Grow mushrooms, microgreens indoors 🌿 create a birdcage garden 🌿 "Kiss the Ground"

NURSERY NOTES: It is movie night on Monday Aug 11 at the Austin Organic Gardeners monthly meeting at Zilker Botanical Garden. "Kiss the Ground" is an important film that promotes regeneration and healthy soil - and includes some footage of Gabe Brown (featured in the last issue of the Austin Garden). Free AOG 🌿 The world of flowers will be the focus of expert Austin Davenport at Howson Library on Aug 19 at 6 p.m. He will help you discover flowers that will "keep your local pollinators buzzing with joy." Free. Dig It! 🌿 How can gardeners "extend the tomato season?" Jay White (Texas Gardener magazine) knows the answer — and will share it at the Natural Gardener on Aug. 16 at 10 a.m. Register here. 🌿

SOUND-MAP YOUR GARDEN: with eyes closed and ears open in your garden, a whole new realm of experience could unfold, leading you to a deeper connection to the natural world, writes Bridget Shirvell. Modern Farmer ❦

_________________________________________________

VEGETABLE NOTES: August is the month to start sweet corn, okra, snap beans, cream peas and black-eyed peas from seed, writes Chris Winslow. Because the first frost (on average Nov. 27) is likely to occur within 120 days, use transplants for your peppers and tomatoes. During the second half of this month, plant broccoli, cabbage and Brussels sprouts. ❦

HOW TO MAKE A BIRDCAGE PLANTER: from the Empress of Dirt comes this fun idea. Pick up an old birdcage from a thrift store or estate sale, line it with burlap, add potting mix, and then finish it off with some beautiful plants. Empress ❦

_________________________________________________

A reader writes: I really appreciated the mention of Gabe Brown. Interestingly, Jeremy Clarkson—despite not being a farmer—has also brought attention to this issue in his Amazon series, highlighting how the establishment often works against natural, farm-to-table practices. But that’s beginning to change. Even here in Austin, I advise against using mulch, as it can quickly suffocate the soil, blocking essential air and water from reaching trees and plants. Then water actually runs off after a few months of heat in Texas.

I am on the landscaping committee for 4k+ sub division and my recommendations are totally different to everyone else's. Serve the Land first, then people and money last. - Patrick

THE AUSTIN GARDEN relies on readers for support. Whether annual or monthly, all donations are welcome. At present 6% of readers fund this newsletter. Many thanks in advance. PayPal link ❦

photo of Austin courtesy of Central Texas Gardener

How to Grow Mushrooms and Microgreens indoors

by Austin Davenport

As temperatures soar into the hundreds, it may seem impossible to keep an edible garden alive and thriving here in central Texas.

However don't let the summer climate discourage your green thumb. Thankfully we can grow vegetables without needing to brave the sweltering conditions. . . by gardening indoors.

Here’s a two-part strategy to grow microgreens and mushrooms, and to keep the harvests coming throughout the summer months.

MICROGREENS

____________________________________

Microgreens are the tender, young shoots of vegetables and herbs that pack a punch of flavor and nutrition. My go-to greens are peas, radish and broccoli, but there are so many more options.

They are easy to grow with minimal infrastructure, and on average take just ten to fourteen days from seed to harvest.

For success, the trick is to have adequate airflow. If your seed trays are too wet, mold will build up and it can ruin your crop.

To prevent this, use a small fan to blow air towards the surface of the trays while the little plants are growing.

In addition you can gently wash your seeds with water and a clean cloth to help prevent these issues.

I use a nursery seed tray outfitted with twine that hangs into a reservoir of water. On top of that is a layer of coconut coir, my preferred growing medium. (Coir, pronounced COY-er, comes from the fibrous husks of the inner shell of coconuts.)

Sow densely and make sure your seeds are damp, and in complete darkness for a few days to encourage straight, upright stems.

After three to four days you should see some 2-inch sprouts. You are now ready to move them to a light source and they’ll begin to take up water from the twine wicking system.

(To get a better idea of the whole process, visit my micro-green video on Central Texas Gardener: CTG)

MUSHROOMS

____________________________________

To add an extra layer of deliciousness to your indoor garden, why not explore the wonders of gourmet mushroom cultivation?

The Central Texas Mycological Society has formed partnerships with local mushroom farms to divert spent mushroom blocks out of the waste, and to teach people how to grow their own.

These blocks can remove most of the hassle. For the easiest experience, I recommend Blue Oyster mushrooms (pictured above). If you want more of a challenge, then look for Lion's Mane. There are many more mushrooms that you can find and grow at home through this program: Mushroom Blocks

For success, mushrooms need three things:

1. Light. About as much as a small herb plant would require.

2. Fresh air circulation. They take in oxygen and give off carbon dioxide. . . like us.

3. Humidity. Aim for eighty to ninety percent. To do this, place the blocks in a modified clear plastic storage container to create a monotub. Cut holes for air to move in and out, spray the inside often with a spray bottle to generate humidity, and keep the tub in a location that receives light with the lid on. Leave the mushroom block in the plastic bag; it acts as a protective skin.

This method is affordable to set up and will have you growing gorgeous gourmet goodies consistently.

____________________________________

It’s important to give both of these strategies adequate conditions for success. For microgreens, note this method involves a lot of moisture and densely packed seeds, inviting molds and fungal issues without air circulation.

Mushroom blocks will also quickly develop molds if you don’t give them enough fresh air exchange and humidity.

With this two-part strategy of microgreens and mushrooms, you can continue to nurture your green thumb, even in the comfort of your own home. ❦

Austin Davenport is a long-time gardener and avid seeker of knowledge in the central Texas gardening scene. Through volunteer farming and outreach, he actively pursues ways to improve the local food system.