Mushroom Cultivation: From Spore to Harvest

"Mushroom Cultivation: From Spore to Harvest"

Presented by Emory Market Gardens Founder, Jason Burson, and the North Texas Mycological Association.

We are excited to announce that this session will be led by Jason Burson, the founder of Emory Market Gardens. Jason will lead an engaging and hands-on two-hour workshop titled "Mushroom Cultivation: From Spore to Harvest."

Join us on Saturday, February 14th, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM as Jason breaks down the art and science of growing gourmet and medicinal mushrooms right at home. This class is designed to demystify the cultivation process, taking you from the sterile lab environment to the fruitful yields of your own kitchen or garden.

This comprehensive class will explore:

• An Introduction to Fungal Cultivation: A deep dive into the lifecycle of mushrooms, the history of indoor growing, and the transition from wild foraging to controlled cultivation. We will discuss the biology of mycelium and what it truly needs to thrive in a home setting.

• Substrates & Sterilization Techniques: An in-depth examination of the various "mediums" mushrooms eat. We will explore how to prepare and pasteurize different substrates—such as straw, hardwood sawdust, and agricultural byproducts—to create the perfect foundation for growth without the need for traditional outdoor logs.

• The Cultivation Cycle: Inoculation to Fruiting: A practical guide to the most rewarding part of the process. Jason will demonstrate:

  • Inoculation: How to introduce mushroom spawn into your substrate while maintaining a clean environment.

  • Incubation: Managing temperature and humidity to ensure strong mycelial colonization.

  • Fruiting: Triggering the mushroom to "bloom" and create the delicious harvests we recognize.

• Species Spotlight: The Home Grower’s Favorites: Learn the specific needs of popular, easy-to-grow varieties including:

  • Oyster Mushrooms: The perfect beginner species with high yields and fast growth.

  • Lion’s Mane: A medicinal powerhouse that thrives in bag cultivation.

  • Shiitake: Exploring modern sawdust block methods for quick production.

• Troubleshooting & Sustainability: Gain the skills to identify common contaminants and learn how to integrate mushroom waste back into your garden to boost soil health and promote a zero-waste lifestyle.

Whether you're a beginner looking for your first harvest or a seasoned gardener wanting to add fungi to your repertoire, you will walk away with the confidence and knowledge to start your own indoor mushroom farm.

Event Details and Registration

Space is limited for this exclusive in-person session, so register early to secure your spot!

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• Date & Time: Saturday, February 14th, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

• Venue: North Dallas Governmental Building

• Address: 6820 Lyndon B. Johnson Fwy, Dallas, TX 75230

• Directions: Located on the 2nd Floor, straight ahead of the elevator/stairs. Please follow our event signs for easy navigation.

Cost:

• FREE for current NTMA or Emory Market Gardens Members (Please RSVP)

• $20 for Non-Members

• $10 for Non-Member Kids ages 10 to 17.

• Kids under 10 are free with an adult pass.

Gratitude to Our Partners

The North Texas Mycological Association is incredibly grateful for the continued and valuable partnership we share with Emory Market Gardens and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Services, the County of Dallas, and the North Texas Master Naturalists. It is only through this valued collaboration and generous support that we are able to consistently offer high-quality, in-person educational classes to our community.

Partner Resource Link: 

Emory Market Gardens - www.emorymarketgardens.com

AgriLife Extension Services (Dallas) - https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/counties/dallas-county/