By Blake Jackson
Those interested in producing mushrooms at home or exploring mushrooms as an added farm enterprise are invited to attend an upcoming educational workshop on March 11 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. EDT. The session will introduce participants to the fundamentals of mushroom cultivation for both indoor and outdoor systems.
The workshop will cover the basics of fungi biology, helping attendees understand how mushrooms grow and what conditions they require to thrive.
Participants will learn practical steps for starting indoor production, including methods commonly used for Oyster mushrooms, as well as outdoor techniques such as log-grown Shiitake cultivation. The program will also address common mistakes beginners encounter and offer troubleshooting tips to improve success rates.
In addition to production guidance, the session will explore how mushrooms can serve as a diversification opportunity for farms and small-scale growers.
Attendees will gain insight into important considerations when adding mushrooms to an existing operation and will receive resources to support their next steps.
The workshop will be led by Connor Youngerman, Agroforestry and Mushroom Specialist with the Cornell Small Farms Program. Preregistration is required. For more information, contact Cornell Cooperative Extension Rensselaer at (518) 272-4210 or rensselaer@cornell.edu.
Photo Credit: istock-guruxoox
Categories: New York, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables, Education