The Urban Ruins oyster mushroom farm continues to operate despite a string of challenges and is preparing for an even stronger harvest in the coming weeks. Clayton Viljoen of Urban Ruins said cold weather slowed mushroom growth, a veld fire in the area brought rats onto the property, and a vital mister, crucial for maintaining humidity, had to be replaced.
"For many projects, such obstacles might have stopped operations altogether. However, we pushed forward, refusing to let setbacks derail our work. We faced so many challenges, but we never stopped producing. Even when conditions worked against us, we kept going. This project is about more than mushrooms; it's about hope, food security, and building something that lasts."
Viljoen said throughout winter, the farm continued to harvest smaller yields, proving its sustainability even under pressure. Now, fresh buckets of white, grey, and gold oyster mushrooms have been planted, and the team expects strong harvests within the next month.
To ensure the farm continues to grow, Urban Ruins is appealing for community support. "Chicken mesh is urgently needed to help secure the property, while an upgrade to the solar system will ensure reliable power for the delicate growing process.
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