Turning Waste into Food: Oyster Mushrooms as a Tool for Urban Extension Programming
Sustainable Agriculture and Natural Resources
Calvin Gardner
Urban Horticulture Extension Agent
University of Florida
Orlando
Abstract
Urban populations across the United States are increasingly interested in home food production, yet many face barriers including limited space, poor soil quality, and inconsistent sunlight. Edible fungi—particularly oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus)—represent an underutilized, climate-resilient crop well-suited for these constraints, as they can be cultivated indoors using recycled substrates. This Extension program, implemented in Orange County, Florida, aimed to increase awareness of mushroom cultivation and equip residents with practical skills to incorporate fungi into household food systems. From 2024 to 2025, 13 educational workshops were delivered using a two-part format designed for Extension programming. The first component featured a multimedia presentation highlighting the ecological benefits, nutritional value, and waste-recycling potential of oyster mushrooms, along with their viability as a non-soil-based crop. The second component provided hands-on training in constructing mushroom grow bags using locally sourced recycled materials, including hardwood chips, spent coffee grounds, and cardboard. Participants assembled take-home grow bags capable of producing mushrooms within weeks. A total of 158 residents participated in the program. Evaluation included a six-month follow-up survey (n=25), in which 97% of respondents reported increased knowledge of mushroom biology and cultivation practices. Additionally, 98% of participants (n=145) demonstrated proficiency in preparing mushroom grow bags, and 7 individuals reported initiating independent cultivation efforts following the workshops. This program demonstrates a scalable Extension model for introducing underutilized crops that require minimal space and inputs. Results highlight the potential for mushroom cultivation programming to support sustainable food systems, reduce organic waste, and increase community resilience in urban environments nationwide.
Authors: Calvin Gardner
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Calvin Gardner Urban Horticulture Extension Agent, UF/IFAS Orange County, Florida, 32812