Sussex County — The Right Place for Log-Grown Mushroom Farming

What makes a place ideal for farming mushrooms the traditional way — on REAL hardwood logs, under mature tree canopy, through the rhythms of the seasons? It’s not just soil and sunlight. It’s climate, forest health, community values, and proximity to people who care about what they eat. That’s why Sussex County, New Jersey, is not just a good place — it’s the right place to build the next generation of log-grown mushroom farming.

Perfect climate? Yes, here in New Jersey

Japan has long been the world leader in log-grown shiitake farming, thanks to its mild winters, humid summers, and steady rainfall. Sussex County shares strikingly similar weather patterns: cool, moist spring and fall seasons perfect for natural fruiting, and enough seasonal variation to stimulate healthy mycelial growth inside hardwood logs. This natural climate match means less need for artificial controls — and more authentic, forest-synced production.

Ready forests

Sussex County and surrounding areas are home to thousands of acres of mature, mixed-hardwood forest, with abundant oak, maple, and other tree species that are ideal for log-based mushroom cultivation. Even better, selective thinning of small-diameter trees improves forest health and wildfire prevention. In other words, the very process of sourcing our logs supports better forestry, not deforestation.

A History of Farming. A Future of Innovation.

From dairy to produce to vineyards, Sussex County has a proud legacy of agriculture and land stewardship. That history is evolving, and log-grown mushrooms are flourishing. Hampton Mushrooms is not just adding another crop — we’re pioneering a sustainable, high-value specialty industry that fits naturally into the region’s agricultural fabric.

Close to Millions, Yet Rooted in Nature

Within an 8-hour drive of Sussex County are over 40 million people — chefs, health-conscious consumers, retailers, and food service partners who demand fresh, traceable, and nutrient-dense food. Our location enables next-day delivery without the emissions or spoilage associated with transcontinental shipping. It’s not just about growing better — it’s about delivering better, faster.

A Community That Cares

Sussex County has a long-standing commitment to environmental responsibility, encompassing initiatives for land conservation and sustainable water use practices. It’s a place where people understand the value of clean food, healthy forests, and long-term thinking. That community mindset aligns perfectly with the values of log-grown mushroom farming: patience, respect, and partnership with nature.

Sussex County isn’t just a place to grow mushrooms. It’s the place to grow an industry — one that nourishes people, protects forests, and inspires a new model for farming in New Jersey

Learn more about our mission at www.hamptonmushrooms.com