Question 1

How much does shipping cost?

Accepted Answer

We offer tiered shipping rates for UK delivery: £3.49 for small items (syringes, injection ports), £4.99 for larger items and starter kits, and FREE delivery on all orders over £40.

Question 2

How long does delivery take?

Accepted Answer

Orders typically arrive within 1-3 working days depending on the nature of the order. Made to order goods may take longer to ship, but we aim to dispatch non-perishables within 1 working day.

Question 3

Do you ship outside the UK?

Accepted Answer

Currently, we only ship within the UK. We are working on expanding our delivery options in the future.

Question 4

How are liquid cultures packaged for shipping?

Accepted Answer

We use waterproof filters on our liquid cultures to prevent leaks. We take extra care to package the jars to prevent any damage or loss. While we cannot control how items are handled during transport, our packaging is designed to protect your order.

Question 5

What is a liquid culture?

Accepted Answer

A liquid culture is a sterile nutrient-rich solution containing live mushroom mycelium. Unlike spore syringes which require germination, liquid cultures contain actively growing mycelium ready to colonise your substrate immediately, resulting in faster colonisation times and higher success rates.

Question 6

How long do liquid cultures last?

Accepted Answer

When stored properly in a refrigerator at 2-8°C, liquid cultures can remain viable for 2-6 months. We recommend using them within 3 months for optimal results. Always store them away from direct sunlight and keep the seal intact until use.

Question 7

How do I know if my liquid culture is contaminated?

Accepted Answer

Healthy liquid culture should appear cloudy with white, wispy mycelium strands. Signs of contamination include unusual colours (green, black, pink, or orange), foul odours, slimy or bacterial-looking growth, or no visible mycelium growth after extended storage. If in doubt, do not use the culture.

Question 8

Which mushroom strain is best for beginners?

Accepted Answer

Oyster mushrooms (Pink, Blue, or King Oyster) are excellent for beginners due to their fast colonisation, resistance to contamination, and forgiving nature. Lions Mane is also beginner-friendly once you understand basic sterile technique.

Question 9

How many jars or bags can I inoculate with one syringe?

Accepted Answer

A 10ml syringe can typically inoculate 5-10 jars or bags using 1-2ml per container. A 20ml syringe can inoculate 10-20 containers. The exact number depends on your container size and inoculation technique.

Question 10

Do I need a laminar flow hood or still air box?

Accepted Answer

For best results, we strongly recommend using a still air box (SAB) at minimum. A SAB is an inexpensive DIY solution that significantly reduces contamination risk. While a laminar flow hood provides superior protection, it is not essential for hobbyist cultivation.

Question 11

What substrate should I use for different mushrooms?

Accepted Answer

Different species have different preferences: Oyster mushrooms thrive on straw or hardwood sawdust. Lions Mane prefers hardwood sawdust supplemented with wheat bran. Shiitake grows well on hardwood sawdust or logs. Check our substrate products for ready-to-use options suited to each species.

Question 12

Why do your syringes have injection ports?

Accepted Answer

Our syringes are designed to work with self-healing injection ports, which allow you to inoculate jars and bags without exposing the contents to open air. This dramatically reduces contamination risk and improves success rates, especially for beginners.

Question 13

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept all major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) through our secure Stripe payment system. Apple Pay and Google Pay are also available for faster checkout.

Question 14

Can I use a discount code?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Enter your discount code in the designated field during checkout. Discount codes cannot be combined with other offers and some exclusions may apply. Check your code terms for details.

Question 15

Can I change or cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to modify or cancel your order. We process orders quickly, so changes can only be made before dispatch. Once shipped, orders cannot be cancelled but may be returned according to our refund policy.

Question 16

What if my liquid culture arrives contaminated?

Accepted Answer

We take quality seriously. If your liquid culture arrives contaminated or damaged, please contact us within 48 hours of delivery with photos of the issue. We will arrange a replacement or refund at no extra cost.

Question 17

What's your returns policy?

Accepted Answer

Unused items in original packaging can be returned within 14 days of delivery for a full refund. Due to their perishable nature, liquid cultures cannot be returned unless they arrive damaged or contaminated. Please see our full refund policy for complete details.

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