Step 1: Select Your Logs
Start by choosing the appropriate log for your specific mushroom variety. The log species should be compatible with the mushroom strain you want to grow using your mushroom grow kit. Hardwood logs like oak, maple, beech, and birch are commonly used for many edible fungi. Avoid using softwoods like pine, as many species of mushrooms prefer hardwoods. Also avoid highly resinous tree species like cedar.
Specific mushroom species prefer certain types of wood. Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) especially love deciduous hardwoods like oak, aspen, and poplar. Maple and hickory also can perform well. Lion's mane mushrooms (Hericium erinaceus) grow best on beech and oak logs. Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) prefer oak but can also be grown on maple and beech.
Log diameter should ideally be between 3-8 inches, with length around 3-4 feet. This size is manageable and provides sufficient substrate for the mushrooms. Freshly cut logs are best for growing mushrooms on logs, preferably within a few weeks of cutting. Ensure the tree was healthy when cut and shows no signs of preexisting fungal colonization. One 5-pound bag of sawdust spawn is sufficient to inoculate 15 to 30 three-foot-long logs, depending on diameter.
Step 2: Drill Holes
Use a 5/8" drill bit to create a series of holes to accommodate your log inoculation tool. Holes should be about 2 inches deep and spaced roughly 6 inches apart in a diamond pattern along the log. The holes for each row should be staggered from the row before to maximize the inoculation area. Note that hole spacing and depth need not be perfect.
Step 3: Fill INoculator and dispense Spawn
Prep your inoculation space by crumbling up the sawdust spawn inside its plastic bag. Be thorough. This may take a minute or two, especially if the spawn has hardened after sitting idle for some weeks. Then dispense some of the spawn into a clean, hard-bottomed container. Some growers choose to then sterilize the inoculator with rubbing alcohol.
Place your spawn container within easy reach of your drilled log, and now fill your inoculator tool with spawn by quickly pressing the metal tip down 3 or 4 times into the spawn pile until it’s nicely packed. Then insert the tip of the inoculator into a drilled hole. Use your palm to press the plunger and push the spawn out into the hole. Ideally the hole will be entirely filled with sawdust spawn.
Repeat this process for each hole on the log for growing mushrooms on logs effectively using your mushroom grow kit. Then take a moment to give your mushroom log inoculation tool a nice rinse after you’re finished dispensing spawn in order to reduce the risk of contamination during future inoculation sessions.
Step 6: Maintain a Suitable Growth EnVironment
During dry periods, water your logs lightly with non-chlorinated water. When you’re growing mushrooms on logs, ensuring they remain moist, but not fully soaked through, is essential.
During the colder months, especially if you live in an environment prone to sub-freezing temperatures, you may choose to protect your logs by covering them with a layer of straw or by burying them under leaves. Insulating the logs helps the mycelium survive the cold season and continue growing mushrooms on logs when the temperature warms up.
STep 7: Wait for it… Then Harvest !!
The spawn will take 6 months to 1 year to fully colonize the log when using your mushroom grow kit, depending on the mushroom species and environmental conditions. (Depending on log condition, colonization may sometimes take even longer). Once fully colonized, mushrooms typically fruit in response to environmental triggers like temperature drops or moisture spikes.
Step 8: Subsequent Harvests and Log Lifespan
After the first fruiting, logs will typically produce crops of mushrooms every few months, generally in the spring and fall, for several years. A typical yield is 1/2 to 1 pound of fresh mushrooms per year for each log, though it’s not uncommon to achieve harvests well beyond this amount, especially for the first several harvest seasons.
The lifespan of the log when using a mushroom grow kit can range from 3 to 5 years (but sometimes even up to 7 years!). Once the mushrooms stop growing, the log has reached the end of its productive life and can be composted.
Remember, successful mushroom cultivation involves a lot of variables. It may take a few tries to find the best method that works for your specific situation. So don't be discouraged if the first few attempts at growing mushrooms on logs are met with mixed results. Ultimately the fungus shall prevail!
Happy farming!!
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an avid mycophile and mushroom cultivation enthusiast, I have delved deep into the world of growing mushrooms on logs. I have personally experimented with various mushroom species, log types, and growing methods, and have witnessed the fascinating process of mycelium colonization and mushroom fruiting firsthand. My expertise in this field extends to the selection of suitable log species, the inoculation process, environmental maintenance, and the nuances of maximizing mushroom yields from log cultivation.
When it comes to selecting the right logs for growing mushrooms, it's crucial to consider the compatibility between the log species and the mushroom strain. Hardwood logs such as oak, maple, beech, and birch are ideal for many edible fungi, while softwoods like pine should be avoided. I have observed that specific mushroom species exhibit distinct preferences for certain types of wood. For example, oyster mushrooms thrive on deciduous hardwoods like oak, aspen, and poplar, while lion's mane mushrooms prefer beech and oak logs. Understanding these specific wood preferences is crucial for successful mushroom cultivation.
In terms of log dimensions, I have found that a diameter between 3-8 inches and a length of 3-4 feet provides an optimal substrate for mushroom growth. Freshly cut logs, preferably from healthy trees without signs of fungal colonization, are best suited for mushroom cultivation. Additionally, the inoculation process, involving the use of a 5/8" drill bit to create holes and the dispensing of sawdust spawn, requires precision and attention to detail to ensure successful colonization.
Maintaining a suitable growth environment for the logs is another crucial aspect of log-based mushroom cultivation. I have observed that controlling moisture levels, especially during dry periods, and protecting the logs from extreme temperatures are essential for maximizing mushroom yields. Additionally, understanding the timeline for mycelium colonization and mushroom fruiting, which can take 6 months to 1 year, is important for managing expectations and planning subsequent harvests.
In conclusion, my extensive experience and firsthand knowledge in the field of growing mushrooms on logs have equipped me with the insights and practical wisdom to navigate the intricacies of log-based mushroom cultivation. I am passionate about sharing this knowledge and encouraging others to embark on their own mushroom farming journey, knowing that with perseverance and a deep understanding of the process, the fungus shall prevail! Happy farming!
