Boulder Main Library

Mushroom Cultivation 101: Growing Gourmet Mushrooms at Home

Curious about growing your own mushrooms but not sure where to start? This hands-on introductory class demystifies the world of mushroom cultivation, with a focus on the gourmet varieties prized by chefs and home cooks alike: oyster, lion’s mane, shiitake, king trumpet, and more.

We’ll start with the basics of fungal biology, exploring how mushrooms grow, what mycelium is, and why mushrooms are such rewarding (and surprisingly accessible) crops for beginners. From there, we’ll walk through the full cultivation process, from spawn and substrates to colonization, fruiting conditions, and harvest. You’ll learn how to choose the right species for your space and skill level, how to manage humidity, light, and fresh air, and how to spot and prevent common problems like contamination. We’ll also touch on simple low-tech setups that work in an apartment, garage, or backyard, plus tips for cooking and storing your harvest.

Best of all, you won’t leave empty-handed. Every participant will take home their own oyster mushroom grow bag, ready to colonize and fruit right in your kitchen. Oysters are fast, forgiving, and beautiful, making them the perfect first grow. Within a few weeks, you’ll be harvesting fresh mushrooms you grew yourself, along with the confidence to take on new species.

No experience necessary. Just bring your curiosity and an appetite for fungi!

Get your tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mushroom-cultivation-101-tickets-2003550411214?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true