Mushroom cultivation is becoming increasingly popular in the province.

That’s according to Steve McBride, a local homesteader who, along with his wife Lisa, is working hard towards food self-sufficiency.

The couple has been gathering knowledge and learning through trial and error since moving to the province several years ago.

McBride says one of the important lessons he’s learned is to use methods that require the least amount of work possible.

He says root crops tend to do best in the Newfoundland climate, but other foods outside the traditional “cooked dinner” staples can also thrive.

The secret is to “set it and forget it.”

He says mushrooms only require two things: deadwood and rain, both of which are plentiful in Newfoundland.