Mushroom garden in the making

One day I saw an Instagram post from an inspiring friend of mine who had created a small mushroom encampment on her property. Pam kindly introduced me to Joe Little, also known as Fun Guy (fungi), who was a talented photographer with the most interesting side hustle – a little mushroom business. We created a plan together that has been a fun journey to use Taliama’s timber, the favorable forest setting, and seven species of mushrooms spores to kick start our own Mushroom Garden.

Step one was girdling about 30 logs. By removing the bark around the circumference of the tree, it sets it into a slow dying process yet maintains some life within. Perfect for fostering mushroom spores.

Once the girdled trees were about 9 months old, we cut them in lengths of 6-8 feet. Then lots of hand work. First drilling one inch deep holes in each log every 4-6 inches. Once they are inserted we tapped them in by hammer, followed by a hot wax sealant.

We have set the logs in the most shady part of the forest. The dampness of the forest promotes mushroom growth. At this writing, in January 2023, eleven months after we inoculated the logs, the oyster mushrooms are starting to fruit!

The parade of mushrooms is starting to march. Come visit and have a cookout with us by grilling these homegrown mushrooms.

Thank you Joe, let’s get the fire started.

News clip showcasing a similar mushroom garden.