If you want to start growing magic mushrooms, one option is to shop for mushroom cultivation bags. These bags are specifically designed for growing mushrooms and provide a convenient and controlled environment for their cultivation. When shopping for mushroom cultivation bags, there are a few factors to consider. First, you should determine the type of mushrooms you want to grow as different types may have specific requirements. Some popular choices include Psilocybe cubensis and Psilocybe cyanescens. Next, you should look for bags that are made from high-quality materials and have good airflow.
Next, you should look for bags that are made from high-quality materials and have good airflow. Proper airflow is essential for the growth and development of mushrooms. Bags with filters or microporous membranes can help provide the necessary airflow while preventing contamination.
Earwig and the witch fiction
Did you watch the movie, Howl's Moving Castle ? It was based, of course, on a book by British fantasy writer extraordinaire, Diana Wynne Jones (see my overview of her work in this post from 2009). To the sorrow of many reader fans, Ms. Jones passed away last year after losing her fight with cancer. Earwig and the Witch , published January 31, 2012 in the U.S., is, as far as I know, her last book.
Earwig and the Witch is for younger middle grade readers and is a very slim read, but it packs a lot in a few short pages. In fact, I'm pretty sure you will find yourself wishing for a sequel once you hit the last page. In her signature style, Jones pops magic into a rather ordinary contemporary world. Meet Earwig, a girl who was left at the orphanage as a baby with the following note:
Got the other twelve witches all chasing me. I'll be back for her when I've shook them off. It may take years. Her name is Earwig.
The Matron promptly changed the baby's name to Erica, but it turned back to Earwig easily enough.
Earwig's best friend is a timid boy named Custard. Earwig does not want to be adopted, considering she has the whole orphanage running just how she likes it. So she is not pleased when she is adopted—by a towering man with horns only she can see and a woman with a "raggety, ribby look to her face."
Sure enough, the man is really a Mandrake and the woman is a witch looking for cheap labor. When Earwig figures out that Bella Yaga has no intention of teaching her any magic, she sets out to rearrange things. Then readers will start to understand that Earwig didn't control the orphanage with boring old magic, but by being a very clever child. Of course, it helps that she has a magic cat to help her in her new abode. (A close read will reveal glimpses of the Baba Yaga story in the bones of this one.) Here's Earwig's first supper with the Mandrake:
To Earwig's surprise, the kitchen was an ordinary kitchen, quite warm and cozy. Earwig looked at the Mandrake. He was looming in a chair at the end of the table, reading a large leather book. He looked like an ordinary man in a bad temper. Even so, he did not look like a man who would have gotten supper ready.
"And what have the demons brought us today?" Bella Yaga asked in the bright, wheedling voice she always seemed to use to the Mandrake.
"Pie and chips from Stoke-on-Trent station buffet," the Mandrake growled, without looking up.
"I hate station pie," said Bella Yaga.
The Mandrake looked up . His eyes were like dark pits. A spark of red fire glowed, deep down in each pit. "It's my favorite food," he said. The sparks in his eyes flickered and grew.
Earwig quite understood then why she was not to disturb the Mandrake.
The book has pen-and-ink illustrations by Caldecott winner Paul O. Zelinsky. They are a bit twisty and often show Earwig scowling, but then, she is a witch girl. (Her face does soften when she's petting Thomas the cat.) My favorite piece is an entire spread showing a sort of time-lapse look at Earwig rushing around the witch's workroom working on a spell—we see 11 versions of Earwig by my count.
Earwig and the Witch could have been longer, it could happily have been three books about Earwig instead of just one, but it's not. Still, Earwig and the Witch is something very nice indeed: the treasure of one last satisfying read from the marvelous Ms. Jones.
Note: I have included both the British and U.S. covers for your reference (above left and above right, respectively). Which do you like best?
Note: I have included both the British and U.S. covers for your reference (above left and above right, respectively). Which do you like best?
Additionally, consider the size of the bags. The size will depend on the scale of your mushroom cultivation project. Smaller bags may be suitable for personal or hobby use, while larger bags may be needed for commercial production. It is also important to choose bags that are easy to use and maintain. Look for bags that have a self-healing injection port, which allows for easy inoculation with mushroom spores or mycelium. Some bags may also have a built-in filter for gas exchange. When starting your mushroom cultivation, it is crucial to follow proper techniques and protocols. Sterility is key to preventing contamination, and maintaining the right temperature and humidity levels is essential for optimal growth. Research and educate yourself on the specific requirements of the mushrooms you are growing. In conclusion, shopping for mushroom cultivation bags is a great way to start growing magic mushrooms. Consider the type of mushrooms you want to grow, the materials and airflow of the bags, the size required, and the ease of use and maintenance. With proper techniques and protocols, you can enjoy the rewarding experience of cultivating your own magic mushrooms..
Reviews for "Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Mushroom Cultivation Bags for Magic Mushroom Growth"
1. John - 2 stars
I purchased the mushroom cultivation bags from this shop, hoping to start growing magic mushrooms at home. However, I was left disappointed with the product. The bags were of poor quality and didn't seem suitable for long-term use. The instructions provided were also confusing, and I struggled to understand the proper process for cultivation. Overall, it was a frustrating experience, and I wouldn't recommend this shop to others.
2. Sarah - 1 star
I had high hopes for the mushroom cultivation bags I ordered from this shop, but unfortunately, it was a complete waste of money. The bags arrived damaged, with holes and tears in them. It was clear that the quality control was lacking. Additionally, the customer service was unhelpful and unresponsive when I tried to address the issue. I would advise avoiding this shop altogether and looking for more reliable options for mushroom cultivation supplies.
3. Mark - 2 stars
The mushroom cultivation bags I bought from this shop did not live up to my expectations. The bags were advertised as suitable for growing magic mushrooms, but the yield I got was extremely disappointing. Despite following the instructions carefully, the mushrooms didn't grow as expected, and the quality was subpar. I've had better success with other cultivation methods and products, so I would not recommend purchasing from this shop.
4. Emma - 1 star
I regret buying the mushroom cultivation bags from this shop. The bags were flimsy and easily tore apart during the growing process. I was disappointed with the lack of durability and the overall quality of the bags. Additionally, the shipping took longer than expected, leaving me frustrated and impatient. Save yourself the hassle and find a better shop for mushroom cultivation supplies.