Can you grow shiitake mushrooms on logs?

Can you grow shiitake mushrooms on logs?

Unlike many mushrooms which grow on compost or manure-based potting media, shiitake mushrooms grow on logs. You’ll need to obtain or cut logs (“bolts”) about 3 to 6-inches across, and 3 to 4 feet long. For ease of handling, consider the 3-foot lengths for the thicker logs.

What kind of logs do shiitake mushrooms grow on?

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 do you grow mushrooms on oak logs?

The basic steps for growing mushrooms:

1. Obtain mushroom spawn (fungal tissue in a carrier medium, usually sawdust) and tools.
2. Harvest logs to inoculate.
3. Drill holes in logs.
4. Fill holes with mushroom spawn.
5. Seal the holes with wax.
6. Set logs in a place they will stay moist.
7. Wait for colonization of logs by spawn.

Can you grow mushrooms on old logs?

Logs used to grow mushrooms can vary in size. However, the larger a log is, the longer it will take for mycelium to colonize the entire length and begin producing mushrooms. Once a larger log is colonized, it will produce mushrooms for a longer time period though.

Where do you put shiitake mushroom logs?

Once the log has hydrated for 24 hours, choose a nice shady spot in your yard for your mushroom log. You can lean the log against a shady fence or tree. The end of the log should be elevated off the ground a few inches. Check the log for moisture content every few weeks to make sure it is not drying out.

How do you care for a shitake mushroom log?

Start by soaking your logs completely for 24 hours in cold non-chlorinated water. You can train a sprinkler on them or soak them in a tub or barrel. A five-gallon bucket works well for a 12” log. You shouldn’t use chlorinated water, but rain water or city water (such as in Minneapolis anyway) is good.

What edible mushrooms grow on oak trees?

Oyster mushrooms grow in forests around the world, including throughout North America. These mushrooms grow on dead or dying hardwood trees like beech and oak trees. They can sometimes be found growing on fallen branches and dead stumps (10).

How do you start shiitake mushrooms?

II. How to Grow Shiitake Mushrooms: STEP BY STEP GUIDE

1. Inoculate your shiitake logs in the warm months, ideally spring.
2. Order Your Shiitake Mushroom Plugs.
3. Cut hardwood tree sections or source just-cut hardwood logs.
4. Drill Holes In Your Shiitake Mushroom Logs.
5. Insert Your Shiitake Mushroom Plugs Into Logs.

How do I activate mushroom logs?

To initiate fruiting, shock the logs by knocking one end of the log sharply on hard ground and submerging the log in cold water for 24hrs. The water should be non-chlorinated. Please refer to steps 2 or 10 for options. Pins (beginning stages of a mushroom) should appear in 4 to 10 days after the soaking.

How do you start shiitake logs?

Shiitake logs will fruit naturally after a soaking rain when they are ready, but it’s better to induce fruiting by soaking two or three logs in cold water for 24 hours, and then giving each soaked log a solid knock with a hammer, which seems to excite the fungi.