Learn to grow mushrooms at home with Master Gardeners workshop

HAZEL GREEN – Master Gardeners of North Alabama Inc. will present the “Home Mushroom Propagation” workshop on March 17. The event will be held at Alabama A&M University’s Winfred Thomas Agricultural Research Station at 372 Walker Lane in Hazel Green.

“Growing mushrooms at home is fun and easy. Growing mushrooms on a log may be one of the oldest forms of cultivation,” Master Gardener spokesperson Nareatha Studdard said. The workshop will run from 4 to 6 p.m.

Studdard pointed out several reasons to grow and eat mushrooms. “Save money and never wonder how long those mushrooms have been sitting on the grocery shelf. Numerous health benefits are linked to mushrooms. Attend the Mushroom Propagation Workshop and take the mystery out of growing your own mushrooms,” she said.

This workshop is a hands-on class. “Come and create your own shiitake mushroom log to take home with you,” she said.

The workshop instructor will be Rhonda Britton, who works as Regional Extension Agent with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System or ACES. In her work, Britton has installed and designed more than 10 rain catchment systems with a holding capacity of 1,000- to 5,000-gallon systems throughout the state to help train extension agents and demonstrate the uses of rain water.

In addition, Britton is the former coordinator for Water Wheels, a mobile lab for outdoor water conservation. She changed jobs with ACES in November 2016 and is now the Regional Extension Agent for Home Grounds in Madison, Morgan and Jackson counties.

Britton received a bachelor’s degree in horticulture and a master’s degree in plant science from Alabama A&M University. Currently, she is working on a doctorate’s degree in agronomy with Auburn University.

Workshop fee is $10. Class space is limited. Participants must register by March 3. To register, visit mginfo.org/workshops.