Learning — Mycology

As the vibrant colors of summer begin to fade into the warm hues of autumn in Oregon, nature enthusiasts and foragers alike eagerly anticipate all that arrives during fall foraging season. The Pacific Northwest's lush forests and diverse ecosystems offer a bountiful array of foraged treasures. For several of us at Bridgetown, fall foraging is not just a seasonal hobby; it’s a way of life. It’s a reminder that the natural world has untold wonders to offer to those willing to venture into its depths and explore.Whether enjoying foraged mushrooms from farmers markets, or foraging on your own, below are...

Bridgetown Mushrooms is proud to be USDA Certified Organic! Since the company’s inception, we have sourced organic materials for our spawn, substrate, and entire growing process. Honesty and openness are core values for us, and that's why we seek third-party certifications, such as the USDA Organic certification, to build trust with our customers. These certifications assure you that we genuinely stand by our claims. Journey to Organic Certification To achieve organic certification, mushroom growers must follow guidelines outlined by the USDA's National Organic Program regulations for crop production. These guidelines include: No synthetic fertilizers on the mushroom substrate. No synthetic pesticides....

Beneath the surface of our planet lies an extraordinary network that has quietly shaped ecosystems for millions of years. The mycorrhizal network, a complex system created by the hyphae of mycorrhizal fungi joining with plant roots, has recently revealed a remarkable ability to store a significant portion of carbon emissions. In this article, we will delve into the world of mycorrhizal networks and discoveries that have contributed to our understanding of these hidden heroes. Unearthing the Mycorrhizal Network Mycorrhizal fungi form a symbiotic relationship with plants, extending their intricate hyphal networks into the soil to facilitate nutrient exchange. This mutually...

Fungi often play a vital but overlooked role in gardening and soil health. Among them, the oyster mushroom (Pleurotus spp.) stands out as a powerhouse that can significantly enhance the vitality of your garden and the overall well-being of your soil. Oyster mushrooms possess several unique qualities that make them indispensable allies for sustainable gardening practices. At Bridgetown Mushrooms, we cultivate several species of oyster mushrooms. After harvesting the oyster mushrooms from their substrate blocks, we have leftover colonized blocks that make the perfect addition to your backyard compost pile. Read on for four ways oyster mushrooms benefit your garden. ...