Growing your own mycelium (mycelium) from spores at home is a fascinating process. The simplest and most natural method without the need for professional laboratory equipment is to make a liquid spore suspension and then inoculate sterilized grain.

This method works best for wood-destroying fungi (e.g. oyster mushrooms) or classic mushrooms.

1. Collecting spores (Making a cap impression)
   If you do not have a syringe with spores, you can take spores from a fresh, ripe mushroom from the forest or from a store.

Procedure: Cut the cap of a developed fresh mushroom close to the scales/pores.
Laying: Place the cap with the scales down on a clean aluminum foil or glass plate.
Covering: Cover it with a clean glass (so that drafts do not blow the spores away and do not contaminate them with dust) and leave for 12 to 24 hours.
Result: A fine colored powder will form under the cap – a spore print.

2. Preparing the spore solution
   Boil the water and let it cool completely to room temperature (hot water would kill the spores).
   Using a sterile needle or a clean knife, gently scrape part of the spore print into a sterilized syringe with boiled water (or into a clean glass with boiled water).
   Shake the solution well to mix the spores.
3. Preparing the substrate (grain seedling)
   The best carrier for the seedling is grain (rye, wheat or oats).

Soaking: Soak the grain in water for 12–24 hours to absorb moisture.
Cooking: Boil for about 15–20 minutes (it should not crack, just soften).
Draining: Drain the grain and let it dry on a clean towel.
Filling and sterilization:
Fill clean preserve jars with grain 3/4 full.
Make a small hole in the lid and plug it with cotton wool/micropore tape (for air exchange without dirt).
Sterilize the jars in a pressure cooker at 100 °C/121 °C for about 60–90 minutes. Let them cool completely.

4. Inoculation (Inoculation)
   Disinfect your hands and work surface with alcohol.
   Inject 2–3 ml of spore solution into the sterilized grain through the open hole in the lid.
   Immediately tape the hole with micropore tape.
5. Incubation
   
   
   Place the cup in a dark, warm place with a temperature of 21-25°C.
   After 2-4 weeks, you will see white threads (mycelium) gradually grow over the entire grain.
   Once the grain is completely white and firm, you have a ready-made grain seedling that you can use to inoculate the final substrate (e.g. straw, sawdust or coffee grounds).
   What specific fungus are you planning to work on and what equipment do you have available?