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coir layer vs verm layer vs no layer
    #25881184 -

I just recently spawned 12 straight coir shoe boxes and like the dumb ass I am, I only saved enough coir for a top layer on 4 of the boxes. I thought I would take advantage of my mistake and test out all 3 methods and see what works best for me. They are all spawned about 12 hours apart. Ill update with pics in a few days when they are fully colonized.

4 with no top layer
4 with a coir top layer
4 with a verm top layer

I'm a little worried about the exposed grains but I'll take one for the team..
Whats your experience with top layers?

Edited by staytrippy420 (03/22/19 10:10 PM)

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Re: top layer vs casing layer vs no layer [Re: staytrippy420] * 1
    #25881202 -

Iv had equality good results with exposed grains and a pseudo casing layer. Most of my shoeboxes  I leave exposed grains. You should be fine:thumbup:


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How I make and preserve tea


Consuming consumes a man That was never a purpose of life To only crave for material joys Is believing the lie - Mellow Mood

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Re: top layer vs casing layer vs no layer [Re: SFS96] * 1
    #25881382 -

I pseudo case every time, but not because it is necessary.  The first two monos I did, I went exposed grain and grew mushrooms.  I just like the moisture control the pseudo casing provides.


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Re: top layer vs casing layer vs no layer [Re: Ep1429] * 1
    #25881400 -

I go for psuedocasing/top layer.

Ambient RH is low on my side of the world right now, making it really difficult to keep surfaces moist while allowing sufficient FAE. Even in a FC, I have a few mini tubs that dry out if I don't mist every few hours.

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Re: top layer vs casing layer vs no layer [Re: teladi] * 1
    #25881446 -

So far I like top layer and starting FAE as mycelium starts to break through so "pseudocase" for me as well. Seems more natural and doesnt leave anything too exposed for my anxiety to handle.

Did no casing once and it didnt go too well. Took way too long to fruit, low-ish yield, and contaminated after that. Albeit in hindsight I may have made a few mistakes there.

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Re: top layer vs casing layer vs no layer [Re: kayo]
    #25881597 -

I've been reading bad things about straight verm casings... I haven't seen one post supporting it.
I haven't added it yet, I might go grab some more coir and do a verm/coir top layer instead of just verm.


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Tek's I use

LAGM2020

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Re: top layer vs casing layer vs no layer [Re: staytrippy420] * 1
    #25881741 -

I case at spawn with jiffy mix seed starter ... in my experience the casing helps with surface conditions alot ... but some people live in  different climates and can dial better .. I for one like the casing for additional help with my surface


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Re: top layer vs casing layer vs no layer [Re: Boogieman47] * 1
    #25882514 -

Just mix coir and spawn, level it out and leave it the frig alone. IMO.


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* Smarts videos :teacher:
* :thumbup: Planet of the APES:thumbup:
 
I'm a fungal white supremacist.

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Re: top layer vs casing layer vs no layer [Re: staytrippy420] * 1
    #25882539 -

I feel like we were just talking about this haha. I’m experimenting with straight verm casings right now and it’s just not worth it. Super hard to gauge how wet it actually is. Stick with CV

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Re: top layer vs casing layer vs no layer [Re: ThiccBoy]
    #25882562 -

Lol ya deja vu eh.. I found your post after I made this thread. Thanks for the heads up.
I will add a late C/V case when its fully colonized, just to keep the experiment interesting.


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Tek's I use

LAGM2020

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Re: top layer vs casing layer vs no layer [Re: staytrippy420] * 2
    #25883137 -

staytrippy420 said:
Lol ya deja vu eh.. I found your post after I made this thread. Thanks for the heads up.
I will add a late C/V case when its fully colonized, just to keep the experiment interesting.


But wouldn’t the experiment be more interesting if you let it play out the way you currently have it structured? I am personally interested in your experiments conclusion.

You have an opportunity to gain actual first hand experience of what type of top layer works for your unique environment. In the big picture wouldn’t keeping the parameters of your initial experiment be more beneficial then arbitrarily changing them before coming to a conclusion?

If you allow things to play out you’ll have one part of this complicated hobby locked down. Just my two cents.
Good luck with your grow either way!


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“You don’t have a soul, you are a sole. You have a body.”
C.S. Lewis

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Re: top layer vs casing layer vs no layer [Re: Leon Sabanna]
    #25883619 -

Yeah... your right. I'll take one for the team and for the greater good of shroomery lol

The whole purpose was too see the difference between the 3 methods. I will add the verm, and post pics, when they are fully colonized.


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Tek's I use

LAGM2020

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Re: top layer vs casing layer vs no layer [Re: staytrippy420]
    #25886649 -

Heres a pic from 2 days ago, too lazy to pull the boxes out and take individual pics, but I will when they are 100% :grin:



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Tek's I use

LAGM2020

Edited by staytrippy420 (03/20/19 11:33 PM)

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Re: top layer vs casing layer vs no layer [Re: staytrippy420]
    #25889301 -

Looks good man, keep up the work:thumbup:

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Re: top layer vs casing layer vs no layer [Re: ThiccBoy] * 1
    #25891006 -

Thanks man. Here is what they look like now, they are pretty much fully colonized.
I was hoping the harvests would be spread out over a few days but its not looking good for the dehydrator lol

coir lop layer added at spawn


verm top layer added today


no top layer


I will add pics in this format as the boxes progress to compare methods.
imo the no top layer are doing the best but they are also 12-24 hours ahead of the others.

Edited by staytrippy420 (03/22/19 10:13 PM)

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Re: top layer vs casing layer vs no layer [Re: staytrippy420] * 1
    #25891120 -

:popcorn: :camping:


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🍄💚😎

Ask Caps! (My Q&A Thread)
Caps' Comprehensive Cultivation Tek List

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Re: top layer vs casing layer vs no layer [Re: Caps McGee] * 1
    #25891186 -

:takingnotes:


--------------------
HUSTLER
How U Survive This Life Everyday Resourcefully
epic GT mono tub
http://www.shroomery.org/forums/showflat.php/Number/17277772

wbs tek
http://www.shroomery.org/forums/showflat.php/Number/11525679
coir tek
http://www.shroomery.org/forums/showflat.php/Number/11917410
results :thumbup:

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Re: top layer vs casing layer vs no layer [Re: staytrippy420] * 1
    #25894929 -

Keep me updated.  I wanna see how the verm layer works out for you.

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Re: top layer vs casing layer vs no layer [Re: ThiccBoy] * 1
    #25895023 -

What is in those pots? Is that just extra coir or something? or shrooms?


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Re: top layer vs casing layer vs no layer [Re: sh4d0ws] * 1
    #25895056 -

I second that, are you doing grows in those pots?


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Re: top layer vs casing layer vs no layer [Re: Nikanoru]
    #25895073 -

I don't use the layer, spawn and the substrate is mixing. I'm very happy with the result. I wish to see results of this topic  :takingnotes:

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Re: top layer vs casing layer vs no layer [Re: Nikanoru]
    #25895206 -

sh4d0ws said:
What is in those pots? Is that just extra coir or something? or shrooms?


Nikanoru said:
I second that, are you doing grows in those pots?



Nah they are vegetables that haven't sprouted yet lol would be cool tho


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Tek's I use

LAGM2020

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Re: top layer vs casing layer vs no layer [Re: staytrippy420]
    #25895491 -

:threadmonitor:


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My Shoebox Factory Beginner's Tek | Shoebox Assembly Tek | Methodology/teks I use | How I Store Bulk Items

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Re: top layer vs casing layer vs no layer [Re: ShaperDreaming]
    #25900636 -

Update:

Coir top layer


Verm top layer


No top layer



I introduced FAE today - on day 10. They all seem to be knotting up pretty good but I'm a little concerned with the verm layer...
Its hard to tell whats going on under there lol hopefully they catch up soon. ill do another up date when I see some pins


Edit; today I check the boxes and noticed tuns of side knots on the verm boxes, might have to get a FC going and fruit them like cakes...  :justdontknow:


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Tek's I use

LAGM2020

Edited by staytrippy420 (03/28/19 06:02 PM)

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Re: top layer vs casing layer vs no layer [Re: staytrippy420]
    #25900643 -

What's up with the left side of the enlarged SBs?
Looks off color in the verm and no top layer...


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Re: top layer vs casing layer vs no layer [Re: Mr. Funguy]
    #25900656 -

Sorry the lighting is a little off in my place today. There is a big ass window on the left side of the room.
Usually I take pics in the evening so there is no natural lighting interfering with the pics. I should of mentioned this.


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Tek's I use

LAGM2020

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Re: top layer vs casing layer vs no layer [Re: staytrippy420]
    #25900672 -

Got it.


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Re: top layer vs casing layer vs no layer [Re: Mr. Funguy]
    #25904612 -

The no top layer got its first pins today.. they are the first ones spawned so the rest shouldn't be too far behind.
Looks like there will be lots of side pins but thats ok.. side pins are better than no pins lol  :shrug:

will edit with pics latter tonight!


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Tek's I use

LAGM2020

Edited by staytrippy420 (03/29/19 06:46 PM)

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Re: top layer vs casing layer vs no layer [Re: staytrippy420]
    #25904636 -

:jah: good luck


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Spore Collection
Thai Lapi Yai 2018 end of year grow

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Re: top layer vs casing layer vs no layer [Re: Fungeyes]
    #25921833 -

Fuck I shit the bed hard on this experiment... due to work and being a lazy stoner. 
These boxes did NOT have my full attention like they should have.. this is most likely why I had shitty results lol
I will give an update here but you guys will have to just trust my word for it.

Verm casing sucks. hard to harvest without making a mess and TUNS of side/bottom fruits with the smallest yield so far.
Had to harvest the first flush in batches because the fruits didn't all finish at the same time.

No casing colonized the fastest and got the biggest yield but still quite a few side/bottom pins.
Hard to keep the surface conditions good with no casing. also had to harvest in batches.

The top layer did the best imo. took a little longer to fruit but almost no side/ bottom fruits.
Was a full flush tho, fruits all finished at the same time. will probably use this method from now on.

With all that being said I just harvest the first flush over the past 3 days.. I think all 12 only yielded like 3 oz dry :facepalm3:
I agologize to anyone who was looking forward to seeing pictures.. I'd like to say I'll do better next time but I don't like to make promises I can't keep lol
I will come back with a full dry weight when they stop producing flushes. Again sorry for my neglect, I hope you all can forgive me lol

Edited by staytrippy420 (04/08/19 05:43 PM)

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Re: top layer vs casing layer vs no layer [Re: staytrippy420]
    #25921846 -

forgiven


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Crack's Tek's and Shit


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Re: top layer vs casing layer vs no layer [Re: Crackatoa]
    #25921849 -

:popcorn:

Faht

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Re: top layer vs casing layer vs no layer [Re: fahtster] * 1
    #25921871 -

Any pictures of your final results?

3oz is better than nothing at least !

The reason I asked about those pots is because soil and indoor plants/vegetable planters tend to be full of shit that you probably don't want sitting so close to your tubs. Mold spores, mold, bacteria, etc.


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Re: top layer vs casing layer vs no layer [Re: sh4d0ws]
    #25921892 -

Not really of the boxes but I will get some on the next flushes..
Idk why I only took pics of the small clusters and gnarly side fruits but here is a few to keep you guys interested lol

These are from the top layer boxes first flush.



Thanks for the heads up about possible contams from other near by plants sh4dows


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Tek's I use

LAGM2020

Edited by staytrippy420 (04/07/19 07:38 PM)

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Re: top layer vs casing layer vs no layer [Re: staytrippy420]
    #25923303 -

The Verm boxes are making a come back!  :whoo:
Still some side pins and some caps are opening early but looks like it ill be a good flush.


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Tek's I use

LAGM2020

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Re: top layer vs casing layer vs no layer [Re: staytrippy420] * 1
    #25923555 -

Caps don't open early, they're just small fruit


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Ask Caps! (My Q&A Thread)
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Re: top layer vs casing layer vs no layer [Re: Caps McGee]
    #25923604 -

oh shit yo that. Thanks Caps.
is it my fault or just shitty genetics?

I thought if the sub was too wet or too dry it could cause small fruits.


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Tek's I use

LAGM2020

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Re: top layer vs casing layer vs no layer [Re: staytrippy420] * 1
    #25923668 -

staytrippy420 said:
oh shit yo that. Thanks Caps.
is it my fault or just shitty genetics?

I thought if the sub was too wet or too dry it could cause small fruits.


Fruit size is mostly related to moisture content of the substrate. Not necessarily surface conditions though. Simply not having enough bulk substrate which is what holds most of the water can cause them to be small.


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Re: top layer vs casing layer vs no layer [Re: Kizzle]
    #25923687 -

Oh ok. Thanks for the info Kizzle :toast:

My last boxes I had some verm mixed in and the fruits way bigger.
These ones are straight coir (besides the one with a verm casing)

I broke one of the subs in half by accident and noticed it was a little dryer then my last ones. Maybe I should bottom water a little longer then I have been.

I also like to keep my lids cracked during the day because I'm always scarred that my sub is past full capacity.
I will give them a good mist, close them up and see if that makes a difference with the second flush.

Edited by staytrippy420 (04/08/19 06:32 PM)

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Re: top layer vs casing layer vs no layer [Re: staytrippy420]
    #25923928 -

Is psuedocasing just the layer covering the spawn / sub mix at time of spawning?


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Get busy living, or get busy dying.

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Re: top layer vs casing layer vs no layer [Re: MellowMyc] * 1
    #25923932 -

I think the determining factor is that a true casing is added after full colonization and holds no nutrition, and it's often pH  adjusted with lime:  a psuedo may have nutrition, and be added at any point; commonly referred to as a top layer when applied at spawn it seems


--------------------
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Ask Caps! (My Q&A Thread)
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Re: top layer vs casing layer vs no layer [Re: Caps McGee] * 1
    #25923934 -

So just covering the spawn with an extra top layer is a form of casing?


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Get busy living, or get busy dying.

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Re: top layer vs casing layer vs no layer [Re: MellowMyc] * 1
    #25923953 -

i had 6 sb's and 2 monotubs. i did 3 sb, and 1 mono with thin coir layer at spawn. the others, no top layer. my enviornment, ones with top layer sucked. slow to pin and small fruits.

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Re: top layer vs casing layer vs no layer [Re: woofwoof]
    #25924569 -

Technically a psuedocasing, or top layer... but yes: it's holding humidity and helping maintain microclimate at the surface;  same function as a true casing layer

I find they can be troublesome when humidity is consistently high, but helpful during the dryer winter months  (here)... local climate conditions will also play into what's most effective


--------------------
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Ask Caps! (My Q&A Thread)
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Re: top layer vs casing layer vs no layer [Re: staytrippy420]
    #25925795 -


Since I closed up my lids 1 day ago 8 out of the 12 shoe boxes flushed out at the same time.
Looks like closed lids is the way togo! why didn't you guys say somethin?! lol
:mindblown:


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Tek's I use

LAGM2020

Edited by staytrippy420 (04/09/19 08:41 PM)

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Re: top layer vs casing layer vs no layer [Re: staytrippy420]
    #25925840 -

Ummm... shoebox? Did you read the tek? Lol

No pix of all the tubs man?


--------------------
🍄💚😎

Ask Caps! (My Q&A Thread)
Caps' Comprehensive Cultivation Tek List

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Re: top layer vs casing layer vs no layer [Re: Caps McGee]
    #25925879 -

Hahaha im not very good at sarcasm or following directions.

Sorry I won't have any more pictures coming for a while..
my girl left for Cancun today for a week and I was using her cell phone for pics lol
I kinda live off the map no social media and no need for a cell phone here (no cell service in my area).. Just my lap top and shroomery.

I harvested 8 of them today (verm and no top layer) and probably got 2-3oz.. ill let ya know when it dries up tomorrow. overall I'm pretty stoked.

The verm boxes surprised the shit outa me, they had almost no side or bottom pins this time and had the biggest yield yet. the complete opposite of their first flush.

The no top layer had hella side/bottom pins still but there was lots of them.


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Tek's I use

LAGM2020

Edited by staytrippy420 (04/09/19 09:58 PM)

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Re: top layer vs casing layer vs no layer [Re: staytrippy420] * 1
    #25940432 -

Holy shit the fallowing flushes yielded way more then the first.
The flushes weren't very consistent, they were all over the place and the fruits were all finished at different times but I'm pretty happy with the overall yield.

Final verdict... Top layer at spawn is the way togo.
Not many side pins and didn't have to pay much attention to them.

The no top layer boxes were too high maintenance,hard to keep proper surface conditions,
and they also had TUNS of side pins, like a majority of the fruits from them were side pins.

The verm boxes did ok but the last little bit they pumped out the smallest fruits I have ever seen lol.. still kind of high maintenance but not as many side pins as the No top layer boxes.

Cant say for sure what boxes yielded the most but I will be doing top layers on all my future boxes.

Finally dry weight is 254.7g from all 12 boxes and a few of them are still going lol maybe another 10-14 grams that need to be harvested.


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Tek's I use

LAGM2020

Edited by staytrippy420 (04/17/19 06:49 PM)

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Re: top layer vs casing layer vs no layer [Re: staytrippy420]
    #25940587 -

:bigblunt: Nice trial man. I find I like a top layer at spawning best as well. Set and forget until pins, couldn't be easier.


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Space Ape Project
Links For Getting Started
Current PF Tek
Shoebox Assembly
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Re: top layer vs casing layer vs no layer [Re: LtLurker]
    #25940597 -

Thanks dude. I wish I had a camera so I could of taken pics for you guys, need to grab one for when my girl is not around lol.


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Tek's I use

LAGM2020

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Mushrooms, Mycology and Psychedelics > Mushroom Cultivation
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