Tissue cloning on to Agar - Taking a piece of a mushroom and “cloning” it onto agar is one of the most rewarding skills in mycology. It’s essentially bypassing the genetic lottery of spores to get a carbon copy of a mushroom you already know is a winner. The sterile technique here is going to be your make-or-break factor. 🧫 The […]
If mushroom spawn smells bad, is it bad? - The short answer is: Yes, it is almost certainly bad.In the world of mushroom cultivation, the “nose test” is one of your most reliable diagnostic tools. Healthy mushroom mycelium should have a very specific, pleasant aroma. If it smells “off,” it’s usually a sign that a microscopic war is happening inside your jar or bag—and […]
Why use distilled water to make liquid culture? - Using distilled water for liquid culture (LC) is all about control and clarity. When you are growing mycelium in a broth, you are essentially creating a tiny, high-speed engine; you want the fuel to be as pure as possible to avoid “clogging” the system. Here is why distilled water is the gold standard for LC: 1. Removing Mineral […]
Why sterilize mushroom spawn at 15 psi? - In the world of mushroom cultivation, 15 psi (pounds per square inch) is the “magic number” for a very specific scientific reason: it’s not actually about the pressure itself, but the temperature that pressure allows you to reach. Here is the breakdown of why this standard exists and why cutting corners usually leads to a moldy mess. 1. Breaking […]
How to use hardwood pellets to grow Lionsmane - Growing Lion’s Mane mushrooms (Hericium erinaceus) on hardwood pellets is one of the easiest methods for home cultivation. Here’s a clear step-by-step guide. 🌳 What You’ll Need Step 1: Hydrate the Pellets Hardwood pellets are compressed sawdust. When hydrated, they expand into ideal substrate. Basic ratio: Pour boiling water over pellets in a clean container.Cover and let […]