Shiitake Mushrooms: Grow Your Own.
Nothing illustrates our dependence upon a system that we do not control than how vulnerable we are to the weather. Heavy wind, rain and lightening cuts us off from our power source and all the modern appliances we rely upon to entrain and feed us do not work. We had a heavy electrical storm two nights ago. There was no power lost but the intensity of the lightening was awe inspiring. It comes right in the windows, even with the blinds down.
Nature is a great teacher and provides us with all we need. We just need to know what we are seeking. I am looking to grow mushrooms in my backyard. Shiitake on poplar or ash logs, under the maple in the far North west corner. I won't get a great yield this year but next year will tell. I could go wildcrafting for mushrooms, but my ability to identify them is not yet good enough so I will cultivate instead with spawn from a trusted source. Do your homework, check the resources below and get to know as much as you can about growing mushrooms before buying any spawn or equipment.
You don't need to take a walk in the woods to provide your family with mushrooms. In fact, mushroom farming does not require much space, or even an outside garden. Depending upon your need, there are a number of different mushroom growing systems on the market today that enable you to grow your own either out. If you are looking to grow a surplus for barter or sale, then there are kits that you can set up in a basement or closet that will satisfy your needs. It is possible to set up a small home-based business. You can produce surplus and sell or trade them at a local market or through a local grocer or perhaps directly to a restaurant. You need to check local regulations before launching such a venture. Mushrooms are also considered to have medicinal uses as well. This may increase their marketability and your family's self-reliance.
I begin my adventure with shiitake on a log this Summer and will post regular updates with photos. I will be experimenting with them while making meals. Look for shiitake recipes in future articles. If you have any mushroom lore lets share.
Summer is here and it is time to be outside.
Resources;
http://www.thelivingweb.net/free_food_wi...
http://www.venomousreptiles.org/articles...
http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/enab...
http://www.mushroomcouncil.org
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