Mycelial Mayhem: Growing Mushrooms for Fun, Profit and Companion Planting

Description

Most supermarket mushrooms are bland and boring; products of an industrial process which typically relies on expensive equipment and harmful pesticides. Many people would like to add more flavorful and diverse fungi to their diets, but lack the knowledge or confidence to gather or grow their own. Do-it-yourself cultivation is a fun, exciting way to incorporate a variety of mushrooms into a sustainable lifestyle. Mycelial Mayhem is a straightforward, no-nonsense resource for the aspiring mushroom grower. This practical guide cuts through much of the confusion surrounding methods and techniques, helping the hobbyist or farmer to: select regionally appropriate species for the home garden, farm-scale production, or an edible landscape Practice sustainable, environmentally friendly cultivation techniques, such as companion planting, to combat common garden pests and diseases Choose a successful, proven business approach to maximize profit and minimize frustration. Many people find that DIY mushroom cultivation is not nearly as complicated as they expect, but a knowledgeable and experienced mentor is crucial to success. Whether your goal is to harvest homegrown gourmet mushrooms for your table, supplement your income by selling to friends and neighbors, or start a full-fledged niche business, Mycelial Mayhem is packed with the advice and resources you need to succeed with this rewarding and valuable crop.;Foreword -- Introduction -- section I. Mycelia -- 1. Why mushrooms? -- 2. Mushroom basics -- section II. The stem -- 3. Growing mushrooms -- 4. Wild collecting and purveying -- 5. Companion planting and other sustainable methods -- section III. The fruit of your labor -- 6. Umami of edible mushrooms -- 7. Nutritional benefits of mushrooms -- 8. Niche business or supplemental income -- 9. Marketing mushrooms -- section IV. Spreading the spores -- 10. Conclusion: spread your spores.