Mushrooms Galore

Extension has always been a place for new innovative techniques for agriculture.  Over the years, one of the most exciting and diverse crops that we have taught clients about is Shitake mushroom production.  The Knott County ANR Agent has expanded his mushroom class the last couple of years to include growing other types of mushrooms such as white button mushrooms.  

The Mushrooms Galore Classes has been a huge success, with over 50 families attending the workshop held in February the last two years.  The participants learn an assortment of information about mushrooms from the basic types of mushrooms to the necessary materials needed for growing all kinds of mushrooms.  The Knott County Extension Service also gave out white button mushroom kits to each family in attendance. The Agent also demonstrated growing Shitake Mushrooms and had a considerable interest in a Shitake class in the late Fall.  All of the participants realized that growing mushrooms could be achieved rather simply; they also have the knowledge and information about the resources needed to raise a new diverse crop at home on a limited budget with somewhat accessible resources.

Many attending the class have commented on how successful their kits did and have started growing mushrooms at home since attending the class. We hope to have more diverse workshops on growing foods beginning in the Fall.