Honestly I'm glad things didnt turn out even worse for op's family. Poisonous mushrooms aren't just a gastrointestinal distress danger, those are a 'permanently destroying vital organs' danger, including species that look very similar to edible species that people seek out to eat. You do not ever, ever, want to fuck around and find out with mushrooms
I have tried cultivating p cubensis outside and had no success. I think it was my innoculum that wasn't sterile. It's a really finicky species, I think starting your own culture from agar is the only foolproof method, or try for the uncle Ben tek and get lucky with a clean needle. But it's definitely not easy. Shiitake is easy.
Honestly I'm glad things didnt turn out even worse for op's family. Poisonous mushrooms aren't just a gastrointestinal distress danger, those are a 'permanently destroying vital organs' danger, including species that look very similar to edible species that people seek out to eat. You do not ever, ever, want to fuck around and find out with mushrooms
like literally melt your kidneys, liver, brain or all 3, which is why I don't forage for mushrooms lol
picking wild mushrooms
innoculating wild mushrooms
Also some species are dead easy to recognize, but I do feel a lot more comfortable having first grown them at home
Mmmm golden teachers… So much easier than one would expect!
I have tried cultivating p cubensis outside and had no success. I think it was my innoculum that wasn't sterile. It's a really finicky species, I think starting your own culture from agar is the only foolproof method, or try for the uncle Ben tek and get lucky with a clean needle. But it's definitely not easy. Shiitake is easy.
Uncle Ben worked a dream for me! Indoor, low light, misted every day.