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My partner and I have experimented with growing mushrooms by inoculating hardwood logs. We buy dowels impregnated with the mushroom mycelium, drill holes in the log, and bang them in. The mycelium will then take eight months and a year to spread through the log, giving spring and autumn crops up to 4 years! We are growing Oysters, Shiitake, Lion’s mane, and Chicken of the woods. It is fascinating.
Choosing a Log
When choosing a log, it is essential to choose the right type; most mushrooms do not grow in pine and dislike fruitwood but love oak and ash. The best time to cut the log is in winter when the sugars are in the wood, not the leaves, as this is what the mycelium eats up.
When you have cut your log, leave it to rest for a couple of weeks so that the sap loses its anti-fungal properties, some people leave them ‘to rest for four weeks or more, but this can raise the risk of other competitive fungi inhabiting your log.
So now you have your log and your dowels (there are plenty of places on the internet to buy them from).
Usually, the correct-sized drill bit is supplied with the dowels. Drill your holes about 6 inches apart and tap the dowels in. Seal the dowels in the holes with cheese wax, which must be heated. Ensure it sizzles when you dab it over the hole. The wax keeps the moisture in and competes for fungi out!
All That’s Left To Do
All that is left is to put the log somewhere shady and damp. It mustn’t dry out. In time you will see the white mycelium at the end of the log. If you are growing Shiitake, you could try forcing it to fruit. Please do this by dropping, banging, or soaking it in water.
Last but not least, beware of slugs!! They love mushrooms and will eat your precious crop overnight!
FAQs on Grow Mushrooms In Logs. Step by step how to guide
How do you grow mushroom logs?
Select a suitable log, such as oak or birch, to grow mushroom logs. Drill holes in a diamond pattern, spacing them evenly. Insert mushroom spawn into the holes, then seal them with wax. Keep the logs in a shaded, humid area. Over time, the mycelium will colonize the log, and mushrooms will emerge. Maintain moisture levels and protect from extreme temperatures. Harvest the mushrooms when mature, and repeat the process with new logs. Enjoy the fascinating experience of growing mushrooms in logs!
What is the easiest mushroom to grow on logs?
The shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes) is often considered the easiest to grow on logs. It is a versatile and resilient species that adapts well to log cultivation methods. Shiitake mushrooms have a delicious, meaty flavor and are highly sought after in culinary preparations.
How long should mushroom logs be?
The length of mushroom logs typically ranges from 3 to 4 feet. This size allows for optimal colonization by mycelium and provides sufficient surface area for mushroom fruiting.
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