Author: Deborah Stumbo
Planning Unit: Pike County CES
Major Program: Small Farm Diversification
Plan of Work: Commercial Horticulture
Outcome: Initial Outcome
The first every Wine Cap Mushroom Workshop was held at the Pike County Extension Office. It was developed in response to requests from our new farmers to add another produce to their sales. For years the Extension Office has been sponsoring a "Shiitake" mushroom workshop every spring and fall. The advisory group recommended to add other varieties of mushrooms to our trainings. Wine Caps were chosen because it is almost impossible to mistake the Wine Cap for a poisonous mushroom and they are very easy to grow and maintain. Unlike other mushrooms the Wine Cap can even be grown in the sun with just a little shade from a secondary crop such as asparagus or even home landscaping. Training was provided for 11 farmers on growing the mushrooms and spawn was given to each participant in the workshop. The participants helped to sow a mushroom bed at the Extension Office to learn exactly how to do it correctly. 3 of the participants have grown and sold mushrooms from spawn given at the workshop--well ahead of schedule. The spawn was sown in both outside areas and more controlled spots. The controlled areas have already produced mushrooms. 5 of the individuals are planning to use their mushrooms for home use and 6 are planning to sell them at the Farmers Market.
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