They're morel mushrooms. My brother took last year's harvest without telling me that they are delicious. I'd like to have them growing on our property amidst the white pine, near a drainage ditch, where water flows from the neighbour's pond across the road. I've moved some ferns to this spot and will add some lily of the valley shortly. I'll put the water from the soaked mushrooms on the ground cover.
To cultivate morel mushrooms, you can collect spores by soaking freshly harvested morels in water and then using the resulting spore slurry to inoculate the soil. This method helps introduce morel spores to a new area where you want them to grow.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
• Harvest Morels: Collect freshly picked, unwashed morels.
• Soak in Water: Place the morels in a glass bowl and cover them with warm, non-treated water.
• Soaking Time: Allow the morels to soak for 2 hours.
• Prepare Spore Slurry: After soaking, remove the morels, pat them dry, and save the water, which is now rich in spores.
• Inoculation: Pour the spore-laden water over the prepared soil where you want the morels to grow.
• Moisture: Ensure the soil stays moist but not waterlogged.
• Additional Tips: Consider using a rich mulch in your garden or selecting an area close to appropriate host trees (e.g., apple, elm, oak).
This method allows you to effectively spread morel spores and encourages new mushroom growth in desired locations.
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