Growing instructions

GROWING INSTRUCTIONS

Cultivating with GO Microdose growkits

Embrace the joy of mushroom cultivation with our easy-to-use GO Microdose Growkits. These kits come with a fully colonized substrate devoid of fillers, making the cultivation process extremely straightforward and virtually maintenance-free. There’s little you need to do to yield your first mushroom flush. All you have to do is follow the simple instructions outlined below, or refer to our downloadable PDF guide, and you’re guaranteed a plentiful harvest.

Downloads

Download our instruction PDF in Dutch or English.

Growing instructions (EN)

English guide

Growing instructions (NL)

Dutch guide

GROWkit information

Introduction

Timely cultivation: It is highly recommended to start cultivating as soon as you receive the kit. Storing it is not advised, unless you have no other choice.

Refrigeration: Store your kit in the refrigerator at a temperature of 3-5°C. You can then store the set for a maximum of 4 weeks, but we cannot provide guarantees. (no freezing)

Seal in a plastic bag: Store the kit in a sealed, clean plastic bag to minimize the risk of contamination.

Avoid opening: Never open your grow kit before you are ready to start using it. Opening it can introduce contaminants that may compromise the sterile environment inside the kit.

Stay away from light: Always store your grow kit in a dark place. Excessive light exposure can trigger premature growth or can have a drying effect.

Things to keep in mind

  • Don’t soak or spray them, you can leave them in the bag without opening it.
  • Don’t use aluminum foil when growing mushrooms; it’s not needed with these kits.
  • Don’t breathe into the bag.
  • Always wash your hands before working with the grow kit.
  • These kits are 100% ready to grow.
Stappenplan

Step-by-step plan

Step 01

Unpacking

Lightly moisten the surface by sprinkling some water on it. You can achieve this by briefly placing it under the tap. Ensure that the kit is adequately moistened but avoid over-saturating it. It should not be soaking wet. After this, don’t add any more water.

step 02

Lightly moisten

Lightly moisten the surface by sprinkling some water on it. You can achieve this by briefly placing it under the tap. Ensure that the kit is adequately moistened but avoid over-saturating it. It should not be soaking wet. After this, don’t add any more water.

If a heating mat is being used, keep it on for two days, then lightly sprinkle some water over it again.

step 03

Position the bag

Situate the lid-less growkit within the provided plastic bag. Position the bag’s opening underneath its bottom side, ensuring the micro-perforation is facing upwards. The bag’s opening will now be mostly sealed, but there’s no need for concern about air circulation.

step 04

The emergence

As soon as tiny bulb-like growths begin to appear, you can transition the bag to an upright position. Avoid adding any water at this stage. The emergence of the first mushrooms should be noticeable approximately one week from this point.

step 05

Optimal environment

Situate the growkit in an environment that offers ample daylight and maintains a temperature between 18 °C and 28 °C. It’s essential to NEVER expose the grow kit to direct sunlight. While mushrooms can grow at virtually any temperature above 15 °C, the optimum temperature for a thriving harvest is 23 °C. To ensure this specific temperature without the necessity to heat the entire room, specialized heat mats are available for your convenience.

step 06

Maximum yield

At this stage allow the bag to remain slightly open continuously to let some moisture escape. Excess moisture can be detrimental. Approximately a week after the first bulbs appear, you can anticipate your initial harvest. Ensure that you harvest prior to the first spores beginning to fall.

step 07

Revitalize & regrow

These kits produce multiple mushroom harvests. To do this, after the first harvest, fill the kit with clean tap water. This process is known as cold-shock and breathes new life into the mycelium and ensures that there is enough moisture for the mushrooms to grow.

step 08

Reset & reuse

Reposition the lid of the culture kit onto the kit. Let the kit rest for a period of 12 hours. Afterward, open a corner of the lid to drain any excess water. From this point, you can resume following the instructions provided in step 3. This entire process can be executed several times over.

EVERYTHING

About harvesting

The mushrooms in your growkit will typically be ready to harvest approximately 1-2 weeks after the first signs of growth, although this can vary depending on specific growing conditions.

You’ll know they’re ready to be harvested when the veils under the caps begin to tear. The veil is a thin, web-like material that connects the stem and cap. If the veil tears and the caps open fully, the mushrooms will begin to release spores, which is generally considered past the optimal point of harvest.

Remember, every mushroom grows at its own pace, so you’ll likely be harvesting them over several days, not all at once. Always handle your mushrooms with clean hands to avoid contaminating the growkit.

Please remember that growing mushrooms can be a complex process and it’s essential to follow the instructions provided with your growkit carefully for the best results.

How to

Harvest

  • Cleanliness is crucial when harvesting your growkit. Make sure you thoroughly wash your hands and forearms with disinfectant soap and wear sterile gloves when it’s time to harvest.
  • It is imperative that you harvest your mushrooms before the veils under the caps tear. If you don’t, the kit will likely not produce any more flushes!
  • Grab the base of the stem and twist and pull the mushroom away with a gentle motion. It’s important that you twist and don’t just pull, as you can damage the mycelium, which may have negative consequences for your next flush.
  • After harvesting, the stems can develop a bluish tint. This phenomenon is known as “bruising,” but there’s no need to worry about it. It actually proves the strength of the flesh of the gods!
How to..

Dry the mushroom

One of the essential steps after harvesting your mushrooms is drying them. The drying process is crucial because it preserves the mushrooms’ quality, extends their shelf life, and most importantly, stabilizes their psychoactive compounds. Moisture is the enemy of both storage and potency. Wet mushrooms can develop mold, which will ruin their taste, texture, and efficacy. Moreover, psilocybin, the psychoactive compound in magic mushrooms, degrades slowly in the presence of heat and humidity. Therefore, appropriate drying methods help retain the potency of the mushrooms, ensuring you get the most out of your harvest. Here are the expanded methods:

option 01

Air drying

The simplest method involves spreading the mushrooms on an absorbent surface, like a paper towel, in a warm room with good air circulation. It’s best to keep them in a room where the temperature is consistent and not too humid. It’s important to turn the mushrooms occasionally, ensuring they dry evenly. However, it’s worth noting that while convenient, this method might not fully dry the mushrooms, which can affect their storage and potency.

option 02

Desiccant drying

Desiccants, substances that absorb moisture, are extremely useful for drying mushrooms. Common desiccants include silica gel, which can often be found in craft or hobby stores. First, pre-dry your mushrooms using the air-drying method for about 24 hours. Then, place a layer
of desiccant in an airtight container, followed by a layer of breathable material, such as a paper towel or mesh, and then place your mushrooms on top. The breathable layer ensures your mushrooms don’t directly touch the desiccant, which could damage them.

option 03

Food dehydrator

A food dehydrator offers the most efficient drying method, but it
also requires an upfront investment. After setting the temperature to around 35-40°C (95-104°F), spread your mushrooms out on the trays, making sure they don’t overlap. Your mushrooms should be dry in 4-8 hours. The goal is for them to be “cracker-dry,” meaning they snap easily and no moisture remains.

How to..

Store

Storing mushrooms correctly is just as important as drying them, as improper storage conditions can significantly decrease their potency over time. Storing mushrooms properly keeps them potent, fresh, and safe to consume. The storage environment needs to be controlled because mushrooms are sensitive to light, heat, and moisture, all of which can lead to decreased potency and the potential for mold growth. Here are the best practices for storing your dried magic mushrooms:

option 01

Proper drying

Fully dried mushrooms are less likely to develop mold, which can ruin your entire batch. Ensuring your mushrooms are “cracker-dry” before storing is crucial.

option 02

Airtight containers

Glass containers with rubber or silicone seals, such as Mason jars, are excellent for storing mushrooms. These containers are non-reactive and can maintain a tight seal, preventing air and moisture from entering. For extra moisture protection, consider adding a small desiccant packet into the container.

option 03

Cool, dark, dry place

To maintain the psilocybin’s potency, avoid storing your container in areas with light, heat, or humidity. A kitchen cupboard, closet, or basement can provide a suitable environment.

option 04

Freezing

If you’re storing your mushrooms for extended periods (over a year), you may consider freezing them. Before doing this, ensure your mushrooms are thoroughly dry; any remaining moisture can lead to freezer burn. Use vacuum-sealed bags or airtight, freezer-safe containers to avoid any moisture or freezer odors from affecting the mushrooms.

How to..

Consume

The final step is consuming your harvested and dried
mushrooms. The method of consumption can significantly affect your experience with magic mushrooms. Certain methods can alter the intensity and duration of the mushrooms’ effects and can even enhance their flavor, making the overall experience more enjoyable. Plus, the right consumption method will depend on your personal preferences and the specific results you’re looking to achieve, whether that’s a full psychedelic trip or a subtle enhancement of your day-to-day mental state through microdosing. Let’s delve into the most common
methods of consuming dried magic mushrooms:

option 01

Microdosing

Microdosing involves taking small amounts of psilocybin regularly (every few days) for potential cognitive and emotional benefits. Having your mushrooms dried and ground into a powder can make consistent dosing easier.

option 02

Capsules

Capsules offer a tasteless and discreet option. Use a coffee grinder to pulverize the dried mushrooms into a fine powder, and use a capsule machine to fill empty gelatin or vegetarian capsules. This method also allows for accurate dosing, which can be particularly useful for microdosing.

option 03

Tea

Mushroom tea offers a warm, soothing alternative. Crush the dried mushrooms and add them to hot water. Let the mixture steep for about 10-15 minutes. To enhance the effects and flavor, consider adding other ingredients like ginger (for stomach discomfort), lemon juice (for quicker onset), or honey (for taste).

option 04

Food dehydrator

Adding dried mushrooms to meals can make ingestion more enjoyable. However, avoid cooking or baking them at high temperatures, as heat can degrade psilocybin. You might sprinkle them on a pizza after baking, mix into a pasta sauce off the heat, or incorporate into chocolate truffles.