May 3, 2025 – A Day of Growth, Learning, and Community
Under the soft morning light of May 3rd, a group of passionate individuals gathered at Asawana Farms for a workshop unlike any other—one rooted in the spirit of sustainability, collaboration, and community empowerment. Hosted in partnership with ReDelicious Food Lab Co-op (@redeliciousdc) and the Mycological Association of Washington, DC (MAWDC), this hands-on training brought together community members to learn the art and science of building vertical gardens and cultivating oyster mushrooms.
The day began at 8:30 AM with cheerful greetings and participant registration. As everyone arrived, you could feel the anticipation in the air—a shared excitement for digging into something meaningful.
AAfter introductions, participants were thoughtfully divided into three rotating groups. While one group delved into the vertical garden and mushroom training, the others rolled up their sleeves to help with seasonal planting activities on the farm. With spring in full swing, volunteers learned how to transplant fluted pumpkins, contributing their energy to the vibrant life force of Asawana Farms.
The heart of the training was led by Axol and Chauncey, two passionate educators and mushroom enthusiasts from Mycological Association of Washington DC (MAWDC). With a grounded yet inspiring approach, they guided participants through the fundamentals of oyster mushroom cultivation. With the help of Vertical garden expert, Tanya, attendees learned how to construct vertical planters using black wire and other accessible materials, how to prepare and plant oyster mushroom spawns, and how to integrate these sustainable practices into their own homes and communities.
This workshop was more than just a learning experience—it was a celebration of what can grow when community, creativity, and care come together. We are deeply grateful to all, who made this day possible.
The feedback was overwhelmingly positive—participants left with full hearts, soil-streaked hands, and a new set of tools to carry into their personal and collective growing journeys.
As the day came to a close, it was clear that this was just the beginning. At Asawana Farms, we believe that everyone deserves access to the knowledge and resources to grow their own food and nourish their communities. Thanks to the success of this workshop, we are excited to offer more training opportunities in the near future.
Stay connected with us for updates, and if you missed this one, don’t worry—your next chance to get your hands in the soil might be just around the corner.
With gratitude and green dreams,
The Asawana Farms Team