how do you grow shiitake mushrooms on logs

How To Grow Shiitake Mushrooms on Logs:

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What are the best tips for growing shiitake mushrooms?

• Soak shiitake in water for 30 minutes and drain excess water
• Slice your mushrooms into strips
• Heat your cast iron on medium-high and when hot, add your oil coating the bottom. ...
• Turn heat down to medium and add your garlic, add 2 tbsp of olive oil
• Add in the flour and whisk. ...

How to grow your own shiitake mushrooms?

How to Plant Shiitake Mushrooms

• Choose a Location. Your outdoor location should be almost completely shaded, protected from the wind, and fairly humid.
• Choose Your Logs. ...
• Order Your "Plugs" Loose shiitake inoculant is made up of sawdust and the stringy, fungal threads called "hyphae". ...
• Inoculate the Log. ...
• Wax. ...

When to inoculate shiitake logs?

Shiitake can be inoculated into logs at any time of the year, but the most effective times appear to be in the fall when the leaves are starting to drop (mid-October to mid-November)

How to grow oyster mushrooms on logs instructions?

• Light: Oyster mushrooms need light to grow, but do not expose your kit to direct sunlight. A normal level of indoor light is sufficient.
• Water: The log already contains enough water, so do not water it. ...
• When your mushrooms are growing and the humidity tent is blocking their the way, you may just remove the tent, and spray the mushrooms directly.

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What are the best logs for growing shiitake mushrooms?

Oak logs, especially those in the white oak group, are preferred species. They decompose slowly, providing several years of food for the shiitakes–thus offering a longer harvest period.

How long do shiitake logs produce?

3-4 yearEach log will produce shiitake mushrooms up to 3 times per year for a 3-4 year period if handled properly. Keep in mind that the first year's harvest is usually of lower yields, but will increase in subsequent years as the shiitake mycelium grow and becomes more established within the log.

Can you grow shiitake mushrooms on ash logs?

About logs: Growing shiitake mushrooms is typically done on oak logs (the word “shiitake,” in fact, means mushroom of the oak (1)). If you cannot source fresh oak logs, other hardwoods like alder, ash, aspen, birch, beech, hickory, hop hornbeam, maple, and poplar can also be used.

Do shiitake mushrooms grow on wood?

Shiitake mushrooms are traditionally grown outdoors on seasoned hardwood logs — preferably oak, although maple, birch, poplar, aspen, beech, and other species have also been used successfully.

Do you need to water mushroom logs?

It's advisable to mist or water the logs 1–2 times daily until you start to see mushroom primordia (baby mushrooms) emerge from the logs. This will usually take 7–10 days depending on the temperature and humidity.

What do you do with mushroom logs in the winter?

With temperatures generally below freezing, it's about time to shelter your mushroom log kit a bit more for the winter. I'd recommend putting your log in an unheated garage or shed, since that will protect it from freezing winds. It's those sub-zero winds that can be damaging to them.

How long do you soak shiitake logs?

How to Force Fruiting and What to Look For:Soak log in water for 24 hours, but not past 48 hours. Soak Logs in Water for 24 hours.Place log in the shade with high humidity and scout regularly for mushroom primordia. ... Approximately 12 days after soaking the logs should be ready for harvest.

How do you start a mushroom log?

When you first get your mushroom log, simply soak it overnight submerged in cold water, then decide where you want it to grow. Your mushroom log can be grow inside or outside. Your mushroom is alive and living INSIDE your log. All you need do is give your LOG a place to live in the shade, and keep it watered.

What type of log is best for growing mushrooms?

Oaks and hard maples are the preferred wood-types for most mushroom species because they're very dense and offer plenty of nutrition for a longer, sustained fruiting period. Poplars and other soft hardwoods will colonize faster and produce mushrooms sooner but generally don't yield as much or produce for as many years.

How do you inoculate shiitake logs?

0:317:17How to Inoculate Shiitake Mushroom Logs - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo to inoculate shiitake logs you want to do this as efficiently as possible and the best way is toMoreSo to inoculate shiitake logs you want to do this as efficiently as possible and the best way is to have three separate stations for each of the steps in the process.

How long does it take to grow shiitake?

between 6-12 monthsMushrooms should appear sometime between 6-12 months after inoculation, usually after a day of rain in the spring, summer or fall. While it takes some time accompanied by patience to grow your own shiitake, in the end, the logs will continue to produce for up to 8 years!

How long should mushroom logs be?

Fungus must colonize wood before winter sets in. Logs should be 4”- 6” diameter and 30 - 40” long. (even Sweet Gum) are good for most shroom varieties. Soak new logs for about 24 hours prior to drilling holes and plugging.

How long do mushroom logs last?

Your log will produce for approximately one year for each inch of log diameter. A 4" diameter log will likely flush for about four years. The larger your log the longer it takes for the mycelium mat to form, but the longer it lives, and the more mushrooms it will produce.

How old can mushroom logs be?

With careful management, each log should produce around 2 pounds of mushrooms over its lifetime, but uncontrollable factors such as wind, temperature and humidity will effect yields. Expect mushrooms within one year, total productive life of log can be 4-6 years.

How long should mushroom logs be?

Fungus must colonize wood before winter sets in. Logs should be 4”- 6” diameter and 30 - 40” long. (even Sweet Gum) are good for most shroom varieties. Soak new logs for about 24 hours prior to drilling holes and plugging.

How much does a mushroom log produce?

with proper management, each log should average 2 pounds of mushrooms a year (three fruiting cycles) for a total of 6 pounds over the life of the log.

What happens when you inoculate a log?

When you inoculate a log, you are putting the mycelium you chose into the tree that you want the mushrooms to grow from. It’s much like planting a seed. The mycelium then colonizes the log. Your log should be dry on the outside, and be free of dirt.

How many logs can a bag of sawdust spawn?

A general rule of thumb is that a bag of 100 plugs will inoculate about 10 linear feet or 3 logs about 3 feet long, and one bag of sawdust spawn can inoculate around a 100 linear feet or 30-40 logs.

What is the most widely cultivated mushroom?

Shiitake mushrooms are one of the most widely cultivated mushrooms around the world surpassed only by the white button mushroom. They have been cultivated and enjoyed all around the globe for over a thousand years! That’s pretty impressive. Log Cabin Style Stack.

How long should I soak shiitake mushrooms?

Soak shiitake in water for 30 minutes and drain excess water. Slice your mushrooms into strips. Heat your cast iron on medium-high and when hot, add your oil coating the bottom. Add the mushrooms,onions and rosemary until they are browned and onions are beginning to soften. I remove the shiitakes at this time.

How long can sawdust be stored in the refrigerator?

Store plugs and sawdust spawn for up to 6 months in the refrigerator. Remove them from the refrigerator the day before you plan on using them.

How long do you need to cut down a tree to grow mushrooms?

Logs – Cut your logs from a living tree and use them within 6 weeks of cutting the tree down. This is going to give the mushrooms you want a better chance of inoculating the log before any environmental mycelium gets to it. Look for trees around 4-8” in diameter and cut them into logs approximately 3-4 feet long.

What tool do you need to spawn a log?

Inoculation Tool – Inoculation tools are not necessary by any means, but do make life easier if you are doing a large amount of logs. You can also use a wooden dowel and a funnel to get the spawn into the holes, just make sure you get the spawn nice and snug in there.

How long does it take for Shiitake mushrooms to grow?

Mushrooms develop 5-14 days after soaking depending on the temperature. The use of fruiting blankets or garden row covers to protect the crop is recommended.

How to inoculate Shiitake logs?

1. Cut the logs (3-8˝diameter x 36-40˝ length) Healthy, living trees should be cut during the dormant season and rested a minimum of 2 weeks prior to inoculating . This allows time for the tree's defense system to die back.

How long do Shiitake mushrooms last on logs?

Shiitake on Logs. Shiitake mushrooms grown on logs can be highly productive. Good quality logs can fruit for up to 8 years. Inoculating logs is simple and straightforward. Maintaining and managing logs is a matter of moisture management and patience. Before you begin, please be sure you have good quality logs to make the best possible Shiitake ...

How to spawn sawdust?

Sawdust spawn: Break apart the spawn and inject it into each of the holes, typically with the use of an inoculation tool.

What to label Shiitake logs with?

Labeling logs with strain and date inoculated can be very helpful - especially as you continue to build up Shiitake log inventory. We use aluminum tags or other labels stapled into the ends of the logs.

What is the best wax to use for sawdust spawn?

Plug wax is an easy alternative to melting cheese wax and is easily applied using your finger as if you're applying lip balm over the end of the plug and hole opening. Hot wax is faster to apply and works better with sawdust spawn. Consider using wax daubers or the Okuda wax applicator.

How to pick mushrooms off a log?

Monitor your logs as they fruit. Mushroom development can happen very quickly and it is best to pick them when the edges of the cap are still curled under. Over mature mushrooms do not store as long. Simply grab the mushroom, twist, and pull it off the log.

What is the easiest way to inoculate a mushroom log?

Inoculate Your Logs. Inoculation is the process of introducing the mushroom spawn to the growing medium. For beginning mushroom-growers, plug spawn is the easiest way to inoculate a mushroom log. Plug spawn consists of wooden dowels that have already been inoculated.

What is shiitake mushroom?

Mushrooms are nutritious and versatile food. While there are many varieties of mushrooms, shiitakes are especially well known, both for their health benefits and their distinct flavor. What many don’t know about shiitakes is how easy they are to grow. Growing shiitake mushrooms on logs take minimal work and a small investment, ...

How long do Shiitake logs need to be incubated?

Your shiitake logs need to incubate for 6-12 months before they can start fruiting. Over the course of those months the logs will need regular watering, unless the temperature is below freezing. At least an inch of rain or supplemental water is ideal, though more water is advisable when the weather is extremely hot. In moist climates, you’ll need to provide 10 minutes of watering per week when there hasn’t been a strong rain. In dry climates, you’ll need to double or triple this. For your convenience, consider how easily you can reach your logs with a hose when you choose where to store them.

How to inoculate a log?

To inoculate your logs with plug spawn, use a 5/16 drill bit with a stop collar set to make inch deep holes. For sawdust spawn, use a 3/8 inch drill bit and set the depth to 1 ¼ inch. Starting 2 inches from the top of your log, drill holes every 8 to 10 inches, stopping when 2 inches remain. Start your second row 2 inches from the first and stagger your next set of holes to create a diamond pattern. Do this all the way around the log, then tap the plugs in with a mallet, or pack in sawdust with an inoculator tool.

How to keep moisture in a hole?

To help retain moisture, you can plug the holes you made with food-safe wax such as beeswax, cheese wax, or specialty mushroom wax. Melt the wax in an old pot or bowl and spread it over hole openings with a paint brush or daubers brush.

How long do you need to leave shiitake mushrooms out in the sun?

Pro-Tip: You can increase the Vitamin D content of your shiitake mushrooms immediately after harvesting them if you lay them out in the sun, caps down, for 24 to 48 hours.

How to keep shiitake logs out of the sun?

In addition to natural shade, a breathable fabric cover is a useful tool to keep a stack of shiitake logs out of the sun while still allowing water to filter through. Do not use a plastic tarp or any other water-repellent material for this, or your logs may grow mold that could kill or infect your shiitakes.

Why Grow Shiitake Mushrooms?

Shiitake mushrooms contain compounds that support heart health, boost your immune system, and may even be able to help fight cancer and tumors.

How big should shiitake logs be?

Logs for inoculating with shiitake should ideally be about 3 to 6 inches (7.6- 15.2 cm) in diameter and about 3 to 4 feet ( 91-122 cm) long.

How long do Shiitake mushrooms last?

If you grow them on logs, they can provide you with fresh mushrooms every 5 weeks for 4 to 6 years!

Why are Shiitake mushrooms so hard to grow?

Shiitake mushrooms are a bit more difficult to grow since their mycelium is not as aggressive, and requires a longer incubation time. But the extra work can be well worth it.

What is a substrate for mushrooms?

A substrate is the growing medium where your mushrooms will first establish themselves as mycelium and use it as a food source to produce their fruiting bodies (aka the mushrooms we eat .)

What size drill bit do you need for sawdust spawn?

Usually for sawdust spawn a 12 mm drill bit is used, and for plug spawn a 12 mm drill bit is used. Your spawn supplier can confirm the drill bit size you should use if you’re not sure.

Why do you start Shiitake in bags?

It’s best to start your shiitake substrate in bags to prevent contamination and maintain the correct level of moisture.

What kind of logs do Shiitake mushrooms grow on?

Shiitake mushrooms grow on hardwood logs. Shiitakes prefer oak, alder, birch, poplar, and maple. If you need to remove, or thin, trees of one of these types then that will be the best source for your logs. Otherwise, you may need to talk to an arborist, or a local authority who deals with wild-harvesting trees for a permit to cut your own in the open forest. Trees must be living and free of fungal infections that might interfere with the shiitake spawn taking over the logs.

How long do shiitake mushrooms last?

Innoculate the logs in an afternoon and you’ll be harvesting shiitake mushrooms spring and fall for several years. Most mushroom logs will survive for 4-6 years, with full mushroom production beginning the spring after inoculation.

How many dowel plugs are there in Shiitake?

500 spawned dowel plugs of your chosen shiitake strain

How long should I cut down Shiitake mushrooms?

Shiitake mushrooms like alder, birch, oak, ash, beech, poplar, and maple. Logs should be cut down fresh, about two weeks before you plan to inoculate. The two week delay gives the logs time to lose their natural anti-fungal properties, but isn’t so long that airborne fungi can begin colonizing the log.

How to store Shiitake logs?

Store the logs off the ground in a stack, in a shaded area. Support the stack with waste logs so that your shiitake logs do not touch the ground. You don’t want the logs to dry out, and you don’t want ground fungi to try to sneak in to compete with your shiitakes.

Why keep logs off the ground?

Keep logs off the ground to prevent other fungi from competing with your shiitake fungi mycelium.

What is Shiitake mushroom?

Shiitake mushrooms are a strongly flavored mushroom, traditionally used in Asian cuisine and medicine. Shiitake can be cooked and eaten fresh, or dried and stored for later use in soups, broth, and other culinary and medicinal uses.

How much rain do shiitake mushrooms need?

A low stack in a shaded area that you can reach with a hose is ideal. Like newly planted fruit trees, shiitake mushroom logs require about an inch of rain on average per week and should be supplemented with a hose during dry periods.

What is a plug spawn?

Plug spawn is small dowels that have been inoculated with shiitake mycelium. Sawdust spawn is generally cheaper, but it’s a bit trickier to work with. A special inoculation tool is used to pack the sawdust into holes drilled in your mushroom logs. A bag of 1000 shiitake mushroom plugs.

How long do Shiitake mushrooms last?

If you cut your mushroom logs too large, you’ll pay for it with a sore back over the roughly 8-year lifespan of each shiitake log. Be careful to select logs with fully intact bark.

What is shiitake mushroom spawn?

Mushroom spawn is some type of substrate that has been colonized by mushroom mycelium. Generally, shiitake mushroom spawn is purchased as either plug spawn or sawdust spawn. I’d recommend starting with plug spawn . It’s very easy to work use and requires few special tools.

What is the best mushroom to grow on oak logs?

Growing Shiitake Mushrooms. Shiitakes produce best on oak logs, and their name actually means “mushroom of the oak.”. Our swampy land doesn’t have any native oak trees, and we’re currently cultivating shiitakes on sugar maple thinned from our sugarbush.

How big should shiitake trees be?

For ease of handling, it’s best to choose relatively small trees, between 4 and 6 inches in diameter.

What is the best wax for mushroom logs?

Good choices are cheese wax, beeswax or specialty refined mushroom waxes that are sold by mushroom supply companies. This kit comes with both shiitake mushroom plugs and mushroom wax, as well as daubers to apply the wax and tags to label the logs. It’s a good “all in one” place to start.

How long does it take for shiitake mushrooms to grow?

Unlike truffles that take 5-7 years to get started, or like underground grown mushrooms that need perfect darkness and dankness to grow, you just need about a year of patience and some partial shade to be able to grow shiitake on logs.

What are the different types of sawdust and plug spawn?

Both sawdust and plug spawn come in three different categories: wide-ranging (also referred to as “WR”), cold weather, and hot weather. These categories refer to the temperatures at which the logs are likely to “fruit.”.

How long should I wait to cut shiitake logs?

The logs should be cut no more than 6-8 weeks before you inoculate them to cut down the risk of competitor fungi occupying your shiitake logs. They should also be aged at least two weeks after cutting to allow the terpenes that prevent fungi from growing in healthy trees to dry out.

How to drill holes in logs?

For best results, you want to use a diamond pattern when making your holes. Start a couple of inches from one end of the log and drill holes down the length of the long about every 4 inches. Stop a couple of inches from the other end. Note: You don’t want to drill right on the ends of the logs because those areas tend to dry out too fast.

What is the easiest spawn to use?

Wide-ranging is probably the easiest spawn for beginners to use. Similar to the way you can get different varieties of tomatoes like “Big Boy,” “Brandywine” and “Cherokee Purple,” you can also get different varieties of spawn. Some sellers have what they call “proprietary strains” of shiitake. Others offer a whole bunch of different strains.

How far down do you drill holes in a log?

Start your next row about 2 inches down from your first row. Again, drill your holes about 4 inches apart. Then, move down the next row until you have made it all the way around your log.

What wood do you need to spawn Shiitake?

When you buy your spawn, the retailer should suggest the best types of wood to use for the strains you buy. For most strains though, red oak is my favorite for shiitake.