Mushrooms: an easy step towards self-reliance.


Last night's thunder storm caused a 3 hour power outage in Thunder Bay's south side. For some, this lasted even longer. I feel that 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 our out of business. It took 3 hours to restore power to approximately 10,000 people, how long would it take to do the same for 100,000?

On another, more update note, an article in yesterday's paper about a local man, who picked 10 five gallon buckets of mushrooms in just one day's work, pointed out how we can improve our food security, simply by taking a walk in the woods. Of course, it most certainly helps to know what you are looking for.

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 indoors or 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 maketability and your family's self-reliance.

As in any new venture, there is always much you need to know before starting out. The Mushroom Council is a good place to begin. If you are looking for more scientific knowledge then there is an ejournal that can give you a hand. If you are looking for some mushroom fun then check out the Mushroom Festival. Remember the possibilities are only limited by your ability to see them.

The copyright of the article Mushrooms: an easy step towards self-reliance. in From Field To Table is owned by Bob Ewing. Permission to republish Mushrooms: an easy step towards self-reliance. in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Go To Page: 1

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic