Find out how to grow shiitake, morel, chanterelle or portobello mushrooms by joining Clallam County Master Gardener Bob Blackett for the Green Thumb Education Series presentation, “Growing Mushrooms,” set for noon-1 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 8, at St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 510 E. Park Ave., Port Angeles, or online.

Join by Zoom by clicking on the link at(extension.wsu.edu/clallam.

Blackett will detail his experiences growing mushrooms and give participants tips on doing the same.

In addition to their taste, mushrooms are considered one of the healthiest and most nutritious foods available, event organizers note. Some contribute to a healthy brain or immune system, while others are taken for psychoactive reasons.

“The Pacific Northwest is one of the best mushroom-growing areas of the world, a mild climate with plenty of rain,” Blackett said.

Blackett established a mushroom garden at the Woodcock Demonstration Garden in Sequim in February 2022 to demonstrate how people can grow their own.

“It has been very successful and was greatly expanded recently,” he said.

Blackett and his wife Debbie Harrison moved to Sequim several years ago and have been Master Gardeners since 2021. In addition to managing the mushroom garden at Woodcock, both he and Debbie look after the succulent garden there as well. Blackett is a chemist, who taught chemistry for two years in the U.S. Peace Corps in Africa and worked in Arizona crime laboratories as a DNA analyst.

Sponsored by WSU Clallam County Master Gardeners, the Green Thumbs Garden Tips education series is offered on the second and fourth Thursday each month through October (in November, December and January, one program is offered). Scheduled presentations are subject to change. Visit the WSU Extension Clallam County website calendar (extension.wsu.edu/clallam) for the latest information on upcoming presentations.

For more information, call 360-565-2679.