On the notion that PF tec is easier or better

I know, I know, folks are probably getting sick of my continuing crusade against pf tec but I encourage anyone who is just starting out or anyone who has been sucessfuly growing via PF tec to examine exactly WHY they want to use this method.


The yield is low, the tec contributes little to one's understanding of how the organism reacts to its environment, the tec requires more work than any other method, it requires involved "fruiting chambers" and does not scale up well at all (as we see with anyone who has embarked upon a grow larger than about 6 or 8 "cakes" or "pucks".

PF tec requires that you use large amounts of spore containing liquid unless one wants to use any of the various liquid innoculants or liquid culture.

In short, the only reason anyone should ever consider this method is if they have a pressure cooker phobia and even this is questionable.


I encourage all to re-examine their intent. There are many who have been sucessful with this method but I will repeat, P. Cubensis will grow in SPITE of most people's efforts to grow it. People have been known to grow P. Cubensis on everything from toilet paper rolls to books. It is not hard to grow this particular organism and one may as well assist the organism rather than place impediments in its way.

I agree with you on this.

A couple points on why it is so popular. A: It's one of the first well written Teks on DIY Magic mushrooms. B: The most popular mushroom cultivation site on the web says to start with it.

Pressure cookers are a bit loud and I can see how an apartment renter would rather not use one. BUT, if you have half a brain, that an easy problem to overcome.

Your absolutely right about the pressure cooker phobia thing, the one and only benefit to the PF Tek, it that a pressure cooker isn't required.

Pressure cookers are cheap and they last basically forever. If you think 50-100 bucks is a bit expensive for your current situation. Look for them at thrift stores like goodwill and salvation army. Buy them in the winter time from a small business or online. Ask your grandma or friend to borrow one. You'll only need it for a couple of hours and you wont need it again for at least a couple months.

Whole rye grain or popcorn(so I'm told) really is the way of the samurai.

I very well may have taken some things you said in previous threads the wrong way but, The only thing I disagree with you is on the terrariums or "fruiting chambers". There are many benefits to using one. The biggest one is that they greatly reduce overall maintenance of the fruiting process. They are extremely easy and cheap to build. Also, once the purpose is well understood, one would only need to check on them a couple times a week. However, it does require some first hand experience to be able to just "set it and forget it".

I strongly feel the use of manure, confuses people more than it actually helps. It's something for the experienced mycologist attempting other strains of mushrooms. IMHO, it's huge waste of time for p.cubes.