Have you ever thought about growing your own magic mushrooms but got discouraged because you didn't know how to start? Do you even know their proper name? Psilocybin mushrooms, also known as "shrooms," are surprisingly easy to grow. And because it's always more cost-effective to do it yourself, interest in grown mushrooms has - well - mushroomed! However, like anything that is cultivated, there are certain conditions and environments needed to be successful at growing your own. As with any other mushroom species, the psilocybin thrives in a humid climate, which is the first thing you need to create from the moment you start incubation. While their active substance content depends on soil preparation and taking the necessary steps to avoid contamination, the fungus' benefits have been confirmed scientifically.

As you will learn, paying attention to hygiene is critical when growing your magic mushrooms. And this isn't just because you want to get the best quality possible but also to avoid crosscontamination between different mushroom strains. Misidentification of the incubated species is a serious issue and can have dire consequences. Since the spores do not contain psilocybin, misidentification can go unnoticed until the end of the fruiting process, when you gather the fruit. Fortunately, you can prevent this by being extra cautious about your hygiene. For the same reason, you will need to ensure any equipment you are using is suitable for (and preferably designed) the specific purpose of handling mushroom spores.