PF Tek Method

The PF Tek (Psilocybe Fanaticus Technique) method is one of the most popular and beginner-friendly techniques for cultivating mushrooms, especially for those interested in growing magic mushrooms like Psilocybe Cubensis. This technique, developed by Robert “Billy” McPherson (known as Psilocybe Fanaticus) in the early 1990s, revolutionized mushroom cultivation by making it more accessible to the average person. It emphasizes simplicity, low cost, and safety, making it a go-to choice for new mushroom growers.

What is the PF Tek Method?

PF Tek is a straightforward cultivation method that allows growers to cultivate mushrooms in jars using a substrate made from a mix of brown rice flour, vermiculite, and water. The beauty of PF Tek lies in its simplicity and the ease with which almost anyone can follow the steps without requiring sophisticated equipment or technical expertise.

The Ingredients and Equipment Needed

To successfully perform the PF Tek method, you’ll need the following materials:

• Brown Rice Flour (BRF): This is the primary food source for the mushroom mycelium. You can either buy BRF or grind brown rice into a fine powder using a blender or coffee grinder.
• Vermiculite: A mineral that provides aeration and retains moisture in the substrate.
• Water: Sterile water is necessary to hydrate the substrate.
• Mason Jars: Half-pint jars are typically used, but make sure they do not have a shoulder, allowing the fully colonized cakes to slide out easily.
• Micropore Tape or Aluminum Foil: To cover the jars and prevent contaminants.
• Pressure Cooker or Large Pot: Used to sterilize the substrate mixture.
• Syringes with Spores: Mushroom spores are inoculated into the substrate to begin the growth process.
• Alcohol Lamp or Lighter: To sterilize the needle before inoculation.
• Still Air Box (SAB): To create a sterile environment for inoculation.

Step-by-Step Guide to the PF Tek Method

1. Preparing the Substrate

Mix 2 parts vermiculite with 1 part water in a mixing bowl until the vermiculite is evenly moistened. Then, add 1 part brown rice flour to the vermiculite and mix thoroughly to create the substrate. The ratio is crucial as it ensures that the substrate retains the right amount of moisture while providing enough nutrients for the mycelium to thrive.

2. Loading the Jars

Fill the jars with the substrate mixture, leaving about 1 inch of space at the top. This space is then filled with a layer of dry vermiculite, which acts as a contamination barrier. Cover the jars with lids that have four small holes punched in them (for inoculation), and cover them with aluminum foil to prevent water from getting in during sterilization.

3. Sterilization

Place the jars in a pressure cooker or large pot with a rack to prevent them from touching the bottom. Steam the jars for about 60-90 minutes. This sterilization step is critical for killing any potential contaminants. If using a pressure cooker, maintain the pressure at 15 PSI. Allow the jars to cool completely before inoculating them with spores.

4. Inoculation

After the jars have cooled, prepare your still air box or work in a clean, draft-free area. Sterilize the syringe needle with a flame until it is red hot, then allow it to cool. Inject the spore solution into each jar through the four holes in the lid. Make sure to shake the syringe between each jar to ensure even distribution of the spores.

5. Incubation

Place the inoculated jars in a warm, dark place at a temperature of around 70-80°F (21-27°C). Within a few days to two weeks, you should see white mycelium colonizing the substrate. This process can take several weeks, depending on the strain and conditions.

6. Birthing the Cakes

Once the jars are fully colonized and covered in white mycelium, it’s time to birth the cakes. Remove the lid and gently tap the jar to release the cake. Rinse the cake under cool water to remove any loose vermiculite.

7. Dunk and Roll

To boost moisture content and enhance fruiting, dunk the cakes in clean water for 24 hours. After dunking, roll the cakes in dry vermiculite to create a moist microclimate around the cakes. This “dunk and roll” technique is a crucial step to maximize yields.

8. Fruiting Chamber

Prepare a fruiting chamber, such as a Shotgun Fruiting Chamber (SGFC), by drilling holes all around a plastic tub and filling the bottom with soaked perlite. Place the cakes on lids or foil squares in the chamber. Mist the cakes and fan them regularly to maintain humidity and provide fresh air exchange.

9. Harvesting

Mushrooms will start pinning (forming small mushroom primordia) in a week or two. Once they reach maturity and the veil under the cap starts to tear away from the stem, they are ready to harvest. Gently twist and pull the mushrooms from the cakes.

Benefits of the PF Tek Method

• Cost-Effective: Requires minimal investment compared to other cultivation methods.
• Beginner-Friendly: Easy to follow with a low risk of contamination if proper precautions are taken.
• Flexible: Suitable for growing various types of mushrooms, especially Psilocybe Cubensis.

Conclusion

The PF Tek method remains one of the most popular choices for first-time mushroom growers. Its simplicity, affordability, and effectiveness make it accessible for anyone interested in exploring the fascinating world of mushroom cultivation. With careful attention to sterilization, environmental control, and patience, even a novice can successfully grow their mushrooms using this technique.

For more information and supplies for mushroom cultivation, check out MyShrooms.