A troop of garden enthusiasts recently gathered for a hands-on workshop on how to grow blue oyster mushrooms, one of many educational sessions hosted by the Garden Hotline at branches of the King County Library System.

“Between all our events, there’s a throughline on how we can have a low impact on the world around us,” said Nate Howard, an educator with Garden Hotline. “And mushrooms definitely fit into that.”

The workshop combined educational insights with hands-on training. Before attendees got their hands dirty, however, Howard provided a crash course in mycology, the study of mushrooms, and explained how these fungi play a crucial role in the environment. Mushrooms break down dead organic matter, improve soil quality, and help plants absorb nutrients more efficiently.

“Mushrooms are more important than you might think,” Howard said. “When people think about the Pacific Northwest, they think of a wet forest with mushrooms. We should appreciate everything that’s here and the role they play in nature.”

In addition to their environmental benefits, mushrooms can also be a healthy and delicious addition to any diet.

During the hands-on portion, participants assembled their own mushroom grow kits, layering mushroom spawn into containers filled with organic kitty litter, alfalfa pellets, and water. Howard emphasized the importance of identifying edible mushrooms with absolute certainty.

“It’s important to eat mushrooms,” Howard said, “but it’s also important to stay alive and be safe. So just be careful before jumping in with both feet.”

At the conclusion of the session, attendees left with their own kits and the knowledge needed to grow blue oyster mushrooms at home.

“This was really fun,” said attendee Linda Barnett. “I’m really looking forward to eating my own mushrooms.”

The workshop is part of the Garden Hotline’s broader effort to educate the public on natural gardening, composting, and eco-friendly lawn care. The Hotline regularly hosts free workshops and events to promote sustainable practices among residents.

For more information on upcoming events and workshops, visit Hazardous Waste Management Program’s website.

Residents can also call the Garden Hotline to speak directly with an expert. Experts are available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, at 206-633-0224.