Gourmet mushroom growing workshop
Make your own shiitake mushroom log and an oyster mushroom bag to grow at home.
This one-day workshop replaces the two-day Mushroom cultivation course that we previously listed.
Workshop Content
During the workshop you will make your own shiitake mushroom log and an oyster mushroom bag to grow at home.
Please note that it may be difficult to take home both a mushroom log and an oyster mushroom bag if you are travelling by public transport.
We will discuss the specifics of growing shiitake mushrooms on logs, including:
- Selection of logs
- Inoculation and sealing with wax
- Spawn run (the spread of the fungal hyphae through the log)
- The harvesting cycle of shocking to stimulate mushroom growth, fruiting and resting
- Pests and diseases
We will discuss the specifics of growing oyster mushrooms on substrate bags, including:
- Selection of substrate (straw, wood chips, etc)
- Sterilisation of substrate and inoculation
- Spawn run (the spread of the fungal hyphae through the substrate)
- The harvesting cycle
- Pests and diseases
Much of what you learn can be applied to growing other types of gourmet and medicinal mushrooms.
Growing in lawns, mulch beds and old fire sites will also be discussed.
You will leave the workshop with mushroom growing materials that would cost over £50 if bought separately.
Take home the log and bag of straw that you have inoculated, and watch your mushrooms grow!
Who is this workshop for?
The workshop is open to anyone over the age of 16. It is suitable for complete beginners.
The practical element of the workshop involves very basic woodwork, carried out in pairs, and is not strenuous.
The workshop will be run in the shade of apple trees, or under a gazebo if the weather is poor.
Why do we teach this workshop?
Our Mushroom growing workshop connects people with nature, supporting local food production and biodiversity.
Mushrooms are very nutritious and an amazing food to grow. Mushroom logs are kept in the shade, which is often an underutilised space.
Workshop Tutor
Stephan Gehrels
Stephan is passionate about permaculture and has been an enthusiastic mushroom grower for over 10 years.
Course fees explained
Our fees are worked out on a fair share basis, to make sure we cover costs and make courses as accessible as possible.
Benefactor Rate
If you’re in a position to pay the Benefactor Rate, thank you. Your generosity helps us subsidize places for other people who can’t afford the full cost. Your contribution enables us to continue our charitable mission: Inspiring, Connecting, Learning – for people and planet to flourish.
Supported Rate
This reduced rate reflects our commitment to making participation possible for more people. Please only book on this rate if you are not able to cover the Standard rate.
Standard Rate
By choosing the Standard Rate, you're covering the basic costs of your place and helping sustain the work we do. Your contribution supports our mission and makes it possible for others on lower incomes to join our courses.
This one-day workshop runs from 10am to 5pm in Stanmer Park, Brighton.
Next workshop date to be announced
Venue
Home Farm Orchard and the Fruit Factory
Stanmer Park (near University of Sussex)
Brighton
Map & Directions
Fees
Fees include tuition, refreshments, and your innoculated log and bag to grow at home.
Standard Rate
£170
Benefactor Rate
£210
Supported Rate
£125
Supported places are limited.
Our commitment to affordability relies on voluntary support.
ACCOMMODATION
If you intend to book accommodation, please check availability before booking a place, as accommodation in Brighton can be hard to find, especially over the summer months.
Get details of local accommodation and Brighton Permaculture Trust supporters who can provide accommodation in their homes.
BOOKING
Booking is essential, as most of our courses/events are fully booked weeks in advance. However, if places are still available, then bookings can be made until midday the day before the course/event. A place is not secured until we have received the requested payment.
If you have completed the booking process but you haven’t received a confirmation email from us please contact us to check your booking has gone through.
If you are booking within two weeks of the event, or the event is nearly full, you will not have the option to pay by BACS. Instead, you will need to pay immediately using a credit/debit card or PayPal.
ACCESSIBILITY
This course involves some walking on uneven ground. It is possible to opt out and observe for any practical elements you are not comfortable with.
If you have any accessibility needs or concerns, please contact us in advance, and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Have questions?
For any enquiries or if you need further information, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help!