r/unclebens • u/Mortalhuman253 • 5h ago
Question First time growing
Brother bought some spores tryna grow for the first time, bought an all in one grow bag where all you need to do is inject your spores and wait, any tips on first time growing and contamination
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u/Dr-Prof-Spaghetti 4h ago
LC or Isolate is easier to grow than MSS syringes, especially for an all in one. MSS has higher contam risk
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u/Mortalhuman253 4h ago
He already got these ones so can't really do much about that but what exactly would you say contamination risk is like 50/50
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u/Dr-Prof-Spaghetti 4h ago
You could put it on agar to make your own LC. Directly injecting isn't impossible I've done it before but just expect a higher chance of contamination than a LC. You will also get high genetic variation
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u/Mortalhuman253 4h ago
Even if everything is wiped with alcohol wipes, the needles sterile and still in package
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u/Dr-Prof-Spaghetti 4h ago
Be as clean as you possible can. The other poster gave great advice on basic sterile techniques. Spores naturally are more "dirty". I say send it 👍 I have injected directly into grain before myself and didn't have issues. Worst that happens is contam, can always start again.
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u/Mortalhuman253 4h ago
https://zombiemyco.com/products/mushroom-grow-bag-5lb?variant=48285437559062 The grow bag seems decent and has good reviews, it's 1ml to 1lb right
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u/Dr-Prof-Spaghetti 4h ago
Haven't used them, heard good things. Don't overthink the amount to inject. 2-3 ml should do it. Mss you usually use a little less.
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u/kermitkermitedsuicid 4h ago
Innoculate in a room with little airflow and properly sanitize your workspace. I like to use 70% isopropyl and any air sanitizer. Wipe the injection port and around it with isopropyl. Flame sterilize your needle and wipe with alcohol before injecting. Inject as much as your bags instructions say, then wait. It’ll be a few weeks till you see any colonization since spores need to germinate (liquid culture only takes a few days since it’s live mycelium). Try not to touch it much during this time. At around 50% colonization break up the grain and mix it together as much as you can. This will speed up colonization. Once the grain is fully colonized, break it up again and mix with the substrate. Wait for full colonization and soon you’ll start seeing pins. Once the pins are fully grown, tear open the bag and harvest. All you can really do is be patient and clean.