Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to view my spores with a microscope?
Microscopy spores are best viewed at 400X or greater magnification. Place a small amount of dried spores into a small amount of water and then place a small drop of the resulting solution on a glass slide and cover with a slip cover. Excess water can be absorbed with the corner of a paper towel to prevent the slip cover from floating. Pre-made spore solutions in the syringe kit w/ applicator can be conveniently applied directly onto the slide.

How long will my order take?
Orders are shipped out generally within 24 hours. We recommend choosing Priority US mail for the shipping as it takes 2-3 days to anywhere in the continental US, so most orders are generally received by the customer within 5 days from the date of order. Mail in orders average 4-5 days longer. We also offer UPS Ground service. Remember that you may need to be available to sign for UPS shipped packages. If you haven't gotten your order within 2 weeks please email customer service. Chances are it has been returned to us by the shipper.

What will my credit card statement say for purchases made at Lil' Shop? Your credit card statement will list River Valley Farm Garden as the merchant for purchases made at Lil' Shop.

What does your packaging look like?
Syringes are shipped in USPS priority boxes or plain white shipping boxes for UPS orders that are about the size of a VHS cassette. Packages are return addressed to RVF, PO Box 32, Sherrill, IA 52073. Spore prints are shipped in a 4"x10" priority envelope or plain white envelope depending on the shipping option chosen.

Where do you get your spores?
We get all of our exotic and Psilocybe spores from an exclusive supplier located in Europe in a country without such draconian laws concerning the cultivation of these species.

How do I grow these spores into mushrooms?
Please do not inquire about the cultivation of any Psilocybe or exotic spore strains as these are intended for educational and microscopy use only! References to cultivation will cause us to refuse you service so don't ask!

How can these spores be legal in the US when the mushrooms they come from are illegal in the US?
The mushrooms these spores come from are not specifically outlawed. It's the drugs Psilocybin and Psilocin within them that are scheduled drugs within the US. The spores, being microscopic in size, contain none of these illegal compounds making them legal to possess in all but a few states in the US.

My order was returned for "whatever reason", can I get it shipped again?
Click here to have a returned order reshipped.