So I've been trying to introduce the buffet in Portland's backyard to the next generation, my five-month old son. Other than his being an integral part of getting the garden ready for the season (which chiefly has included us trying to keep him from putting compost in his mouth), he's gone along on a few mushroom hunting excursions as well.
One of the best things about mushrooms is that - provided you've been successful and have actually found a few - they distribute their spores while you're walking through the forest. Therefore, it's important to use a canvas, mesh, or paper bag so the spores can make their way out and provide for the future. As I'm relatively new at this, my success thus far has been limited to chanterelles in the fall (and those are exciting - much like a giant wilderness-wide orange Easter egg hunt). I gave a shot at the grey morels this weekend with no luck.... It seemed like we had perfect conditions: a few days of 70 degree weather, cooler in the evenings, rain the night before.... But after a morning spent searching under hardwoods, we had no luck. Maybe the rest of Portland had the same idea and got there before we did. Not that it actually seems to matter. Even without any product of our efforts, we still came home happy and nettle-stung, the dog sopping wet with Columbia River water.
You should try growing them, it is super easy.
ReplyDeleteAh, but the hunt is half the fun, regardless of the outcome!
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