Master Gardener will teach how to grow your own mushrooms April 14 at class in Marshall

Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) and Fauquier and Rappahannock County Master Gardeners are offering a presentation, “Grow Your Own Mushrooms” on Saturday, April 14th at 1 pm at the historic Marshall Schoolhouse #18 Demonstration Gardens, 7592 John Marshall Highway, Marshall (next to the Recycle Center).

This hands-on workshop presented by longtime local mushroom enthusiast Donn Smith will walk you through all the steps necessary to inoculate your own log with edible shitake mushroom spawn.  Participants will take home their own log and to watch the mushrooms grow and harvest. Cost for the seminar is $25.  Participation is limited, registration and pre-payment are required. Register by mailing or dropping off a check payable to FCMGA.  Please include your name, address, phone number and email to: Sharon Broyles, Virginia Cooperative Extension, 24 Pelham Street, Warrenton, VA 20186. Registration deadline is Monday, April 2, 2018.

The “Grow Your Own Mushrooms” presentation is part of the Fauquier and Rappahannock Master Gardeners’ Saturday Afternoons in the Garden program, a series of horticultural classes held from spring to fall each year for the community.  The classes are taught by horticultural experts and seasoned Master Gardeners and cover a broad range of topics – from gardening techniques and tips, to advances in environmental and conservation issues.  The series provides local gardeners with innovative gardening techniques and best practices that they can put to use in their own home gardens.

The program will last 60 minutes followed by a short question and answer period. It is recommended to come dressed for the weather as the workshop is held outdoors, rain or shine. Some seats will be provided but attendees may choose to bring their own lawn chairs. Parking is limited at #18 Schoolhouse. Additional parking is available at the Northern Fauquier Community Park or along Whiting Road. Please do not park along Highway 55. For additional information, please contact the Master Gardener Help Desk at 540-341-7950, Ext. 1 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Master Gardeners are volunteers for the Virginia Cooperative Extension, who are dedicated to working with the community to encourage and promote environmentally sound horticulture practices.  Go to http://www.fc-mg.org for information on the Master Gardener program and upcoming events.