Iowa Spring Workshops Teach Mushroom Growing to Beginners

By Andi Anderson

Iowans interested in learning how to grow their own mushrooms will have the opportunity to do so this spring through a series of Mushroom Cultivation Workshops hosted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

These workshops are designed for beginners and hobbyists who want to explore mushroom growing in a safe, simple and practical way.

Each participant will create a two-gallon oyster mushroom grow kit that they can take home and continue to develop. During the session, attendees will learn the basics of fungi, their role in Iowa’s ecosystems and the common methods used to cultivate mushrooms in home or backyard settings.

The goal is to help participants understand both the science and the technique behind successful mushroom growing.

Gina Buelow, natural resources field specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach, has led mushroom foraging sessions for many years. She shared that she often receives questions about how mushrooms can be grown safely at home, making these workshops an ideal opportunity for learners to build practical knowledge.

She explained, “Mushroom cultivation is a great way to observe mushrooms, and it is generally the safest way to do so. You pick out what strain of mushroom you want to grow, and if you do everything correct, that is exactly what you are going to get growing from your bucket. We will be growing our native species of oyster mushrooms at these workshops.”

The workshops will be held at Big Grove locations in Solon and Des Moines. Dates include March 16 at Big Grove Brewpub in Solon, and March 24 and April 6 at Big Grove Brewery in Des Moines. All sessions run from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Registration is open to the public, and the fee for each participant is $35.

These events are supported by the Big Grove Brewery Big Grove for Good Foundation, helping bring educational programs like these to communities across Iowa. With hands-on practice and expert guidance, participants can begin a new hobby while gaining confidence in cultivating their own mushrooms at home.

Photo Credit: istock-guruxoox