Discussion of original project
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
GOALS
- Determine if these specific herbs (fairy wand, goldenseal, snakeroot) would grow well in this area, under these conditions and treatments.
- Determine if this planting method would suit the projects target audience (elderly, disabled, non-farmers, females).
- Determine if this herb growth would be financially feasible to help offset the cost of conserving small woodland plots.
PROCESS
Describe the steps involved in conducting the project and the logic behind the choices you made. Please be specific so that other farmers and ranchers can consider what would apply to their operations and gain from your experience.
Three woodland locations with widely varying microclimates, soil types, light, etc. were selected, to give the widest assortment of growing conditions. 2-3 plots per location were used.
Several people with physical limitations would plant specially selected herbs using a process known as wildcrafting, in a box or X pattern of 5 plants per spot, 2-3 spots per plot, on all 3 locations. The ease of the planting style, the success of the plantings, and the growth would all be evaluated.
Four crop types were selected for this SW Michigan area. All had established markets already existing, and involved an assortment of woodland conditions and physical exertion. These were also starting to disappear in the wilds of the Appalachian Mountains.
- Fairywand. An Appalachian herb not native to this area.
- Goldenseal. Found in this area, but not generally farmed here.
- Snakeroot. Sometimes found in this area, but rarely harvested.
- Mushrooms logs. Using smaller logs and a “spore and ignore” technique, it could provide several years of harvesting for local markets. Shitake and Oyster were selected.
One location was fenced off, about 8×8 ft, to control animal impact on the herb and mushroom growth.
An herb specialist was hired to locate the optimal sites at all locations. The herbs were then planted and allowed to grow unattended.
Growth, growing conditions, and survival rates were evaluated. Proposed financial gains would be based on expert evaluation of marketable roots after 2 years of growth.
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