MyLastWords said:

If this kit works as well as I've heard it can and does (2 oz. of dried shrooms per flush) then I may just order a refill. They just send you the rye bag, spores, and more compost.

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Primate said:

MyLastWords said:

If this kit works as well as I've heard it can and does (2 oz. of dried shrooms per flush) then I may just order a refill. They just send you the rye bag, spores, and more compost.

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i don't know what the "refill" kit costs.  but most likely you can get the items separate from shroomery sponsors cheaper.  Lets see you'd need a rye spawn bag, a spore syringe, and some poo or compost.  I'd guess it can be had for 70 bucks or so.  just a guess, prolly cheaper from a single source that sells all of the above.

Also just curious what is this "spore q-tip" and how is the inoculation done in a sterile manner?

I'd recommend you do some reading to keep yourself occupied while your rye colonizes.  You'll probably have a better plan by the time this project fruits.  Kits are great for beginners to learn the basics.  But the same can be done for alot cheaper once you have the technique down.

Good luck.


PS:  it's a grand experience when you finally get to sample your own crop.  Welcome to the community!

-Prim

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I will try to explain that the best I can...I will also try and get some decent pictures.

The bag of rye has already been sterilized. It looks something like a heavy-duty bread bag. Long and slender with thick plastic. It also contains a vent patch, a small square piece of white cloth-like material.

The top of the bag is melted together and then tied with a string, and the string is covered by tape. When the bag is shipped to you, the long empty part of the bag is twisted, tied, and taped just like the top. In the bottom part of the bag is the rye, in the top section of the bag is the Q-Tip head with spores on it. When you are ready to start the process, you untie and untwist the middle section of the bag allowing the Q-Tip and spores to fall into the rye. You then shake it for several minutes. Then you leave it at 80 degrees until the colonization (is that the right term?) starts.

After the bag of rye has fully turned white (usually 2-3 weeks), you open the bag of compost, and mix in the rye. Put the mixture into the fruiting box and sit and leave at 80 degrees for another 2-3 weeks. Then when the mushrooms are mature, you harvest them before they drop their spores. The instructions say that if the mushrooms release their spores, it can hinder or eliminate any future flushes.

Here are some pictures:


Here is the bag of rye in it's current state.


A close-up. You can see the small white fuzz starting to form.


A top view of the fruiting chamber. Inside is the bag of compost.


Side view of the fruiting chamber.

Any more questions?