll be back to my old ways soon
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wildernessjunkie
Reshitivest


Registered: 06/13/10
Posts: 8,118
Loc: HTTP 404 Not Found
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: waxbrain]
#24459412 - 07/05/17 02:38 PM (6 years, 7 months ago) |
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I like Outgrow. But I think that anyone selling presteriliced grain should just label it with a statement that says.
"Free Contamination Included"
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Hlcptrdck
First timer


Registered: 05/24/17
Posts: 107
Loc: Canada
Last seen: 4 years, 10 days
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: wildernessjunkie]
#24460135 - 07/05/17 07:51 PM (6 years, 7 months ago) |
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Ok so despite the fact that they are expensive i have a few friends that work massive hours and with the three kits i just ran it was worth only the price which was ok especially for people who can only be around for three or four days or so.....i know whats gonna come next so ill touch base on it now instead of waiting....yes some methods can be just as easy but the contams and preps are not for these people....with that being said if these kits were 20 or 30 dollars cheaper it would be more than worth it....i am by no means an expert cultivator but the kits i used worked after tweaking a bit and they have served me up until now lol now i wanna do it on the next level now that i have time and experience...great building blocks
Edited by Hlcptrdck (07/05/17 08:04 PM)
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FattyB0omBo0m
rhizohmmmm


Registered: 07/02/17
Posts: 11
Last seen: 6 years, 3 months
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: Hlcptrdck]
#24460514 - 07/05/17 10:12 PM (6 years, 7 months ago) |
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This forum is specifically why I avoided buying a grow kit.
Thank you for freely sharing your knowledge.
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Hlcptrdck
First timer


Registered: 05/24/17
Posts: 107
Loc: Canada
Last seen: 4 years, 10 days
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: FattyB0omBo0m]
#24460599 - 07/05/17 10:49 PM (6 years, 7 months ago) |
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I agree with you now that i have actually read through different parts of the forum and different methods. This community offers more than just the essentials to become a long time cultivator with a masters touch given A LOT of patience and time....which i havent even begun to scratch the surface of. But this place is where every person should start.
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Hlcptrdck
First timer


Registered: 05/24/17
Posts: 107
Loc: Canada
Last seen: 4 years, 10 days
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: Hlcptrdck]
#24460616 - 07/05/17 10:58 PM (6 years, 7 months ago) |
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This community is vastly popular....instead of shooting kits down...help these people achieve success instead of both mental failure and financial failure....help them succeed in thier kits and help them move on to the next step...not everyone is prepared for the other side of growing....i for one would "waste my money" as well as grow in bulk subs and monotubs just so i can grow along aide those who need the help because thats what this place is about in my opinion
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bodhisatta 
Smurf real estate agent


Registered: 04/30/13
Posts: 61,890
Loc: Milky way
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: Hlcptrdck]
#24460816 - 07/06/17 01:09 AM (6 years, 7 months ago) |
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People act like having a 40+ hour a week job, and sleeping mean you can't grow mushrooms. It really doesn't take that much work to get some baseline results
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wildernessjunkie
Reshitivest


Registered: 06/13/10
Posts: 8,118
Loc: HTTP 404 Not Found
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: bodhisatta]
#24460832 - 07/06/17 01:16 AM (6 years, 7 months ago) |
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Indeed. If you can keep time, boil water, and obtain spores, then you can do PF Tek. None of it is complicated or requires vast amounts of knowledge.
www.mushroomvideos.com
The instructions are already available in video form. And its free.
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MycoMechanic
Stranger

Registered: 05/30/17
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Last seen: 5 years, 3 months
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: wildernessjunkie]
#24462398 - 07/06/17 03:29 PM (6 years, 7 months ago) |
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So true! I am embarrassed to say I fell for this too, before I discovered Shroomery and all of the great information here. What a waste of $$. I turned the plastic bin into a proper SGFC and bought more perlite (there was only enough for an inch or so with it). And my jars did colonize and I am getting fruit now.
BUT 90% of the crap in the kit went or is going into the bin and I feel like a sucker.
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MycoMechanic
Stranger

Registered: 05/30/17
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Last seen: 5 years, 3 months
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: MycoMechanic]
#24462414 - 07/06/17 03:36 PM (6 years, 7 months ago) |
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... and my next grow is going to be a mono from agar, so even the stuff that I did use will never get used again. Ugh...
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wildernessjunkie
Reshitivest


Registered: 06/13/10
Posts: 8,118
Loc: HTTP 404 Not Found
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: MycoMechanic]
#24486554 - 07/16/17 03:08 AM (6 years, 6 months ago) |
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Bump for reminder
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KenInVic
Hey Bulldog



Registered: 03/01/16
Posts: 1,452
Loc: 3rd Stone from the Sun
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: wildernessjunkie]
#24487059 - 07/16/17 11:00 AM (6 years, 6 months ago) |
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Could a mod pin this so it doesn't need to be bumped all the time by the well meaning?
-------------------- ***My SGFC*** ***ID Mushrooms Here*** Pondering the question, "Are we all here, because we're not all there?"
"Because something is happening here, but you don't know what it is, do you, Mr. Jones." Ballad of a Thin Man by Mrs. Zimmerman's little boy, Bobby.
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mrmazdarx9
Pffffttt

Registered: 05/15/16
Posts: 9,796
Loc: behind you
Last seen: 1 year, 4 months
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: KenInVic]
#24492155 - 07/18/17 04:43 PM (6 years, 6 months ago) |
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Excellent write up mate hope all noobs read this first before buying.
-------------------- COCA GROWERS come here and share your knowledge COCA GROWERS UNITE
Click here for UK trades
need some supplies in the UK check Here or PM me UK OTD uk members chat UK supplies and trade OTD place to chat shit Right Here If you use "SWIM" you should DROWN
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outofservice
I never get to touch no monkey

Registered: 04/27/17
Posts: 160
Loc: Sun & Sand
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: Hlcptrdck]
#24531062 - 08/04/17 09:24 PM (6 years, 6 months ago) |
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Quote:
Hlcptrdck said: This community is vastly popular....instead of shooting kits down...help these people achieve success instead of both mental failure and financial failure....help them succeed in thier kits and help them move on to the next step...not everyone is prepared for the other side of growing....i for one would "waste my money" as well as grow in bulk subs and monotubs just so i can grow along aide those who need the help because thats what this place is about in my opinion
Agreed. You don't need to say how shitty they are and go with a mono or SGFC. Tell ppl how to adjust/fix what they're working with. A bit more help is a lot more useful. If I knew the solution I would help. ....and off my soap-box.
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trollbutter
Neet


Registered: 07/14/17
Posts: 129
Last seen: 6 years, 4 months
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: outofservice]
#24531420 - 08/05/17 01:18 AM (6 years, 6 months ago) |
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I just didn't want to fail the attempts made while learning lol. kits came in handy as a jumpstart.
also some people don't have a kitchen or any kind of space that can be altered and clean enough. they have a problem that is easily solvable with a kit.
others I suppose don't even care.. anything that saves time and work is gonna be the way they go no matter what.
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wildernessjunkie
Reshitivest


Registered: 06/13/10
Posts: 8,118
Loc: HTTP 404 Not Found
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: trollbutter]
#24605499 - 09/05/17 11:14 AM (6 years, 5 months ago) |
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Time to bump this again.
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techtech2
Stranger

Registered: 09/07/17
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: wildernessjunkie]
#24610868 - 09/07/17 06:13 AM (6 years, 5 months ago) |
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Thank you for the info. Just saved me an unnecessary cost.
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MycoMechanic
Stranger

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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: techtech2]
#24651619 - 09/22/17 12:15 PM (6 years, 4 months ago) |
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bump 'cause I'm still bitter about it LOL.
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outofservice
I never get to touch no monkey

Registered: 04/27/17
Posts: 160
Loc: Sun & Sand
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: wildernessjunkie]
#24651741 - 09/22/17 01:18 PM (6 years, 4 months ago) |
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my experience and advice... This is my first grow.
I bought the Mega kit from M**W***G***
1. I put 24 jars in it. WAY too many in my opinion. They may say to jam them in there but I do not agree! Not enough room for the air to circulate.
2. I bought another tub and split the cakes. 10 cakes each. (I tossed 4 cakes that looked weird. I couldn't get any answers to what was on them so to play it safe I tossed 'em). Much better. Fruits looked healthier but still gnarly.
3. If you keep the lid closed you will need to fan often. Even if you have the Hydroponic humidifier. If you do have the HH, buy a stronger Air pump. I bought a 60 Gal rated pump. I have it set to run 1hr every 2hrs. After buying the larger pump I only fanned 2 or 3 times. Mostly just morning and sometime in the evening.
I've recently changed to keeping the lid slightly off-center (lengthwise) all day. About a 1/4 to 1/2 inch. The open end is opposite where your air hose (if you have a kit with a pump) is coming into.
4. I bought 65K LED strip light and have them stuck on the underside of the lid. This helps with convection. So between the pump pushing moist air, the lid cracked and the lights, I feel there is plenty of FAE/circulation. The HH resupplies moister so things don't dry out. This is apparent in my substrate not looking dry and I don't mist, not ever. I do spray the Perlite each wknd with about a cup (1/2c water, 1/2c Hydro Peroxide) of water to keep the humidity up.
These are Tamps. This is the first flush with the Kit set to vendor specifications. As you can see they grew super gnarly, not enough FAE. The weight shown on the scale is of it wet.

Second Flush with my Modifications. As you can see, I also "cased" them differently. I saw the growth (1st flush) all coming from where it was in contact with the substrate (where it had created a micro climate) and not from any other part of the cake. So I layed them down for more surface contact while also pushing the sub up and around them. Big difference between each flush.

I will say this. The kits aren't a horrible idea but they are not the greatest. After looking at what each item cost you can buy all of it for much cheaper and also better quality items. I now have two "no hole" kits going and they are set and forget. I don't mist. I prolly don't have to fan but I still do, it's generally a lite fanning in the morning and before going to bed. The Hygrometer (Fischer, Synthetic Hair. Amazon) was Essential to learning about conditions and how to tweak this tek. I was able to track the humidity during all the adjustments I made and have dialed in what works for my place. I have central air so this is what works in my apartments conditions.
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wildernessjunkie
Reshitivest


Registered: 06/13/10
Posts: 8,118
Loc: HTTP 404 Not Found
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: outofservice] 1
#24844219 - 12/13/17 04:10 PM (6 years, 2 months ago) |
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Bump up for the new kids.
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BattyKoda
WCA President



Registered: 09/11/17
Posts: 8,021
Loc: Boof Hard Or Go Home
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: wildernessjunkie]
#24844236 - 12/13/17 04:23 PM (6 years, 2 months ago) |
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Yes! 
Much needed revive!
Nice write up dude! 
Edit: This needs to be stickied!
--------------------
  A Man Must Learn To Sail In All Winds. RIP ModestMouse & Big Worm
Edited by BattyKoda (12/13/17 04:29 PM)
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MushNoob589
Stranger



Registered: 10/16/17
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Loc: Oklahoma
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: wildernessjunkie]
#24960918 - 02/01/18 11:44 PM (6 years, 15 days ago) |
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Super glad I read this! Already decided against a kit but this just gives me even more reasons not to! Not knocking anyone that does, just too much stuff to keep up with ya don't need to start.
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Philosopherski
Love is the meaning of life



Registered: 11/16/17
Posts: 85
Loc: NYC
Last seen: 3 months, 5 days
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: MushNoob589]
#24960961 - 02/02/18 12:13 AM (6 years, 14 days ago) |
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One more tip!
Some vendors have a call-in order option. Use that and be nice. That has usually gotten me a cheaper price + freebees as OP stated when you mention shroomery.
Just don't be sketchy and mention growing. This is all for microscopy needs and I just LOVEEEE looking at spores under a microscope.
-------------------- Don't panic! Always remember to bring a towel. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Call 1-800-273-8255
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Ziran
The Hero of Time




Registered: 02/03/16
Posts: 6,030
Loc: Temple of Time
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: Philosopherski] 1
#24961046 - 02/02/18 01:44 AM (6 years, 14 days ago) |
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they should sticky this imo
-------------------- Song Of Healing
Updated Pf Tek Guide Ziran's Teks AMU Q&A Thread The Chinese word for nature is zìrán and it means that of which is of itself.

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Burbles
Stranger

Registered: 03/24/08
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: Ziran]
#24961054 - 02/02/18 02:04 AM (6 years, 14 days ago) |
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I made a website to help people decide if they should buy or make their own sterilized grain. I'd like to further build on the calculator but it is hard to figure out all the variables involved. It's www.substratecalculator.com. If anyone wants to help with it I'd let you have the code or could upload what you built.
I'm mostly against kits despite selling sterilized grain.
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wildernessjunkie
Reshitivest


Registered: 06/13/10
Posts: 8,118
Loc: HTTP 404 Not Found
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: Burbles]
#24961081 - 02/02/18 02:29 AM (6 years, 14 days ago) |
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For the price of the kits, anyone that really wants to learn how to do this can get what they need to do it right, for the same price or less.
One of the key components to making this all work on your own is a PC. If you get that, then you open the door to almost all of the other aspects of this endeavor, namely the capability to do agar and grain. With the one time investment of a PC, I cant see a cost advantage of purchasing pre-sterilized anything.
I think I need to summon some motivation to do a cost analysis write up on growing...
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Burbles
Stranger

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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: Burbles]
#24961122 - 02/02/18 03:12 AM (6 years, 14 days ago) |
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Did you look at the calculator? It tells you your break even points based on prices. Needs to be updated though.
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dracolusus
Eternal Noob



Registered: 01/22/16
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: Burbles] 1
#24961149 - 02/02/18 04:06 AM (6 years, 14 days ago) |
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Calculator is pretty good. And if the grain is sterilised properly and shipped quickly, will be a good deal. I'm just thinking that a bunch of noobs shooting up these bags in open air with Whores101 syringes and then claiming it is your fault is going to be an issue.
-------------------- Need cultivation questions answered, head over to AMU Q&A
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Burbles
Stranger

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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: dracolusus]
#24961202 - 02/02/18 05:21 AM (6 years, 14 days ago) |
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I've done tests with open air and working quickly to inoculate them and have had a high success rate. If they use a shitty syringe they can just get a replacement @ my material and shipping costs. Hopefully that's a fair way to deal with that situation for everyone.
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kayo
Stranger


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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: Burbles]
#24961317 - 02/02/18 06:59 AM (6 years, 14 days ago) |
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Those grow kits are too expensive to be sure. I bought pre-made jars from Midwest for my first grow but thats because it wasnt that much more expensive than buying it all and doing it myself. Im also surprisingly in a area where verm is hard to find for some reason. Id have more materials for multiple grows but im going for a popcorn/monotub grow next anyway. I will be buying presterilized horse poo though, no way im cooking that.
One obvious thing I should mention for anyone buying pre-made jars or kits which i didnt realize until i got them... they get shipped to you. No matter how awesome your supplier is theyre going to get tossed around for a few days on the way to you. Not good for the dry verm layer. Midwest in particular does not bother taping up their lid holes either so mine had wet verm all over the lid.
So far no contams but still felt I had to leave foil on for a few days just in case.
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wildernessjunkie
Reshitivest


Registered: 06/13/10
Posts: 8,118
Loc: HTTP 404 Not Found
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: Burbles]
#24962773 - 02/02/18 08:24 PM (6 years, 14 days ago) |
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Quote:
Burbles said: I've done tests with open air and working quickly to inoculate them and have had a high success rate. If they use a shitty syringe they can just get a replacement @ my material and shipping costs. Hopefully that's a fair way to deal with that situation for everyone.
Whether or not you get a clean inoculation without the use of a SAB has little to do with the grain and more to do with the environment. Its a big gamble, and when you gamble in mush cult, you usually end up losing time and money.
Its the same thing with using a spore syringe to 'noc up grain. Can it work? Yes. Are there TC's and Experienced cultivators doing it? No. And for good reason.
Learning to grow doesn't have to break the bank. Invest in the right equipment to begin with and every grow after that will be a positive experience with a fairly predictable outcome.
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Ziran
The Hero of Time




Registered: 02/03/16
Posts: 6,030
Loc: Temple of Time
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: wildernessjunkie] 1
#24963055 - 02/02/18 10:04 PM (6 years, 14 days ago) |
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Quote:
wildernessjunkie said: For the price of the kits, anyone that really wants to learn how to do this can get what they need to do it right, for the same price or less.
One of the key components to making this all work on your own is a PC. If you get that, then you open the door to almost all of the other aspects of this endeavor, namely the capability to do agar and grain. With the one time investment of a PC, I cant see a cost advantage of purchasing pre-sterilized anything.
I think I need to summon some motivation to do a cost analysis write up on growing...
Shit for the price of most grow kits I can buy myself a 23 quart presto. and bam, a big chunk of your cost is now paid for.
Quote:
wildernessjunkie said:
Quote:
Burbles said: I've done tests with open air and working quickly to inoculate them and have had a high success rate. If they use a shitty syringe they can just get a replacement @ my material and shipping costs. Hopefully that's a fair way to deal with that situation for everyone.
Whether or not you get a clean inoculation without the use of a SAB has little to do with the grain and more to do with the environment. Its a big gamble, and when you gamble in mush cult, you usually end up losing time and money.
Its the same thing with using a spore syringe to 'noc up grain. Can it work? Yes. Are there TC's and Experienced cultivators doing it? No. And for good reason.
Learning to grow doesn't have to break the bank. Invest in the right equipment to begin with and every grow after that will be a positive experience with a fairly predictable outcome.
Yep. I've done MS to grains. Only a few times. I'm honestly surprised that it worked the few times I did it. But a few of the times they jars went green a week later. Waste of time imo, when I can just go straight to agar, take some mycelium and xfer to a new plate, and have a clean culture within 1 to 3 transfers.
-------------------- Song Of Healing
Updated Pf Tek Guide Ziran's Teks AMU Q&A Thread The Chinese word for nature is zìrán and it means that of which is of itself.

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DamskoFusion
Stranger


Registered: 01/11/18
Posts: 39
Loc: Global
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: wildernessjunkie]
#24980201 - 02/10/18 05:31 AM (6 years, 6 days ago) |
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'' - 1 Big ass pot, you probably already have on in your kitchen. Check a thrift store if not.''
What do i have to picture thinking of a big ass pot? Any specifics on this? Plastic, glass, stone, volume, size, see-through, non see-through, air tight..?
Not bitching, just trying to make sure i know what i am getting at to get started properly.
-------------------- Be like water my friend. Very colourfull water.
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Apples in Mono
Not a puppet


Registered: 09/21/17
Posts: 3,240
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: DamskoFusion]
#24980390 - 02/10/18 08:17 AM (6 years, 6 days ago) |
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Quote:
DamskoFusion said: '' - 1 Big ass pot, you probably already have on in your kitchen. Check a thrift store if not.''
What do i have to picture thinking of a big ass pot? Any specifics on this? Plastic, glass, stone, volume, size, see-through, non see-through, air tight..?
Not bitching, just trying to make sure i know what i am getting at to get started properly.
I prefer see-through stone
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bodhisatta 
Smurf real estate agent


Registered: 04/30/13
Posts: 61,890
Loc: Milky way
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: DamskoFusion]
#24980412 - 02/10/18 08:29 AM (6 years, 6 days ago) |
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Quote:
DamskoFusion said: '' - 1 Big ass pot, you probably already have on in your kitchen. Check a thrift store if not.''
What do i have to picture thinking of a big ass pot? Any specifics on this? Plastic, glass, stone, volume, size, see-through, non see-through, air tight..?
Not bitching, just trying to make sure i know what i am getting at to get started properly.
Don't over complicate a big pot with a lid...
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DamskoFusion
Stranger


Registered: 01/11/18
Posts: 39
Loc: Global
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: bodhisatta] 1
#24985146 - 02/11/18 07:57 AM (6 years, 5 days ago) |
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I notice in all the descriptions here the experts want the noobs to read and learn in as much detail possible , so to learn best as possible. But when asked detailed questions about undetailled things, one gets mostly sarcastic replies. Really helps guys. How bout just saying nothing..?
-------------------- Be like water my friend. Very colourfull water.
Edited by DamskoFusion (02/11/18 07:57 AM)
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bodhisatta 
Smurf real estate agent


Registered: 04/30/13
Posts: 61,890
Loc: Milky way
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: DamskoFusion] 2
#24985268 - 02/11/18 09:38 AM (6 years, 5 days ago) |
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Yes put a big plastic pot on a stove  Make sure it's air tight so it pops open.
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Apples in Mono
Not a puppet


Registered: 09/21/17
Posts: 3,240
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: DamskoFusion]
#24985299 - 02/11/18 09:52 AM (6 years, 5 days ago) |
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Quote:
DamskoFusion said: I notice in all the descriptions here the experts want the noobs to read and learn in as much detail possible , so to learn best as possible. But when asked detailed questions about undetailled things, one gets mostly sarcastic replies. Really helps guys. How bout just saying nothing..?
Detail where detail is needed. "Big pot with a lid" is plenty of detail in this case. And do you honestly not recognize the absurdity in asking about plastic, stone, airtight, or see-through pots? Come on, dude
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jameswright1563
Stranger
Registered: 02/11/18
Posts: 2
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: Apples in Mono]
#24985307 - 02/11/18 09:55 AM (6 years, 5 days ago) |
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For a first timer but with lots of experience with high dosages of LSD, would 3g be a good starting point? and how should they consume them?
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BattyKoda
WCA President



Registered: 09/11/17
Posts: 8,021
Loc: Boof Hard Or Go Home
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: DamskoFusion] 1
#24985382 - 02/11/18 10:28 AM (6 years, 5 days ago) |
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Quote:
DamskoFusion said: I notice in all the descriptions here the experts want the noobs to read and learn in as much detail possible , so to learn best as possible. But when asked detailed questions about undetailled things, one gets mostly sarcastic replies. Really helps guys. How bout just saying nothing..?
I used the largest and cheapest stock pot i could find.

I forget the size and this isn't a good picture buttt here you go homie. ( the pot on top of the pc )
--------------------
  A Man Must Learn To Sail In All Winds. RIP ModestMouse & Big Worm
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Sally Hatchet



Registered: 12/22/17
Posts: 175
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Last seen: 3 years, 10 months
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: jameswright1563]
#24985442 - 02/11/18 10:58 AM (6 years, 5 days ago) |
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Quote:
jameswright1563 said: For a first timer but with lots of experience with high dosages of LSD, would 3g be a good starting point? and how should they consume them?
From my limited LSD experience (Unfortunately it's very limited )
Mushrooms for me anyway, feel much different then LSD. If I was you, I might go lower, maybe 2g. LSD is like "Yeah this feels good, I feel good", with mushrooms it's kind of like you sink into a couch while the mushroom god picks you up and shakes you, while screaming at you.. Much Much MUCH more mental then LSD. Idk, you'd probably be fine on 3g it sounds like, but you can always eat more if you aren't where you want to be. hope this helps a bit, friendo. Welcome to the community.
--------------------
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jameswright1563
Stranger
Registered: 02/11/18
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: Sally Hatchet]
#24988479 - 02/12/18 10:27 AM (6 years, 4 days ago) |
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Thanks great intro to the community. Will probs start at 2g and wait an hour then.
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Tormato  
The Goddess Kali Meh 😛




Registered: 07/01/17
Posts: 6,067
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: bodhisatta]
#24988647 - 02/12/18 12:12 PM (6 years, 4 days ago) |
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Directly on the burner...set on high 
Quote:
bodhisatta said: Yes put a big plastic pot on a stove  Make sure it's air tight so it pops open.
-------------------- Helpful Threads The Shroomery Store Tormato's Q&A Thread Post Questions Here or PM me! "Lately it occurs to me what a long, strange trip it's been." ~ Grateful Dead Before you start...Do you have a Pressure Cooker and a Dehydrator? I highly recommend getting both!
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Skipio
Hunchback

Registered: 02/12/18
Posts: 199
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: wildernessjunkie]
#25037323 - 03/04/18 12:33 AM (5 years, 11 months ago) |
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WildernessJunkie,
I realize this thread is about being smart / spendthrift, but would you please let me know your opinion on this grow kit?
Edited by Skipio (03/04/18 12:36 AM)
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bodhisatta 
Smurf real estate agent


Registered: 04/30/13
Posts: 61,890
Loc: Milky way
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: Skipio] 1
#25037786 - 03/04/18 09:13 AM (5 years, 11 months ago) |
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Overpriced shit
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bodhisatta 
Smurf real estate agent


Registered: 04/30/13
Posts: 61,890
Loc: Milky way
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: bodhisatta]
#25037792 - 03/04/18 09:16 AM (5 years, 11 months ago) |
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Skipio
Hunchback

Registered: 02/12/18
Posts: 199
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: bodhisatta]
#25038250 - 03/04/18 01:11 PM (5 years, 11 months ago) |
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Thanks
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Tormato  
The Goddess Kali Meh 😛




Registered: 07/01/17
Posts: 6,067
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: Skipio] 1
#25038373 - 03/04/18 02:07 PM (5 years, 11 months ago) |
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Grow kits are such a roll of the dice when you can do a PF tek grow with a higher chance of success at a much lower cost.
-------------------- Helpful Threads The Shroomery Store Tormato's Q&A Thread Post Questions Here or PM me! "Lately it occurs to me what a long, strange trip it's been." ~ Grateful Dead Before you start...Do you have a Pressure Cooker and a Dehydrator? I highly recommend getting both!
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Skipio
Hunchback

Registered: 02/12/18
Posts: 199
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: bodhisatta]
#25038673 - 03/04/18 04:33 PM (5 years, 11 months ago) |
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Skipio
Hunchback

Registered: 02/12/18
Posts: 199
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: Tormato]
#25041537 - 03/05/18 08:23 PM (5 years, 11 months ago) |
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Quote:
Tormato said: Grow kits are such a roll of the dice when you can do a PF tek grow with a higher chance of success at a much lower cost. 
1. PF Tek instructions say many advances have been made since it was originally published. Where may I find the most succinct and up to date set of PF Tek instructions?
2. I'm concerned about contaminants because we have cats and do not have a good air filter. We have a room where air does not circulate, and that would be the room I would be doing all of this in. I grew some many years ago (1. we're talking in the 90s, 2. different domicile) and only had 2 of 5 or 6 jars survive and fruit. I don't want that to happen again.
Edited by Skipio (03/05/18 08:59 PM)
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bodhisatta 
Smurf real estate agent


Registered: 04/30/13
Posts: 61,890
Loc: Milky way
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: Skipio]
#25042147 - 03/06/18 05:27 AM (5 years, 11 months ago) |
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1. The stickys at the top of the forum 2. You don't need an air filter. My grows are in the same room as two litter boxes used by my two cats. My house is 80+ years old. Doesn't matter
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Tormato  
The Goddess Kali Meh 😛




Registered: 07/01/17
Posts: 6,067
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: bodhisatta]
#25042208 - 03/06/18 06:35 AM (5 years, 11 months ago) |
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Quote:
bodhisatta said: 1. The stickys at the top of the forum 2. You don't need an air filter. My grows are in the same room as two litter boxes used by my two cats. My house is 80+ years old. Doesn't matter
There ya go!
-------------------- Helpful Threads The Shroomery Store Tormato's Q&A Thread Post Questions Here or PM me! "Lately it occurs to me what a long, strange trip it's been." ~ Grateful Dead Before you start...Do you have a Pressure Cooker and a Dehydrator? I highly recommend getting both!
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JiM aYYYY
GreenGoblin


Registered: 03/06/18
Posts: 266
Last seen: 4 years, 1 month
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: Tormato]
#25043684 - 03/06/18 06:17 PM (5 years, 11 months ago) |
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I'm so happy you decided to go out of your way to write this post. I actually ordered a couple things from them only because I don't have my own PC. And I was thinking about ordering their pre packed jars as well so when I use them I could just reuse the jars but your saying they aren't really reusable?. I am just going to buy my own now of course but it just seemed like a good idea at the time to just stay ahead for a minute hahaha
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wildernessjunkie
Reshitivest


Registered: 06/13/10
Posts: 8,118
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: JiM aYYYY] 1
#25050255 - 03/08/18 06:44 PM (5 years, 11 months ago) |
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Quote:
JiM aYYYY said: I'm so happy you decided to go out of your way to write this post. I actually ordered a couple things from them only because I don't have my own PC. And I was thinking about ordering their pre packed jars as well so when I use them I could just reuse the jars but your saying they aren't really reusable?. I am just going to buy my own now of course but it just seemed like a good idea at the time to just stay ahead for a minute hahaha
The jars themselves are reusable. But you wont have a way to sterilize the new substrate. Unless you have a PC, In which case you probably wont need the kit.
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SomeOldGuy
Stranger


Registered: 06/15/17
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Last seen: 1 year, 6 months
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: wildernessjunkie]
#25219961 - 05/22/18 01:33 AM (5 years, 8 months ago) |
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...yeah, total noob here thanking you for the thread and bumping the thread for any other newcomers who might benefit from your insight.
...i would also say that while i enjoyed the read and learned some things, buying a kit was never something i would have done, i've been growing the ganja for about 12 years now and i've seen loads of 'everything you need to grow' kits over the years and every one of them had extra shit you don't need and the shit you do need is mediocre quality so i figure the same is true in this hobby too.
...anyway, thanks again for taking the time to share.
peace, SOG
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GrowGrannyGrow
Stranger


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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: SomeOldGuy]
#25231332 - 05/27/18 07:46 AM (5 years, 8 months ago) |
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First post, total noob. (60 yr old grandma wanting to try for the first time). Bought the kit but realize now what a mistake this was. Will follow steps on this forum and not instructions in kit. Be that as it may, here are my questions: I have an InstaPot...should I sterilize the jars from the kit before inoculating? Anyone use InstaPot for this? Thanks all
-------------------- Just a noobie granny learning the ropes. Excuse any bad or outdated lingo...I'm old
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Tormato  
The Goddess Kali Meh 😛




Registered: 07/01/17
Posts: 6,067
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: GrowGrannyGrow]
#25231542 - 05/27/18 09:22 AM (5 years, 8 months ago) |
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I would resterilize the jars...can’t hurt. Instant Pot is not the most ideal pc to use. You’ll have to pc longer because I’m pretty sure the Instant can’t get to 15lbs.
-------------------- Helpful Threads The Shroomery Store Tormato's Q&A Thread Post Questions Here or PM me! "Lately it occurs to me what a long, strange trip it's been." ~ Grateful Dead Before you start...Do you have a Pressure Cooker and a Dehydrator? I highly recommend getting both!
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GrowGrannyGrow
Stranger


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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: Tormato]
#25231697 - 05/27/18 10:23 AM (5 years, 8 months ago) |
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Sorry to be dim...The jars alone or with the substrate in them?
-------------------- Just a noobie granny learning the ropes. Excuse any bad or outdated lingo...I'm old
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Tormato  
The Goddess Kali Meh 😛




Registered: 07/01/17
Posts: 6,067
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: GrowGrannyGrow]
#25231703 - 05/27/18 10:25 AM (5 years, 8 months ago) |
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Substrate included
-------------------- Helpful Threads The Shroomery Store Tormato's Q&A Thread Post Questions Here or PM me! "Lately it occurs to me what a long, strange trip it's been." ~ Grateful Dead Before you start...Do you have a Pressure Cooker and a Dehydrator? I highly recommend getting both!
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Skipio
Hunchback

Registered: 02/12/18
Posts: 199
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: bodhisatta]
#25235270 - 05/29/18 01:27 AM (5 years, 8 months ago) |
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Quote:
bodhisatta said: 1. The stickys at the top of the forum 2. You don't need an air filter. My grows are in the same room as two litter boxes used by my two cats. My house is 80+ years old. Doesn't matter
WOW...
Edited by Skipio (07/11/18 05:58 AM)
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aceofspades8809
Bossman


Registered: 05/30/18
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Loc: Texas
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: Skipio]
#25251539 - 06/06/18 07:53 AM (5 years, 8 months ago) |
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Great write up!
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JamesStrange
Doug

Registered: 02/16/19 
Posts: 58
Loc: Canada
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: bodhisatta] 1
#25817416 - 02/16/19 06:17 PM (5 years, 5 hours ago) |
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Quote:
bodhisatta said: People act like having a 40+ hour a week job, and sleeping mean you can't grow mushrooms. It really doesn't take that much work to get some baseline results
I know this is an old post, but 40 hours a week + sleeping sounds like heaven. Don't have kids! 
Jokes aside, time is money, and regrettably I did not see this post before encountering a Canadian kit vendor and making a spur-of-the-moment decision. I'll just run it as a side project. If it does anything that isn't embarrassing I'll share it on the forum.
The only concern I really have about it is I don't actually have a way of knowing I'm not growing poison? It would be a weird way to murder someone, but psychos do psychotic things. I suppose I'll be able to get it id'd here to be safe, assuming I grow anything at all?
The kit looks like a much simpler version of whatever is described in the main post--just a very disposable looking fruiting chamber, a litre of spawn, straw, casing soil, a "mixing bag" (lol), a spray bottle (lolol), and an instruction booklet I will probably ignore. The price is cringeworthy, but I've made worse mistakes, and it'll be nice to have something to contrast with the proper PF grow I'll be doing in the next room.
Thanks tons for this post. It looks like it helped some folks. I probably would have ignored it, because drunk noobs gotta drunk noob, but I really appreciate everything I've learned reading this forum over the past week or two. You guys rule.
Nice to meet you all. Dont hold my kit against me. I'm learning fast.
James
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meowjinx
Stranger

Registered: 05/20/19
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: wildernessjunkie]
#26003951 - 05/20/19 05:19 PM (4 years, 8 months ago) |
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Thank you so much for this!
I am a total newbie that has just barely started looking into growing mushrooms. I tried reading from different sources online, and was planning on spending $20 just on an instructional book from Amazon because the process appeared so overwhelming and confusing
I was also considering buying one of these kits because I am on a relatively tight budget and can't afford to screw up my first grow, and I thought the kits were the most fool-proof way getting at least some yield
After reading this I feel more confident and, more importantly, less intimidated at the prospect of giving it a shot
I was fully expecting to spend around $300 for my first grow, which would put a serious dent in my finances at the moment (I want to grow for medicinal purposes)
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McShroomface
presumptuous noob
Registered: 05/05/19
Posts: 40
Loc: your moms house
Last seen: 3 months, 19 days
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: meowjinx]
#26004655 - 05/21/19 01:19 AM (4 years, 8 months ago) |
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I sined and bought a kit, but will never do that again...
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Tormato  
The Goddess Kali Meh 😛




Registered: 07/01/17
Posts: 6,067
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: McShroomface]
#26005787 - 05/21/19 03:44 PM (4 years, 8 months ago) |
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Quote:
McShroomface said: I sined and bought a kit, but will never do that again...
Hey at least you learned...
-------------------- Helpful Threads The Shroomery Store Tormato's Q&A Thread Post Questions Here or PM me! "Lately it occurs to me what a long, strange trip it's been." ~ Grateful Dead Before you start...Do you have a Pressure Cooker and a Dehydrator? I highly recommend getting both!
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westdrayton
Stranger

Registered: 11/21/18
Posts: 207
Loc: West Drayton, London, UK
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: Tormato]
#26005892 - 05/21/19 04:54 PM (4 years, 8 months ago) |
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I have bought grow kits and stuff so that i need only to inject into the growing pots that they provide and later to put the white cakes into open air to grow. Very easy. But not so expensive because people put much bigger amounts of money under they hobbies. For example monthly alcohol costs or billiards costs are much higher for some people than a grow kit cost. So i don't think that the price is too high. Most people will grow and try only 1 time in their life. It is like the high price of taxi cab or renting a car price that is high but you use it rarely. Secondly, those grow kits/things are fool-proof and will guarantee to work. I have enjoyed those grow kits and started now to learn next level things to reduce costs.
I believe those grow kits are good things.
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bodhisatta 
Smurf real estate agent


Registered: 04/30/13
Posts: 61,890
Loc: Milky way
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: westdrayton] 1
#26005896 - 05/21/19 04:55 PM (4 years, 8 months ago) |
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If they actually were foolproof we wouldn't be littered with grow kit fail threads. They get hate because we see noobs fail and get turned off to the hobby all the time because of kits
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Tormato  
The Goddess Kali Meh 😛




Registered: 07/01/17
Posts: 6,067
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: bodhisatta]
#26006231 - 05/21/19 08:02 PM (4 years, 8 months ago) |
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Quote:
bodhisatta said: If they actually were foolproof we wouldn't be littered with grow kit fail threads. They get hate because we see noobs fail and get turned off to the hobby all the time because of kits
Yep! Better to do the research and do your own prep work.
-------------------- Helpful Threads The Shroomery Store Tormato's Q&A Thread Post Questions Here or PM me! "Lately it occurs to me what a long, strange trip it's been." ~ Grateful Dead Before you start...Do you have a Pressure Cooker and a Dehydrator? I highly recommend getting both!
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wildernessjunkie
Reshitivest


Registered: 06/13/10
Posts: 8,118
Loc: HTTP 404 Not Found
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: westdrayton] 2
#26010372 - 05/24/19 12:47 AM (4 years, 8 months ago) |
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Quote:
westdrayton said: I have bought grow kits and stuff so that i need only to inject into the growing pots that they provide and later to put the white cakes into open air to grow. Very easy. But not so expensive because people put much bigger amounts of money under they hobbies. For example monthly alcohol costs or billiards costs are much higher for some people than a grow kit cost. So i don't think that the price is too high. Most people will grow and try only 1 time in their life. It is like the high price of taxi cab or renting a car price that is high but you use it rarely. Secondly, those grow kits/things are fool-proof and will guarantee to work. I have enjoyed those grow kits and started now to learn next level things to reduce costs.
I believe those grow kits are good things.
I agree with Bod. I wrote this because of the problems we consistently have with these Half Ass kits. Not only are they junk, but they are consistently overpriced and unreliable junk.
For the same amount of money, or less, you can do a better job on your own.
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Zovers
Messy Burger


Registered: 12/15/17
Posts: 61
Last seen: 4 years, 8 months
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: wildernessjunkie] 1
#26014559 - 05/26/19 03:28 PM (4 years, 8 months ago) |
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Yes! Agree entirely with this post. I was one of the poor saps who bought a kit, not just once either but twice! Luckily for me I stumbled upon the Shroomery just before completely botching my second attempt and was able to salvage it by tossing the kit and building a SGFC. I’m hoping other new-comers find this post and can not make the same mistakes as myself and many others before them!
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the_sonic16
Mushy McMusherson



Registered: 03/10/19
Posts: 396
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: Zovers] 1
#26016297 - 05/27/19 01:27 PM (4 years, 8 months ago) |
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It's understandable why someone would want to buy one though. This site is great, but to its detriment, there is SO much information it can be hard to digest. There are so many different formats for grain spawn, a variety of substrates and ways that you can do a spawn run, and plenty of options for fruiting chambers. One essentially has to read all the info and piece together an option that works best for their growing limitations and goals. E.g. are you limited on space, do you have the ability to grow in open sunlight, how much are you trying to grow, etc.
I could see why it'd be easy to succumb to the appeal of a one-stop use X, do Y, and you will get Z. Hell, I came close myself after I spent days reading tutorials on here and still had my fair share of failure. I think the more important things that need to be communicated, beyond you can find the info here are:
- There are many ways to grow mushrooms of any type
- Any method requires a ton of patience. No, like more patience than that.
- You will likely encounter failures, regardless of whether you are experienced or a newbie. Contamination, failure to colonize/fruit, etc. are all challenges that you will encounter. They must just be learned from and persevered through.
Having said all that, I'm FINALLY seeing mushrooms after having lost a handful of batches. I tried a few invitro bag grows, which all failed. I then had some grain jar contamination. I also botched a half a dozen petri dish cultures. (Needless to say, I kind of assembled as much knowledge as I could and jumped head first, vs just following the PFTEK and taking baby steps).
Anyway, it's all thanks to the information I read on this site and in a few Paul Stamets' books. Thank you, everyone for the knowledge you've contributed on here and thanks even more to the OG's who patiently answer repetitious noob questions. You guys rock!
For anyone wondering what finally met my needs: - Golden Teacher MS syringe I made from a spore print - Pop-corn tek for grain (Consistently grew WAY faster than the birdseed I tried to grow on) - 50/50 verm/coir substrate with a handful of gympsum - Shoebox with fan and spray. (Uncased, but I'll probably case it with the next flush).
Edited by the_sonic16 (05/27/19 01:38 PM)
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meowjinx
Stranger

Registered: 05/20/19
Posts: 492
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: the_sonic16]
#26017013 - 05/27/19 07:40 PM (4 years, 8 months ago) |
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Quote:
the_sonic16 said: It's understandable why someone would want to buy one though. This site is great, but to its detriment, there is SO much information it can be hard to digest. There are so many different formats for grain spawn, a variety of substrates and ways that you can do a spawn run, and plenty of options for fruiting chambers. One essentially has to read all the info and piece together an option that works best for their growing limitations and goals. E.g. are you limited on space, do you have the ability to grow in open sunlight, how much are you trying to grow, etc.
I could see why it'd be easy to succumb to the appeal of a one-stop use X, do Y, and you will get Z. Hell, I came close myself after I spent days reading tutorials on here and still had my fair share of failure. I think the more important things that need to be communicated, beyond you can find the info here are:
- There are many ways to grow mushrooms of any type
- Any method requires a ton of patience. No, like more patience than that.
- You will likely encounter failures, regardless of whether you are experienced or a newbie. Contamination, failure to colonize/fruit, etc. are all challenges that you will encounter. They must just be learned from and persevered through.
Having said all that, I'm FINALLY seeing mushrooms after having lost a handful of batches. I tried a few invitro bag grows, which all failed. I then had some grain jar contamination. I also botched a half a dozen petri dish cultures. (Needless to say, I kind of assembled as much knowledge as I could and jumped head first, vs just following the PFTEK and taking baby steps).
Anyway, it's all thanks to the information I read on this site and in a few Paul Stamets' books. Thank you, everyone for the knowledge you've contributed on here and thanks even more to the OG's who patiently answer repetitious noob questions. You guys rock!
For anyone wondering what finally met my needs: - Golden Teacher MS syringe I made from a spore print - Pop-corn tek for grain (Consistently grew WAY faster than the birdseed I tried to grow on) - 50/50 verm/coir substrate with a handful of gympsum - Shoebox with fan and spray. (Uncased, but I'll probably case it with the next flush).
Congratulations, sir! Great post, I admire you for your perseverance. I am still a noob in the stages of looking for the right combination of teks/substrates/spawns/etc.
I would prefer (obviously), if my first attempt was not a total failure. I've been doing a lot of reading, but reading is no substitute for actual hands-on experience, so I find your chosen methods interesting. I have heard both good and bad things about popcorn, but I won't question your decision because the good things I heard sound pretty intriguing. The GVC substrate definitely looks to me like the easiest and most cost effective way of growing efficiently for a beginner
I just have a few questions:
What volume of growing chamber did you use for shoeboxes? How often were you spraying? And what was your fan setup? What spore print tek did you use? What were your sterilization teks?
You don't need to go into much detail. A link or summary will do
I only ask these because I'm looking to absorb as much knowledge as I can before my first attempt at a grow, and someone who has just succeeded in their first grow is someone who I aspire to be like within the next few months. I was also hoping to skip the PF tek because of its neediness and low yield, but am open to trying it if you think other teks are too likely to result in a botch
Edited by meowjinx (05/27/19 07:42 PM)
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the_sonic16
Mushy McMusherson



Registered: 03/10/19
Posts: 396
Loc: Somewhere off topic
Last seen: 2 years, 1 month
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: meowjinx] 1
#26017232 - 05/27/19 09:41 PM (4 years, 8 months ago) |
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Hey, thanks! I'm stoked! To answer your questions:
- What volume of growing chamber did you use for shoeboxes? They're 6qt totes.
- How often were you spraying? And what was your fan setup? After they were fully colonized, I sprayed like 2-3 pumps from like three feet away. I did so again after it was all knotted up. (I guess the cooling from the evaporation simulates mycelium exposure in nature and triggers pinning
).
As far as fanning, I used the lid and wafted it about 3 times a day, (which was probably excessive)
- What spore print tek did you use? I used a YouTube vid (below)
- What were your sterilization teks? I used my InstantPot to sterilize my grain and added a little extra time. I baked my substrate to pasteurize it.
A full breakdown of teks:
That was pretty much it. I now have a few dozen little fellas growing, which I'm misting once/day and fanning 3x/day
Edited by the_sonic16 (05/27/19 09:45 PM)
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wildernessjunkie
Reshitivest


Registered: 06/13/10
Posts: 8,118
Loc: HTTP 404 Not Found
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: the_sonic16]
#26017334 - 05/27/19 11:21 PM (4 years, 8 months ago) |
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Hey guys. Lets keep this thread relevant to the OP. Start a new thread if need be.
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meowjinx
Stranger

Registered: 05/20/19
Posts: 492
Last seen: 1 year, 6 months
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: the_sonic16]
#26017880 - 05/28/19 09:23 AM (4 years, 8 months ago) |
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Thanks! Very helpful and informative. I'll try to make the most out of your info
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Guybrush3pwood
Stranger

Registered: 06/25/19
Posts: 81
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: meowjinx]
#26073871 - 06/25/19 08:58 PM (4 years, 7 months ago) |
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Total new guy to the world of mushrooms and...yup...bought a kit this morning. No big deal. It was $50 or so and I honestly don’t care if it fails. I see it as a way to dip my toe into the process. A way to get the process down without having to invest in a PC or dig through the mountains of info that litter the internet on the subject. Once all is said and done with the kit, I can either decide to abort or spend more and continue on.
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Lememke
Cultivator


Registered: 07/13/19
Posts: 1
Last seen: 4 years, 7 months
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: Guybrush3pwood]
#26106778 - 07/13/19 09:44 PM (4 years, 7 months ago) |
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Just read this post AFTER purchasing a grow kit from them. Hoping I can get a hold of them on Monday and return the kit, as it has not been used or even opened.
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Je77Ce11ar



Registered: 01/09/19
Posts: 244
Last seen: 4 months, 5 days
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: bodhisatta]
#26107089 - 07/14/19 03:21 AM (4 years, 7 months ago) |
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Quote:
bodhisatta said: People act like having a 40+ hour a week job, and sleeping mean you can't grow mushrooms. It really doesn't take that much work to get some baseline results
Seriously, I work 7 days a week, ~60hrs/week and i still find time to grow. Once you get your setup going, a simple 1-2hrs a day is all you need to grow a lot of 🍄, especially for personal use. In the last two months ive harvested about 1 lbs dry, and thats with a bunch of contamination issues i had.
But back to the topic of the OP, ive had a lot of people ask me recently about how to get started and i think a lot of people interested fail to ask themselves what their actual goal in growing is and exactly how much money/time theyre willing to invest. Just like any hobby or sport, you need to do your research before you make a purchase otherwise youre looking to lose $$$, simple as that.
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Mr-Mush
Dabbler



Registered: 07/05/19
Posts: 24
Last seen: 3 years, 8 months
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: Je77Ce11ar]
#26107345 - 07/14/19 08:12 AM (4 years, 7 months ago) |
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Hello
I am currently on the fruiting stage of my first grow. It is a kit that I obviously payed way to much for. But it did come with a bit of an easier time than doing it fully solo. the Grain spawn shipped fully colonised so all I had to do was pasteurize the straw and add the spawn to colonize it.
I bought it before I ever found all this info here so I had no warning of how bad an idea it was. And a lot of what they sent was useless but I have made it work. Now for all the points against buying a kit, if it wasn't for this kit I would not have found this place.
Now for my next grow I will take my own spore prints and I feel confident enough to do it all from scratch.
I do not regret buying the kit, and can't fault any one for doing so. But I would totally advise saving your money and doing it the way all the great people here would have you do it.
Sorry just wanted to add my story to the thread. :P

Current grow. Link to store for reference
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Soccrates
Stranger
Registered: 04/10/19
Posts: 457
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: Mr-Mush]
#26107434 - 07/14/19 09:12 AM (4 years, 7 months ago) |
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I would buy colonized spawn if I could. But that's illegal in many(most, i think) countries. That I think would be worthwhile, as opposed to the 8 dollar pf cashews that may or may not be sterile
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HagalazRune


Registered: 09/06/19
Posts: 2
Loc: Quebec, Canada
Last seen: 4 years, 1 month
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: Soccrates]
#26179318 - 09/10/19 09:11 AM (4 years, 5 months ago) |
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Thanks. Currently doing my shopping list for my first grows. Must add a couple of $ for PC and Dehydrator lol.
-------------------- When night falls She cloaks the world In impenetrable darkness A chill rises from the soil And contaminates the air Suddenly life has new meaning
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badsponge

Registered: 12/20/18
Posts: 872
Loc: SoCal
Last seen: 1 year, 2 days
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: HagalazRune]
#26181621 - 09/11/19 10:55 AM (4 years, 5 months ago) |
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Get a Presto 23 quart PC. I've seen them between $65-90, or $110 for the induction model. Get a Nesco dehydro for around $50.
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DonQuixoted
Stranger


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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: badsponge]
#26182082 - 09/11/19 03:45 PM (4 years, 5 months ago) |
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As a noob about to buy Shroom supplies, for the first time, I thank you.
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Psychetherapy
Stranger

Registered: 07/12/19
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: wildernessjunkie]
#26183108 - 09/12/19 12:23 AM (4 years, 5 months ago) |
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When I began lurking, this was one of the very first things I read. When it comes to kits of any type, I agree, it's always better to assemble yourself.
The rundown on the necessities was helpful in giving me a good idea what I was getting into though. Between first reading this to now, I have two successful grows under my belt, and no problems whatsoever. Thanks for helping me to get off to a good start and avoid the extra junk.
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Je77Ce11ar



Registered: 01/09/19
Posts: 244
Last seen: 4 months, 5 days
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: Psychetherapy]
#26183130 - 09/12/19 12:46 AM (4 years, 5 months ago) |
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Still a classic post, and something every beginner should read. However, i do believe that grow kits do have a place within the industry. With that being said, if you were to sell and market a grow kit what would you include in it?
Personally id offer a monotub grow kit with predilled holes, several custom shape/thickness pieces of micropore tape for the holes, a 5lbs bag of inoculated grain, as well as a vacusealed bag of steam-sterilized coir/verm. Hell, probably throw in a pair of gloves and some alcohol wipes for when you spawn.
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Shinra tensei
Stranger

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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: Je77Ce11ar]
#26183309 - 09/12/19 05:35 AM (4 years, 5 months ago) |
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Can someone please ID these mushrooms. Im not sure if these are psylocybin. I live in Bosnia and Herzegovina. There is no record that psilocybin grows in my town.
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Je77Ce11ar



Registered: 01/09/19
Posts: 244
Last seen: 4 months, 5 days
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: Shinra tensei]
#26183850 - 09/12/19 11:10 AM (4 years, 5 months ago) |
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This should be reposted to the Identification thread, doesnt look active, possibly Conocybe apala
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badsponge

Registered: 12/20/18
Posts: 872
Loc: SoCal
Last seen: 1 year, 2 days
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: Shinra tensei]
#26183851 - 09/12/19 11:11 AM (4 years, 5 months ago) |
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Quote:
Shinra tensei said: Can someone please ID these mushrooms. Im not sure if these are psylocybin. I live in Bosnia and Herzegovina. There is no record that psilocybin grows in my town.
You're in the wrong forum. Ask here: https://www.shroomery.org/forums/postlist.php/Board/3
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LtLurker
Lost Sailor



Registered: 01/03/18
Posts: 7,535
Loc: Borderlands
Last seen: 9 days, 3 hours
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: badsponge]
#26184349 - 09/12/19 03:43 PM (4 years, 5 months ago) |
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fairly sure those just ink caps, non active. Other forum they reccomend is your best bet.
Quote:
Je77Ce11ar said: Still a classic post, and something every beginner should read. However, i do believe that grow kits do have a place within the industry. With that being said, if you were to sell and market a grow kit what would you include in it?
A link to shroomery and a message that says you can buy everything you need for less than half the price of a kit, with far better results.
And this isn't to be a smart-ass, but because i genuinely think it's ridiculous to mail people substrate at double cost knowing full well every day it sits increases odds of failure; and i can't rip people off selling a tub for 2-3x what i paid for it because i drilled a few holes.
Edited by LtLurker (09/12/19 03:48 PM)
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Soccrates
Stranger
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: Je77Ce11ar]
#26185099 - 09/12/19 11:23 PM (4 years, 5 months ago) |
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Quote:
Je77Ce11ar said: Still a classic post, and something every beginner should read. However, i do believe that grow kits do have a place within the industry. With that being said, if you were to sell and market a grow kit what would you include in it?
Personally id offer a monotub grow kit with predilled holes, several custom shape/thickness pieces of micropore tape for the holes, a 5lbs bag of inoculated grain, as well as a vacusealed bag of steam-sterilized coir/verm. Hell, probably throw in a pair of gloves and some alcohol wipes for when you spawn.
2 tubs-1 for mono, 1 with arm holes Case of empty quart jars 2 pounds popcorn Brick of coir 20 quart pc Retail=100 dollars (rounded up) Could probably put together for 70 or less, sell for 120. Just add spores and refill for 2 dollars
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Je77Ce11ar



Registered: 01/09/19
Posts: 244
Last seen: 4 months, 5 days
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: LtLurker]
#26185132 - 09/13/19 12:04 AM (4 years, 5 months ago) |
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Quote:
LtLurker said: fairly sure those just ink caps, non active. Other forum they reccomend is your best bet.
Quote:
Je77Ce11ar said: Still a classic post, and something every beginner should read. However, i do believe that grow kits do have a place within the industry. With that being said, if you were to sell and market a grow kit what would you include in it?
A link to shroomery and a message that says you can buy everything you need for less than half the price of a kit, with far better results.
And this isn't to be a smart-ass, but because i genuinely think it's ridiculous to mail people substrate at double cost knowing full well every day it sits increases odds of failure; and i can't rip people off selling a tub for 2-3x what i paid for it because i drilled a few holes.
For sure, but if youre in business to make money, naturally theres a markup. And yes, id make sure everything was prepared to order, reduce time substrate is laying around, although coir is rather resilient to contamination problems.
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wildernessjunkie
Reshitivest


Registered: 06/13/10
Posts: 8,118
Loc: HTTP 404 Not Found
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: Je77Ce11ar] 1
#26272753 - 10/23/19 08:48 PM (4 years, 3 months ago) |
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Bump. Cuz it needs to be seen some more.
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Tormato  
The Goddess Kali Meh 😛




Registered: 07/01/17
Posts: 6,067
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: wildernessjunkie]
#26273544 - 10/24/19 08:56 AM (4 years, 3 months ago) |
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Quote:
wildernessjunkie said: Bump. Cuz it needs to be seen some more.
Amen WJ!
-------------------- Helpful Threads The Shroomery Store Tormato's Q&A Thread Post Questions Here or PM me! "Lately it occurs to me what a long, strange trip it's been." ~ Grateful Dead Before you start...Do you have a Pressure Cooker and a Dehydrator? I highly recommend getting both!
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Doyledozo
Humble student


Registered: 10/22/19
Posts: 156
Last seen: 8 months, 5 days
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: Tormato]
#26279870 - 10/27/19 09:15 AM (4 years, 3 months ago) |
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Damn! Guilty! Im making ALL the mistakes. Bought the kit, accidentally over inoculated 4 jars using up my only syringe. Wasn't prepared for how easily the plunger moved and how limited my view was through my SAB. Im guessing 2ml per jar and another 2 or 3 into a karo baby bottle LC (3ml in 100ml water instant pot steamed for 30 minutes). Looks probable that ill be learning the hard way.
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wildernessjunkie
Reshitivest


Registered: 06/13/10
Posts: 8,118
Loc: HTTP 404 Not Found
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: Doyledozo]
#26314988 - 11/12/19 01:28 AM (4 years, 3 months ago) |
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Sooo...this again.
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wildernessjunkie
Reshitivest


Registered: 06/13/10
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: wildernessjunkie]
#26416832 - 01/04/20 11:04 PM (4 years, 1 month ago) |
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Bump Bump!
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Dartho
Stranger

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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: wildernessjunkie]
#26423617 - 01/08/20 09:04 PM (4 years, 1 month ago) |
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Thanks for the post!
I was only going to get spawn bags, and substrate, but this convinced me to get go ahead with the PC. Other articles convinced me to use agar. Now I've got everything I wasn't able to buy local on the way (spores, PC, agar, petri dishes, pyrex bottle w/ GL 45 cap).
I've been visualizing my entire process from agar to harvest every night as I go to bed lol, especially my sterile technique in the SAB.
-------------------- Dartho - Chaotic good 'Sith lord' elf from Elfwood, near Dreamland. Will force lightning tickle you until you pee your pants.
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wildernessjunkie
Reshitivest


Registered: 06/13/10
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: Dartho]
#26423827 - 01/09/20 01:14 AM (4 years, 1 month ago) |
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I need to post another couple of write ups on this subject. The first being, what to do if you have already bought that fucking kit. And the second, a cost analysis of what kind of price you would be looking at to just get the gear/supplies to do it right from the beginning.
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SirGalahad
Stranger
Registered: 12/01/19
Posts: 8
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: wildernessjunkie]
#26424955 - 01/09/20 03:43 PM (4 years, 1 month ago) |
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This is like the 1 post I wish I read.. oh well! I learned the hard way! Got my presto now.
I wont say the kits dont work. But looking at what I spent for them vs what I spent on a pressure cooker/other supplies is nuts. Hopefully more people like me see this before it's too late!
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wildernessjunkie
Reshitivest


Registered: 06/13/10
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: SirGalahad]
#26451188 - 01/25/20 04:48 AM (4 years, 22 days ago) |
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Time to bump it again....
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wildernessjunkie
Reshitivest


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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: wildernessjunkie]
#26483072 - 02/13/20 03:24 AM (4 years, 3 days ago) |
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Random reminder that kits are still junk.
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LSA Woodrose
Stranger

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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: wildernessjunkie]
#26491753 - 02/18/20 01:15 PM (3 years, 11 months ago) |
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As someone who knows little or nothing about growing, to the point that even the terminology I read on this site I don't quite understand yet, I have a question about this thread topic.
I created a thread about growing, and have gotten some great responses so far. I found this thread through a link offered me by one of the responses. So my main question with grow kits, assuming they are functional, can grow what they claim to grow, and are fast and easy, what's the problem? I get that many folks here are not just looking to "trip" and you want to encourage new people like me to learn, learn, learn, and read, read, read.
Hypothetically now, in case there is some site rule I am misunderstanding: what if someone isn't interested in becoming a growing hobbyist or efficianado? What if someone isn't interested in becoming competent at mushrooms in general, or has no desire to do anything but grow some shrooms (again hypthetically) that are better than they can get on the street...if they can even get them? Bearing in mind, in many places you can't buy them retail.
Important: Now if you tell me that the answer is that you can't do what I just described, then fair enough. If the goal of growing is far more nuanced and complicated, and the only way to do it is to become a serious, dedicated hobbyist, and do a lot of research, then that's a valid answer to my question, and I will accept it.
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Mr.Wizard
Harbinger of Hallucination



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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: LSA Woodrose]
#26491778 - 02/18/20 01:35 PM (3 years, 11 months ago) |
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I think this is more a PSA about being aware of what you're actually purchasing - and what you actually need that is, and isn't in kits.
I wouldn't say that they ARE fast and easy, but that there is % of success. That success may come around quicker, but you're more likely to fail b/c doing it the long way teaches you how to fail less.
For your specific situation it may be viable to get some sort of kit. Either way, with this info you can now make a more informed decision for yourself.
Looking back at your post, all your questions can be answered with researching these forums. There are grow logs where you can see folk go from syringe/print, to fruit, with dates, and TEKs.
If you haven't bought anything yet I'd look at Bod's Easy AF way to get started by yourself with no pressure cooker, and the other links in my sig too
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wildernessjunkie
Reshitivest


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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: Mr.Wizard]
#26492152 - 02/18/20 05:22 PM (3 years, 11 months ago) |
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There are a lot of problems with the kits. Sometimes they work, a lot of times they fail.
The problems are that you will be overpaying for a lot of crap that is completely unnecessary. Go through that list and look at how much of it is useless and behind the times. You can go out and get everything that you need, and keep out the junk for roughly half the price. And in the process, have better materials that you can reuse.
For the beginner, its hard to dumb it down more than PF Tek. Which is basically what they are selling there.
Further, is when the kit goes bad. The guy that got the kit, just followed the directions, and doesn't really understand what they did, or why they did it. And then they come here to A CULTIVATION FORUM to diagnose and try and fix the problem. And half the time its too late anyway.
That kit doesn't make anything simpler or more convenient. It just markets to someone that doesn't know what they need, or what to do.
If you're hell bent on buying a kit, then no one will stop you. But as a cultivator, I cant endorse it.
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LSA Woodrose
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: LSA Woodrose]
#26492182 - 02/18/20 05:35 PM (3 years, 11 months ago) |
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Fair enough, wildernessjunkie and Mr.Wizard. I'm going to do a little more research. I am not leaning toward trying something that was explained to my in my thread called Shoebox method or something. I need to look this up online, which I am going to Google right now. There was one product from a Shroomery Sponsor that looked really cool, which is what made me want to buy a kit. The problem is, when I posted it in my thread in the other forum here, it got deleted by a mod, who explained to me why it was deleted. lol Then again, I'm not even sure it is a kit. It looks like one, though hahaha. Not sure if there is a place to ask a question like, "Is this X-Product from Y-Sponsor any good?" Because there is a possibility that what I think is a kit really isn't lol. Anyway, thanks again.
Moral of the story: No kits starting out. I just have to figure out how to use this Shoebox thingy, pf tek, or both.
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wildernessjunkie
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: LSA Woodrose] 1
#26492194 - 02/18/20 05:45 PM (3 years, 11 months ago) |
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www.mushroomvideos.com
Watch those. They will give you a good primer on getting started. PF Tek is dead simple.
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LSA Woodrose
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: wildernessjunkie]
#26492225 - 02/18/20 06:01 PM (3 years, 11 months ago) |
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Holy crap! Why the hell didn't I think to use video walkthroughs for this, wildernessjunkie? Especially since I am an avid gamer (PS4, XBone, PC) and I use Youtube for walkthroughs for games all the freaking time. Plus I use Youtube for cooking videos and even some high end guitar leads that I am too lazy to learn by ear.
I'm watching now, but had to take a break because I need to work out. For some reason, I was reading stuff about the pf tek method and shoeboxes, but my brain just wasn't making the connection between the words on the various posts and physical reality. For some reason, there was a huge disconnect between reading and actually getting it. No matter how many times I read passages, it was just words on a page. It might as well have been another language. But seeing it on the video, I'm able to visualize the steps.
I am going to look for videos on shoeboxes as well, just to compare both methods in my head.
Thanks man!
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Sardo
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: AyePlus]
#26492266 - 02/18/20 06:23 PM (3 years, 11 months ago) |
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Thank you Wilderness Junkie for your generous and extensive post.
I have done question for you and the group here.
If I received rye berries bags for colonization about 10 days ago.
Do you and or the community think they are still good to colonize? They have been in a cool dark place the whole time.
-------------------- Not all who wander are lost.
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LSA Woodrose
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: Sardo]
#26497704 - 02/21/20 08:48 PM (3 years, 11 months ago) |
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Well, I am definitely NOT going to be considering a grow kit. After watching those Pf Tek videos too many times to count, I can't come up with a single good reason to even think of a kit.
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LilMissMushroom
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: wildernessjunkie]
#26708180 - 05/31/20 12:19 AM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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Quote:
wildernessjunkie said: Warning: Wall of Text. Its not usually how I roll, but I cant think of another way to present this right now.
Its clear how these things are appealing. You've never grown shrooms before, and you don't really know where to start. Someone, somewhere points you toward a grow kit (Probably Midwest Grow Kits) and it appears to have everything you need included. It seems like "no brain-er", you can just buy that kit and get started immediately. But there are a lot of problems with these things that Im going to go over below.
Lets take a look at what you get in these things, and Im gonna put a link in here that is a non sponsor, hopefully I can get away with it because Im not endorsing the product but rather specifically advising against it. Here is the example Ill be referring to:
http://www.midwestgrowkits.com/comparison-chart.html
That is a comparison of the different products that they sell. Lets go through the components and see what we have:
- Container Size: The largest size they offer is 56 qt. Plenty big for a PF Tek grow, and one of the items in this kit that is reusable. Comparable 58 qt from Walmart for about $5
- Substrate jars: Those jars shown are the wrong jars. We want the short wide mouth half pints for PF Tek. Those deeper jars have a long history of stalling before full colonization. Here are the correct jars from ACE Hardware for $13
- Thermometer with Hygrometer / Humidity Gauge: Nothing to link to here. This is totally unnecessary as long as you have a Proper Fruiting Chamber.
- Ultra fine premium Perlite: The coarser Perlite works better IME. And again, can be sourced locally from a garden shop or hardware store. Lowes has vermiculite for less than $5. If you build a monotub from the link above, you dont need the perlite.
- 110V 5000k Plug in Fluorescent Light: Again, not necessary. And the wrong product for the job. Ambient sunlight coming in through a window works just fine. If you did need the light, then it wouldn't be this one. Instead you would use a 6500k Spectrum not a 5000k. No link required because no additional light is required.
- LED Grow Light: Again, not needed. Now there are two different lights that we don"t need included. At least they are getting closer on the light spectrum at 6000K, but its still not the 6500k that is optimal. If you're going to use a tool, then use the right one for the job. Again no link required.
- Hospital Grade Gloves: These are easily found in every grocery store. Usually in the pharmacy section. Looks like there is a single pair of gloves in these kits. You can find an entire box of these for cheap. Heres a whole box on Amazon for $5.50
- Isopropyl Alcohol swabs: Again, wrong tool for the job. Dont ever wipe your needle with alcohol. Alcohol sanitizes, not a sterilizes. A flame is the only way to properly sterilize a needle tip. No link needed, because this item isn't necessary.
- Step by step instructions: Instructions....you want instructions...Here you go 1, 2 That should cover pretty much everything you'll need for quite a long time.
- Electric 50W adjustable heater: One more item that isn't needed. Ill go so far as to say that its likely to be detrimental to your grow. As long as you are comfortable walking around in a T shirt in your house, then your mushrooms will be fine. Adding heat encourages the growth of contamination more that the growth of cubensis. Leave incubation out of your grow completely unless you have a problem with really low temperatures in your house.
- Silicone Air hoses with built in HEPA filters: Yet one more extraneous item that isn't necessary. Fresh Air Exchange and humidity control should be inherent and passive if you have a fruiting chamber like in the link above.
- Electric air pump: Refer to what I just wrote one paragraph up. We don't need it.
- Electric 24 hour timer with 24 on/off settings per day: Don't need it. Remember that bit about the window and sunlight above? Unless you are in a place that has 24 hour long nights, it doesn't serve a purpose in an amateur grow.
- Hydroponic Humidifier: This may serve a purpose if you are trying to bump up the humidity in a green house. But for a tub, we don't need it. Assuming you used a fruiting chamber from the link above.
As you can see, there is a whole lot of things in that kit that we don't need to do an effective grow. It seems like a lot of the items in there are based on info that has been proven ineffective, and in some cases detrimental. And on top of all that, you aren't even provided with the supplies or equipment to refill your jars and do a second grow!
We have come a long way towards understanding in a very short amount of time in mycology.
So now that I've beat down your hopes of an easy, all inclusive, mail delivered kit that is going to produce huge amounts of mushrooms. Lets break it down and see what we actually need to do this right.
The standard grow for a new cultivator is usually the PF Tek. And I provided links up above for most of this already. So lets make a list:
This is a list of one time gear, its reusable. You only need to purchase once.
- 2 of the clear tubs, one will be a fruiting chamber, and the other will become a still air box (About $10 total) - 2 bags of Perlite (About $10) and not necessary if you use a monotub. - 1 Box of wide mouth half pint mason jars ($13) - 1 Big ass pot, you probably already have on in your kitchen. Check a thrift store if not.
Total so far: $33 (Roughly)
This is a list of your consumable/disposable ingredients. You will need this for every grow.
- Spores (Check the Sponsor List for reliable products. The most inexpensive way to do obtain spores is to buy one of the "Their Choice" deals and mention you are a Shroomery member. This usually will get you your first spore syringe plus an additional freebie. Cost ($15 roughly). - Vermiculite: You can find it on the shelf right next to the Perlite you bought above for about the same price ($5). One bag will do several grows. - Grain Flour: Brown Rice Flour has always been the standard, but any grain will work. If you have a blender you can toss any grain that you find for cheap in and grind it to flour. One small bag of brown rice is about $3 locally here and will do several grows.
Total price of consumables: $23 (Roughly)
Take into account as well that the consumables are bought on a scale that allows several 12 jar PF Tek runs. That $23 does several grows, and you can now refill your own jars and you have the correct equipment on hand to replicate it at will. Learn to make spore prints and you can refill those syringes yourself and cut out the most expensive consumable.
Total cost for your first grow is about $56. Lets round it up to $60 and include a few cents worth for a lighter to sterilize your needle, plastic gloves and a shot of alcohol on them to sanitize. Its possible you already have those items in your bathroom.
For that cost, you have exactly what you need, no extraneous crap, no items that are detrimental to your grow, and you are set up to do subsequent grows without relying on a companies overpriced items for subsequent grows. Plus, its all scale-able. If you want, you can easily pick up more jars and another fruiting chamber.
The cheapest kit presented by that company linked above is $55 and is not refillable. The most expensive is $139 and is chocked full of crap that you don't need and can possibly derail your grow. And in the end, you really haven't learned half of what is available to you in the process of cultivation.
I came to this thread via one of your posts about microdosing and depression. I've got a grow kit and look to try it myself next time. This seems very informative. Xxx
-------------------- ❤️🌹🍄🍄🍄🌹❤️
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mrmazdarx9
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: LilMissMushroom]
#26709615 - 05/31/20 05:26 PM (3 years, 8 months ago) |
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Its pretty easy, just decide which way you wanna go, PF being the easiest and most forgiving id reccomended that before stepping into grains agar etc, once your growing tubs of grain youll end up with more shrooms than you can handle so you need to decide if it worth going that route. Speaking of my big bag of oats and petri dishes are here just waiting on my new PC (lostthe weight onthe old one and the one i saw on ebay was cheap and looked pretty good) agar LME and other shit i cant think of. Im finally gonna beable to grow out bogeymans KSSS print he sent me over a year ago plis a tub of AA and if theres enough left in the syringe to grow out on agar APE and to make a LC i can store.
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need some supplies in the UK check Here or PM me UK OTD uk members chat UK supplies and trade OTD place to chat shit Right Here If you use "SWIM" you should DROWN
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Kalian


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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: wildernessjunkie]
#26760754 - 06/20/20 10:00 PM (3 years, 7 months ago) |
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Fair enough, but every time I read through this forum I get stressed because it seems so complicated. It's not my life's work or livelihood. Can you point to perhaps to video resources that are really clear, step by step?
-------------------- Fighting ignorance since 1973 (It’s taking longer than I thought!) WickrMe:KalianPrime
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Soccrates
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: Kalian]
#26761906 - 06/21/20 12:16 AM (3 years, 7 months ago) |
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This shit is so simple, it's complicated. There's a million different ways to do it, because pretty much anything will work as long as it's clean. So then we start getting into 1,000,000 different options, which is just too fucking much.
Then, everyone thinks there way is best and tries to push that on you.
For the absolute simplest method, google "steven pollock rice cake technique". Except replace "colonized agar wedge" with "spore solution".
That's how I started, because I too felt the same way.
There's no other tek that beats the simplicity, or requires less effort. Yields won't be stellar, but sufficient, 5-10 grams each. It'll let you see how it works, and get a little stash to experiment.
That's my 2 cents, at least. Others will point you in there own direction. But ^^^that's the easiest way to get mushrooms.
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Fun_Guy5387
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: Soccrates]
#27309734 - 05/15/21 11:22 AM (2 years, 8 months ago) |
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After reading thread this I am more confused than ever. Basically the argument is that grow kits are bad, you must master one of the 10 million different teks, and become an expert. Not everyone has that much time. Instead I must drive all over creation in order to save some money and build my own kit.
What I don't understand is why does someone not make a proper kit with the things you need and none of the stuff you don't?
It would sell like hotcakes. Are there not any good kits out there?
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stubb
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: Fun_Guy5387]
#27309980 - 05/15/21 03:39 PM (2 years, 8 months ago) |
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All over creation? My local hardware store carries all of this stuff minus the flour. For that I have to go across the parking lot to the grocery store. Plus you can just order than shit on the Internet. Where the hell were you planning on driving to pick up a psilocybe mushroom growkit in the first place?
There probably are good kits. But if you can't be bothered to do even just enough research to pull off PF tek, you're apt to fuck up a kit too.
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Fun_Guy5387
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: stubb]
#27312525 - 05/17/21 12:49 PM (2 years, 8 months ago) |
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Thank you for your tutorial on how to drive to the store, but that is not the question I was asking.
The question is, if all grow kits suck, why does someone not make a good grow kit, there is great demand and they would make a ton of money. It does not make sense.
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stubb
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: Fun_Guy5387]
#27312570 - 05/17/21 01:23 PM (2 years, 8 months ago) |
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You're welcome, happy to help.
Quote:
why does someone not make a good grow kit
Like I said, people do make good grow kits. Problem is the people who buy them typically suck at growing mushrooms. If they didn't suck at growing mushrooms, they probably wouldn't buy a kit.
--------------------
🆃🄴🅰🄼 🅲🄻🅸🄽🅶🅆🆁🄰🅿 You wake up. The room is spinning very gently round your head. Or at least it would be if you could see it which you can't. It is pitch black. > TURN ON LIGHT
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Fun_Guy5387
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: stubb]
#27312715 - 05/17/21 03:46 PM (2 years, 8 months ago) |
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My sucking besides, would you be kind enough to recommend a good grow kit?
I am asking you a very, very simple question, there is no need for you to editorialize.
Thanks!
Edited by Fun_Guy5387 (05/17/21 05:36 PM)
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fungusul
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: Fun_Guy5387]
#27312922 - 05/17/21 07:04 PM (2 years, 8 months ago) |
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Excellent article
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stubb
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: Fun_Guy5387]
#27312945 - 05/17/21 07:23 PM (2 years, 8 months ago) |
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Quote:
Fun_Guy5387 said: My sucking besides, would you be kind enough to recommend a good grow kit?
I am asking you a very, very simple question, there is no need for you to editorialize.
Thanks!
And you got a very, very simple answer. There was no need to edit your post for added snark, if you don't want people to 'editorialize' then don't ask subjective questions in opinion threads.
You're welcome and good luck!
--------------------
🆃🄴🅰🄼 🅲🄻🅸🄽🅶🅆🆁🄰🅿 You wake up. The room is spinning very gently round your head. Or at least it would be if you could see it which you can't. It is pitch black. > TURN ON LIGHT
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Fun_Guy5387
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: stubb]
#27314018 - 05/18/21 04:30 PM (2 years, 8 months ago) |
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Hey guys, just spent the day collecting nearly everything I needed to do a PF Tek. Please don't be mislead by people who claim getting everything is just a bop to 2 stores, schedule it as a fairly full day task. For example, don't try and do everything after work when you are tired.
Do it on a day off so you can be thorough and and top of everything.
For starters, you will need a drill for your SGFC....I had to get one. You will also need something for holes for your SAB, either a saw or huge can of beans.
Getting the right size boxes at Walmart takes some time. The lids don't match the container and it will take some time to get all the right sizes and lids together, if they have the match. My ideal sizes did not have lids so I had to adjust. Be sure to understand the concepts behind sizing.
Going over to the Walmart Garden center, I was informed they did not have any Vermiculite, so I went to the Garden center at Home Depot. I was told they carried it but were sold out. Contacting the other HD Garden centers, they were out too.
I then went to another Garden Center, and the guy did not even know what Vermiculite was. He said the Manager did but was at lunch. I basically had to search the whole store on my own.
As you can see, the assertion that getting all your stuff is easy peasy is very bad advice. Do your research, be very certain about what you need, and then give yourself at least 3-4 hours to get everything. Avoid the extremely bad advice above, because you will be frustrated.
Starting from scratch is def worth it, just be prepared for a solid bit of work.
Your welcome and good luck.
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morbidschoolgirl
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: wildernessjunkie]
#27786985 - 05/21/22 02:21 PM (1 year, 8 months ago) |
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Hey guys, I am looking for inoculated grain or substrate to get a quick set up to do some spore prints. Just moved so I don't know where to start here on the east coast. Any suggestions would be appreciated!
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