The PF Tek, short for Psilocybe Fanaticus Technique, is a popular method for cultivating cubensis mushrooms, especially suited for beginners. Developed in the early 1990s by Robert McPherson, aka Psilocybe Fanaticus, it has become a go-to method for its simplicity, low cost, and relatively high success rate. Here's an easy-to-understand guide to the PF Tek.

Equipment and Ingredients:

1. Mason Jars: Half-pint, wide-mouth jars are ideal.
2. Vermiculite: A natural, mineral substrate that retains water.
3. Brown Rice Flour: Acts as the nutrient base for the mushrooms.
4. Water: For moisture.
5. Spore Syringe: Contains the mushroom spores.
6. Aluminum Foil: To cover the jars.
7. Steam Pot or Pressure Cooker: For sterilizing the jars.
8. 70% Isopropyl Alcohol & Flame: For sterilization.
9. Growing Chamber: A large, clear plastic box.
10. Perlite: For humidity in the growing chamber.
11. Misting Bottle & Light: For humidity and light exposure.

Steps:

Part 1: Preparing the Jars

1. Mix Substrate: Mix 2 parts vermiculite, 1 part brown rice flour, and 1 part water in a bowl. The consistency should be moist but not soggy.
2. Fill Jars: Fill the jars with the substrate mixture, leaving about half an inch of space at the top. Wipe the rims clean.
3. Top Layer: Add a dry layer of vermiculite on top. This acts as a contamination barrier.
4. Cover and Sterilize: Cover each jar with a piece of aluminum foil. Sterilize the jars by steaming them for 90 minutes in a pot or pressure cooker. Allow them to cool for several hours or overnight.

Part 2: Inoculation

1. Sterilize: Disinfect your working area. Sterilize the needle of the spore syringe with a flame and let it cool.
2. Inoculate: Lift the foil and inject about 1-2 ml of spore solution into each jar, distributing it between different spots. Replace the foil.
3. Incubate: Place the jars in a warm, dark place (around 75°F or 24°C) for colonization. This may take 2-4 weeks. Look for white, web-like mycelium growth.

Part 3: Birth and Fruiting

1. Birth: Once fully colonized, remove the cakes from the jars and rinse them under cold water to remove excess vermiculite.
2. Prepare the Growing Chamber: Fill the bottom with damp perlite to create humidity. Disinfect the chamber with a spray of isopropyl alcohol.
3. Place the Cakes: Put the cakes on foil squares and place them in the growing chamber. Avoid direct contact between the cakes and the perlite.
4. Maintain Conditions: Keep the chamber at around 75°F with high humidity. Mist and fan the chamber a few times a day to provide fresh air and moisture.
5. Harvest: Mushrooms are ready to harvest just before the veils under the caps begin to tear. Harvest by gently twisting and pulling.

Conclusion:

The PF Tek is a beginner-friendly method that combines simplicity with effectiveness. Patience and attention to sterile procedures are key. With proper care, you'll be able to harvest your own cubensis mushrooms in a few weeks. Remember, growing mushrooms is a learning process, so don’t get discouraged by initial challenges. Happy growing!