Mushroom grow kits are a great way to get kids involved in a hands-on science experiment and to teach them about the fundamentals of mushroom cultivation. These kits come with monotubs, pre-sterilized grain spawn, and substrate, which eliminate the need to track down all the separate components required for growing mushrooms. Plus, the monotubs help to keep the spawn at the right temperature and humidity level, which is key for successful mushroom growth. The kits also tend to have more detailed instructions, making them suitable for beginners and kids.
Many different companies sell mushroom grow kits, and some offer multiple varieties of fungi to choose from. Some of these are more geared towards culinary users, while others have been specifically designed to produce mushrooms that have psychoactive properties (i.e. psilocybin, tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC). These kits are ideal for people interested in microdosing, as they allow users to take small doses of these mind-altering chemicals.
Some of these grow kits are delivered in a box, while others come with a more elegant block or log. Some require you to cut a slit in the side of the container, while others need to be misted on a daily basis. Regardless of the substrate, look for clear instructions that are easy to understand, as vague or frustrating directions can render a kit useless.
It’s also important to remember that most mushroom grow kits only deliver one harvest before they stop producing mushrooms altogether. The mycelium that’s in the substrate will eventually senesce, or program itself to stop producing, and you’ll need to start a new culture with fresh spores or liquid cultures if you want to continue using your growing kit.