If you’re looking to start growing mushrooms at home or level up your current setup, finding the right local supplier makes all the difference. Quality materials, expert guidance, and reliable inventory can dramatically impact your success. For growers in the Denver Metro area, Colorado Cultures  is your trusted source for premium mushroom growing supplies, hands-on education, and community support. Why Buying Local Matters When you buy your grow supplies locally, you get mor

If you’ve been growing mushrooms for a while, you’ve probably heard the term “casing layer” tossed around—but it’s often misunderstood. Some growers swear by casing layers, while others skip them entirely. So what’s the truth? Let’s break down what a casing layer actually is, when it helps, when it doesn’t, and how to use one correctly. What Is a Casing Layer? A casing layer is a thin layer of non-nutritive or low nutritive material (like our Denver Dirt) applied on top of fu

At first glance, Christmas and mushrooms might seem worlds apart—one a global holiday filled with lights, songs, and tradition, the other a quiet inhabitant of forests and fields. But dig a little deeper into history and folklore, and you’ll find a fascinating overlap where mushrooms, winter rituals, and the origins of Christmas symbolism intertwine. Ancient Winter Celebrations Before Christmas Long before Christmas became a Christian holiday, ancient cultures across Europe a

If you’re growing mushrooms for the first time, you’ve probably heard the term “break and shake.”  It’s one of the most common steps in mushroom cultivation — and also one of the most misunderstood. Done correctly, a break and shake can speed up colonization , help your mycelium grow more evenly, and reduce the chances of stalling. Done incorrectly (or at the wrong time), it can slow things down or even introduce contamination. Here’s everything you need to know. What Is a Br

Contamination is one of the biggest challenges in mushroom cultivation, whether you’re a brand-new grower or a seasoned hobbyist. At Colorado Cultures, we work in a sterile lab every day producing liquid cultures, grain bags, substrates, agar plates, and more — which means we’ve seen every  type of contam and learned exactly how to prevent it. This guide breaks down real, practical contamination-prevention methods used in our lab that you can apply to your home setup for cle

Cold weather doesn’t mean your mushroom grows have to slow down. While winter brings a few extra challenges—lower temperatures, drier air, and less ambient light—mushrooms can absolutely thrive year-round with the right adjustments. Whether you’re running your first monotub or managing multiple grows, these winter-specific tips will help you stay on track and avoid common cold-season pitfalls. At Colorado Cultures, we see a seasonal shift in grow issues every winter—here’s ho

When we think of Thanksgiving, we often picture golden roast turkey, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie—and perhaps green bean casserole baked to bubbly perfection. What we don’t always immediately think of is the humble mushroom: that earthy, versatile ingredient that quietly plays a role in many holiday dishes. At Colorado Cultures, of course, mushrooms are central to what we do—and so we thought it would be fun to explore how mushrooms have featured (and continue to feature) in

Whether you're brand new to mushroom cultivation or leveling up your grow setup, choosing the right starting point is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. At Colorado Cultures, we carry several options — sterile grain bags, all-in-one bags, and complete grow kits  — and each one is designed for a different style of grower and skill level. In this guide, we break down how each one works, who it’s best for, and what results you can expect so you can choose the perfe

Exploring Colorado’s leadership in psilocybin-assisted therapy and mental health research As Colorado continues to lead the nation in natural medicine reform and research, a groundbreaking clinical trial is underway to explore whether psilocybin , the active compound in magic mushrooms , can help ease the emotional suffering experienced by people living with advanced cancer. A New Frontier in Mental Health and Palliative Care The study — now the largest national psilocybin cl

When the cold weather rolls in, mushroom growers face a new challenge — maintaining the perfect environment for healthy, consistent fruiting. Temperature swings, low humidity, and dry indoor air can all impact your yields if you’re not ready for them. The good news? With a few simple adjustments, you can keep your grow thriving all winter long. Here’s your complete guide to winter-proofing your mushroom grow room. 1. Maintain Stable Temperatures Most mushroom species prefer a

Okinawa in a CC 3lb Mixed Popcorn All in One Grow Bag If you’ve ever harvested a mushroom with perfect genetics —thick stems, heavy yield, or a stunning cap—you’ve probably wondered how to grow more just like it. Cloning makes that possible. Instead of rolling the dice with spores, cloning lets you preserve and replicate the exact traits of your best-performing mushroom. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to clone mushrooms using supplies you can grab from Colorad

Penis Envy The world of psilocybin mushrooms is full of hundreds unique genetics, but few strains have sparked as much curiosity, debate,...

If you’re new to mycology, you’ve probably come across the term field capacity . It’s one of the most important concepts for successful...

Most people know the classics — Golden Teacher, B+, Blue Meanies, etc. But at Colorado Cultures, we love going beyond the basics. Our...

When growing mushrooms, many beginners focus on substrate, sterilization, and spawn—but two environmental factors often make or break...

Colorado’s natural medicine law came out of Proposition 122 (2022) . It created a regulated framework for certain plant‐, fungi‐, or...

At Colorado Cultures , our Genetics Catalog  is the heart of our innovation, showcasing a wide range of remarkable genetics crafted for growers of all experience levels ( coloradoculturesllc.com ). Today, we’re spotlighting five iconic and distinctive genetics: Krishna, Makilla Gorilla, CC 3rd Eye, Golden Teacher,  and Penis Envy. 1. Ski Bum Genetic Background:  A Colorado Cultures exclusive from our lead mycologist Brian Bristol, Ski Bum is known for its resilience, high pot

Denver, August 27, 2025  — Yesterday, Denver hosted an important Natural Medicine Listening Session , bringing together the Department of...

Every year, tens of thousands of people gather in the Nevada desert to create something extraordinary: Burning Man. It’s a place where...

When most people think of Colorado’s wild landscapes, they picture towering mountains, alpine lakes, and endless forests of aspen and...