Fungi Frenzy: A Beginner's Guide to Outdoor Mushroom Growing

Discover the magic of backyard mushroom growing! Join our master gardener, Mark, in this hands-on workshop where you'll learn the ins and outs of cultivating three easy-to-grow mushroom varieties: Shiitakes, Oysters, and Wine Caps. Not only will you learn about the life cycle and needs of these fungi, but you'll also discover the benefits of using straw or wood chips as a growing media and how to utilize every part of a tree for mushroom cultivation. The workshop focuses on sustainable organic principles and includes a list of notes and recommended reading to continue your learning.

In this class, you'll:

• Learn how to source, age, and prepare logs for inoculation
• Discover low-cost tools and materials for growing less than 100 logs
• Learn advanced techniques for producing 100s-1000s of logs (if you want)
• Get tips on how to safely handle and care for your logs
• Learn how to set up a simple "assembly line" and work with friends and family to inoculate dozens of logs for less than $200

Speaker Bio
Join sustainable farming expert Mark Gostkiewicz for an exciting container gardening class at M&N Library. With over a decade of experience managing his family-owned Tri Gable Lea Farm LLC, Mark knows the ins and outs of growing fruits, vegetables, and herbs in containers of all sizes. The farm is located on the homestead of Mark Gostkiewicz and Naomi Niemann, next to the Wasnewski family farm on Marvin Road. Mark's passion for sustainable farming began with his first job at the certified organic Highland Thistle Farm in Canterbury, CT, where he learned about holistic management and sustainable practices. He later worked at Hart's Greenhouses, where he was inspired by the successful farm business run by Dave and Joyce Hart. He is also a middle and high school math teacher and certified in special education. Learn more about Tri Gable Lea Farm LLC on their website: https://trigablelea.com/