Laura Smith
Shiitake mushroom plugs, also known as mushroom dowels or mycelium plugs, are small pieces of wood that have been inoculated with pure mushroom mycelium. When inserted into logs or stumps, they can grow shiitake mushrooms. Shiitake mushrooms are known for their culinary and health benefits, with a delicious, meaty flavor and high protein content. The plugs are easy to use and can be inserted into logs with a hammer. They are a great option for smaller log inoculation projects and those new to log growing. However, it is important to be patient, as it can take anywhere from four months to two years for the mushrooms to grow, depending on the mushroom and wood species.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ease of use | Easy to use, especially for beginners |
| Time to grow | 6 months to 2 years |
| Taste | Savory, umami, meaty flavor |
| Health benefits | High in protein, contains niacin, thiamine, and riboflavin |
| Storage | Can be stored in the fridge |
| Wood type | Thick-barked hardwoods like oak are best; other options include sweetgum, ash, chestnut, hornbeam, ironwood, hickory, alder, beech, birch, poplar, cottonwood, and willow |
| Number of plugs | Available in packs of 100, 200, 300, 500, and 1000 |
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What You'll Learn
Shiitake mushroom plugs are easy to use
The process of using shiitake mushroom plugs is straightforward. First, you need to drill holes into logs or stumps. The holes should be approximately 4 inches in diameter and 40 inches long. The logs should be made of thick-barked hardwoods like oak, although other types of wood can also be used. Once the holes are drilled, you simply tap the plugs into the holes with a hammer.
Shiitake mushroom plugs are inoculated with pure mushroom mycelium. This means that when inserted into a log or stump, they will grow into delicious shiitake mushrooms. It can take some time for the mushrooms to grow, and the timing depends on the mushroom and wood species. For example, shiitake mushrooms on white oak logs can take at least 12 months to grow, while oyster mushrooms on poplar logs may only take four to six months.
To increase the chances of success, it is important to follow the instructions carefully. For example, it is recommended to keep the logs hydrated and provide shade to promote growth. Additionally, it is important to note that the plugs should be kept refrigerated until ready to use. With patience and proper care, you can successfully grow your own shiitake mushrooms using these easy-to-use plugs.
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They can be stored in the fridge
Shiitake mushroom plugs are small pieces of wood that have been inoculated with pure mushroom mycelium. They can be inserted into logs or stumps to grow shiitake mushrooms. The plugs can be stored in the fridge until they are ready to be used. While some sources suggest that storing the plugs in the fridge will slow down the growth process, it is still a better option than storing them outside in subzero temperatures.
Shiitake mushroom plugs are available in various quantities, such as packs of 100 or 500. They can be purchased from specialty mushroom cultivation suppliers, and some companies offer organic and USDA-certified options. These plugs are often handmade from locally sourced, all-natural, organic, and non-GMO woods.
When using shiitake mushroom plugs, it is important to follow the instructions carefully for successful mushroom growth. The plugs are typically tapped into pre-drilled holes in logs or stumps using a hammer. The logs should be kept hydrated, and it may take up to a year for the initial fruiting to begin.
One customer who purchased shiitake mushroom plugs shared their experience, stating that they ordered 200 plugs and placed them in logs using a glue gun instead of hot wax. They stacked the logs outside and had to wait patiently for six to twelve months to see results. This customer also mentioned that checking the logs every other day is excessive and not productive.
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They are best for smaller projects
Shiitake mushroom plugs are perfect for smaller projects. They are easy to use and can be ordered in small quantities. For example, Fungaia Farm offers plug spawn in increments of 100, 300, and 1000 plugs. Field Forest also offers small kits that inoculate 5 logs with 250 plugs and tiny kits that inoculate 2 logs with 100 plugs.
Shiitake mushroom plugs are also a good option for those new to log growing. They are simple to use and require minimal tools. One user commented that all they needed to provide was a drill, logs, and labor. The process is straightforward: simply drill holes in logs, tap the plugs into the holes with a hammer, and wait for the mushrooms to grow.
Shiitake mushrooms are known for their versatility and can fruit on a wide variety of deciduous wood. They are particularly well-suited for thick-barked hardwoods like oak, but can also grow on other hardwoods such as sweetgum, ash, chestnut, hornbeam, ironwood, and hickory. This adaptability makes them a good choice for smaller projects, as you may not need to purchase specific types of wood.
In addition, shiitake mushrooms have a relatively long fruiting duration and can produce mushrooms for up to two years after inoculation. This means that even with a small number of logs, you can expect a decent yield of mushrooms over time.
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They are made from natural, organic wood
Shiitake mushroom plugs are small pieces of wood that have been inoculated with pure mushroom mycelium. They are made from natural, organic wood, and are available in different sizes, ranging from 50 to 500 plugs per bag. The plugs are typically made from locally sourced, all-natural, organic, and non-GMO woods from farms and forests in New England and North America.
Shiitake mushrooms are known for their culinary and medicinal uses, with a delicious, meaty flavor that makes them an excellent meat substitute. They have been prized for their health benefits in Japan and other parts of Asia for hundreds of years, and their popularity continues to grow worldwide. Shiitake mushrooms are a versatile variety with a firm texture and savory flavor. They are also highly nutritious, containing up to 20% protein, as well as niacin, thiamine, and riboflavin.
The plugs are designed to be inserted into logs or stumps, where they will provide a delicious surprise as they grow into mushrooms. Shiitake mushrooms favour thicker-barked hardwoods like oak, but they can also grow on other hardwoods such as sweetgum, ash, chestnut, hornbeam, ironwood, and hickory. They have even been known to fruit on poplar, cottonwood, and willow, although these types of wood tend to break down quickly.
Growing Shiitake mushrooms from plugs is a straightforward process that can be done by beginners. The plugs are tapped into drilled holes in the logs using a hammer. It is important to keep the logs hydrated for successful mushroom growth. The time it takes for the mushrooms to fruit varies depending on the mushroom and wood species, but it typically ranges from four months to two years. For example, Shiitake mushrooms on white oak can take at least 12 months to fruit, while Oyster mushrooms on poplar may only take four to six months.
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They can take 6-12 months to grow
Shiitake mushroom plugs can take 6-12 months to grow, depending on the mushroom and wood species. For example, it takes four to six months for an oyster mushroom to grow on poplar, whereas a shiitake mushroom will take at least 12 months to grow on white oak. The initial fruiting of shiitake mushrooms may take up to a year, and the most substantial fruiting can take 1-2 years from inoculation.
One user who started their logs in October 2021 found their first shiitakes in September 2022, with the biggest crop yet in late September 2023. Another user reported that their logs, stacked outside, would take 6-12 months to hopefully get results.
To accelerate the growth of your shiitake mushroom plugs, you can force your logs to fruit by soaking them for 24 hours. If the weather conditions are right for the species you are cultivating, they will fruit naturally on their own. However, if you continuously force fruit your logs, they will not last as long.
It is important to note that the growth time of shiitake mushroom plugs can vary depending on various factors, such as the type of wood, temperature, and humidity levels. Shiitake mushrooms prefer a fruiting temperature of 50-80°F and typically fruit in the spring and fall when humidity levels are higher.
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Frequently asked questions
Shiitake mushroom plugs (or mushroom dowels/mycelium plugs) are small pieces of wood that have been inoculated with pure mushroom mycelium. When inserted into a log or stump, they can grow shiitake mushrooms.
Shiitake mushroom plugs can take anywhere from four months to two years to work, depending on the mushroom and wood species. For example, shiitake mushrooms on white oak logs can take at least 12 months, while oyster mushrooms on poplar logs can take four to six months.
Shiitake mushrooms will fruit on a wide variety of deciduous wood, but they are primarily found on thicker-barked hardwoods like oak. Other suitable hardwoods include sweetgum, ash, chestnut, hornbeam, ironwood, and hickory.
First, you need to drill holes into logs or stumps. Then, you tap the mushroom plugs into the holes with a hammer. After that, you need to be patient and keep the logs hydrated. The ends of the logs will turn white with mycelium after a soaking rain, which is a sign that the spawn run is almost complete. At this point, you can force the logs to fruit by soaking them for 24 hours.
Shiitake mushroom plugs can be purchased from various online retailers, including North Spore, Sow True Seed, Fungi, and Fungaia Farm.
