Wine Cap

also known as the king stropharia and garden giant, the wine cap mushroom is a favorite of no-till gardeners. the spawn is generally spread in the springtime over mulched garden areas or around mulched shrubs and trees, then harvested throughout the later summer months. Notably, growing mushrooms in gardens has been said to increase yields, and thus allows the fungi to work not only as companion plants but also intercrops, as well.

the wine cap’s elegant, maroon cap and veil make it relatively easy to identify when it starts to fruit — a very important quality for the beginning mushroom grower — and its flavor renders it an excellent market addition. expect several flushes throughout the warmer months.

—Jesse Frost. Read about eight other easy-to-grow mushrooms, including almond portobellos, reishi, chanterelles, morels and more at www.hobbyfarmscom/9-great-mushrooms-to-grow-for-market.