Cultivate Your Skills
By learning and applying the ideas and concepts from experts in the field, you will take your mycology skills to the next level!
Below are the books in my library that I continually reference when I need to solve a problem, identify a mushroom, or to freshen up my knowledge.
I know they will be of great value to you on your mycological journey.
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Mycelium Running by Paul Stamets
One of the most influential books for many mushroom enthusiasts, Mycelium Running gives you the big picture of how amazing fungi is. After reading this book, a veil will be lifted and you will see the natural world with new eyes. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to start exploring mycology.
Growing Gourmet and Medicinal Mushrooms by Paul Stamets
Growing Gourmet and Medicinal Mushrooms is the go-to manual for the successful cultivator. It includes cultivation techniques and growing parameters for 31 species of gourmet and medicinal mushrooms, permaculture applications, laboratory construction, home and commercial scale production, and so much more.
The Mushroom Cultivator by Paul Stamets & J.S. Chilton
One of the classics and one of the first books I read on cultivation. Even though published in the early 80’s, the contents are foundational to the curious cultivator. It covers basic to advanced cultivation techniques and includes detailed information along with growing parameters for edible species. This text is excellent reference material.
Radical Mycology by Peter McCoy
Radical Mycology is one of the most comprehensive text on fungi to date. This book touches nearly every aspect of mycology. At a glance, Peter McCoy covers fungal ecology, history, medicinal uses, remediation applications, an expansive section on cultivation techniques, lichens, and much more. If there was on ONE book to recommend to learn about mycology, this is it.
Organic Mushroom Farming and Mycoremediation by Tradd Cotter
If you are new to mycology and want to learn the many ways you can use fungi, Tradd Cotter’s Organic Mushroom Farming and Mycoremediation is ideal book to explore. This book covers the basics of cultivation and then takes you to another mycoverse! Tradd also helped us kick off the Central Texas Mycological Society! Highly recommended read.
Texas Mushrooms: A Field Guide by Susan Metzler, Van Metzler, Orson Williams
Back in publication, Texas Mushrooms is an excellent field guide to carry with you if you are out exploring the beautiful eco-regions of Texas. This book includes color photos, quick reference charts, recipes, and even a poison control report should you ignore all the warnings in the text lol. Please be safe.
Mushrooms of the Gulf Coast States by Alan Bessette, David Lewis, Arleen Bessette
A beginner foragers new best friend! With beautiful colored photos, detailed descriptions, colored keys, collection instructions, and recipes, this field guide covers all the basis to make your forays successful. This book includes over 1,000 species of mushrooms found along the Gulf Coast region.
The Fungal Pharmacy by Robert Rogers
If the medicine calls to you, learn it. The Fungal Pharmacy is a technical read covering the many uses of mushrooms and lichens. Herbalist Robert Rogers shares a vast amount of knowledge on medicinal constituents, traditional use, mycoremediation potential, homeopathy, preparations, and more. An excellent reference for any herbal practitioner.
Mushrooms Demystified by David Arora
A must have tomb in every mycologists library. Mushrooms Demystified is a mycopedia covering over 2,000 North American mushrooms species and definitely removes the veil of mystery around the fungal kingdom. With a quirky and entertaining humor, David Arora shares with you his extensive knowledge and insights that will help you to better identify the mushrooms you meet on your explorations of the natural world.
Teaming With Fungi by Jeff Lowenfels
There’s no doubt that teaming up with fungi has many benefits, seen and unseen. This book takes you underground to see what the soil dwelling fungi are up to. Jeff Lowenfels will help you understand the complexities and benefits of mycorrhizal fungi and how important they are to plant and soil health. If you have a green thumb and green heart, there’s no reason not to work with fungi to improve the health of your plants; they will greatly appreciate it.
The Complete Mushroom Hunter by Gary Lincoff
Do you know your mushrooms? Written by the late Gary Lincoff, The Complete Mushroom Hunter is a must have for anyone who wants to learn how to find the hidden treasures of the forest. Gary teaches and shares with you, the history of mushroom hunting, how to prepare for a foray, how to identify your finds, his delicious recipes, and much more. A highly recommended book for all levels of mushroom enthusiasts.
Mycorrhizal Planet: How Symbiotic Fungi Work with Roots to Support Plant Health and Build Soil Fertility by Michael Phillips
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