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PRACTICAL MYCO-LAB & CULTIVATION COURSE

Master the Foundations of Mushroom Cultivation

Growing mushrooms as part of a sustainable farming system.

This comprehensive course is designed for those seeking to build a strong foundation in mushroom cultivation. Combining practical, hands-on learning with essential theoretical knowledge, the training focuses on critical areas like working with cultures, spawn production, and effective cultivation techniques.

Whether you’re just starting your cultivation journey or looking to refine your skills, this course provides everything you need to succeed.

What you’ll learn

Working with Cultures

Understand how to handle, propagate, and maintain healthy fungal cultures.

Spawn Production

Master the processes involved in creating reliable, high-quality spawn.

Mushroom Cultivation

Gain expertise in growing mushrooms efficiently, from preparation to harvest.

Theoretical Principles

Learn the science behind mycology to better inform your practical techniques.

Who is this masterclass for?

Aspiring Growers

Beginners looking to start their mushroom cultivation journey with a strong foundation.

Experienced Cultivators

Those seeking to refine their techniques and enhance their understanding of critical mycology practices.

Farmers

Individuals aiming to diversify their agricultural practices with high-value mushroom crops.

Sustainability Advocates

People passionate about integrating fungi into sustainable farming systems and eco-friendly initiatives.

Why Enroll for the Course?

This course isn’t just about learning how to grow mushrooms—it’s about mastering the skills and knowledge to cultivate with confidence and purpose. AfriFungi’s expert instructors and hands-on approach ensure you’ll leave equipped to succeed, whether you’re cultivating for personal use, business, or sustainability.

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Course Outline

Day 1: Introduction to the Lab

Working with Mycelium:

Understand mycelium’s importance in cultivation.
Master hygiene practices and microbial removal techniques.

Introduction to Lab Equipment:

Overview of pressure cookers, Still Air Boxes (SAB), and laminar flow hoods.
Sterile workspace setup and tool usage.

Working with Agar Plates:

Prepare agar dishes (recipes, mixing, sterilising, cooling).
Techniques for cloning mushrooms and performing transfers and isolations.

Day 2: Producing Grain Spawn

Understanding Grain Spawn:

Learn why mother spawn generations matter.
Design recipes and select raw materials.

Grain Spawn Production:

Hydrate grains, prepare jars, fold bags, and sterilise.
Techniques for cooling, inoculation, and incubation.

Working with Liquid Culture:

Prepare jar lids and design recipes.
Test for contamination and maintain long-term cultures.

Contamination Awareness:

Identify and solve common contamination issues.

Day 3: Making Fruiting Blocks

Substrate Design:

Select raw materials and optimise blends.
Learn humidification, bag filling, and sealing techniques.

Processing Fruiting Blocks:

Sterilise or pasteurise substrates, cool, spawn, and incubate.

Fruiting Methods:

Explore small- to large-scale fruiting setups.

Day 4: Excursion and Application

Visit mushroom farms in Johannesburg to see real-world applications of course learnings.

Key Takeaways

  • In-depth understanding of mushroom cultivation processes, from lab work to fruiting.
  • Hands-on experience in producing grain spawn, liquid culture, and fruiting blocks.
  • The ability to troubleshoot common issues like contamination and optimise cultivation practices.
  • Real-world insights from a mushroom farm visit to reinforce practical applications.

Booking information

  • Course Fee: R8 500 per person
  • Group Size: 4 per course (ensuring personalised attention).
  • Includes lunch, drinks, and snacks.
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Ready to Take Your Mycology Skills to the Next Level?

Whether you’re looking to refine your techniques, scale your mushroom cultivation, or explore advanced applications of fungi, our Courses at the Afrifungi Academy are designed to equip you with expert knowledge and hands-on experience.

Our courses cover everything from agar work and spawn production to substrate design and commercial cultivation, ensuring you gain the confidence and skills to succeed in your mycology journey.

Enquire now and take the next step in your fungi journey!

What people are saying about Afrifungi

“

Working with Matt has been an unbelievably exciting and amazing experience. We have learnt so much and look forward to more guidance from him as he mentors us through our food garden adventure. We are so happy and grateful to have him share his experience and wisdom with us.

NadineMvuhyu Farm
“

Really enjoyed the hands on learning the basics of what is an enoooooormous world.

Hugh Fraser
“

This was an extremely interesting introduction to fungi, learnt that fungi is pretty amazing... Was specially awesome to get practical experience in inoculating tree stump with mycelium to attempt to grow mushrooms...

Dale Lambert
“

Something I've looked into before and have wanted to try for sometime now. Was a really great experience, Matt and Sven are very knowledgable on the subject. The energy was infectious and the folks who joined on the day were a pleasure to meet.

Greg de Gidts
“

Matt & Sven give an excellent overview + introduction to the world of mushrooms, and inoculating a tree stump for years of home-grown mushrooms is a really fun way to spend an afternoon.

Soleil Jones