Sarah Brown
When growing mushrooms from logs, sealing mushroom plug spawn with wax is vital for a successful mushroom harvest. The wax protects the plugs from drying out and keeps out pests. While waxing is not strictly necessary, it is cheap and easy to do. Natural food-grade waxes such as soy wax, beeswax, and paraffin wax are commonly used to seal mushroom logs.
Do you need wax mushroom plugs?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Control water content inside the logs, keep out bugs and birds, protect plug spawn inoculation sites, and prevent moisture loss |
| Wax Types | Food-grade wax, canning wax (paraffin wax), beeswax, soy wax, vegetable-derived waxes (Carnauba, Candelilla wax), cheese wax |
| Wax Application | Melt wax and apply with a paintbrush or dauber, or drip or apply with a foam brush, baster, or cotton dauber |
| Wax Temperature | Soy wax melts at 185F, cheese wax melts at 300F |
| No Waxing Alternative | Seal with tape, plastic, or an airtight object (not recommended) |
| Spacing | Drill rows with 6-inch spacing, offset the second row by 3-4 inches to form a diamond pattern |
| Sealing | Seal immediately after drilling and plugging to minimize log movement and save time |
| Log Types | Hardwoods such as aspen, birch, poplar, oak, and maple; avoid softwoods and fruit trees |
| Drill Bit Size | 8.5mm or 3/8″ drill bit with a 1 1/4 inch depth |
| Hole Depth | Deep enough to fully take in the plug without wasting sapwood |
| Inoculation | Pound dowels into holes with a hammer or mallet, then cover with wax |
| Log Placement | Shady spot, forest, small hole in the ground, or stack and cover with burlap |
| Moisture | Keep logs relatively moist with a sprinkler |
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What You'll Learn
Wax is important to control water content and keep out bugs
While waxing mushroom plugs is not strictly necessary, it is an easy and inexpensive way to control water content and keep out bugs.
Waxing helps seal in moisture, providing stable growing conditions for the mycelium and reducing the need for manual watering. It is particularly useful in areas with lots of hungry bugs, such as Florida. The mycelium is sweet-smelling, attracting all kinds of bugs and even birds that try to eat it. Waxing the plugs helps to keep these pests out.
There are a few ways to apply wax to mushroom plugs. One method is to use a paintbrush to dab melted wax over each plug, completely sealing it. This can be done using a small candle, portable propane cooker, or kitchen stove to melt the wax. Another method is to use plug wax, which is pliable at room temperature and can be pressed over each plug without the need for melting.
When waxing mushroom plugs, it is important to use food-grade wax and to be cautious of the potential flammability of hot wax. It is also important to keep logs off the ground to prevent bugs and termites from accessing them.
Overall, while waxing mushroom plugs is not required, it is a simple and cost-effective way to control water content and protect against pests.
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You don't need to wax if you use plug wax
Sealing mushroom plug spawn is essential for a successful mushroom harvest. The wax keeps everything out while giving the fungus a chance to establish itself. It helps control water content inside the logs and keeps out unwanted bugs and birds. Without sealing the cut faces of the logs, they will dry out, and the mushrooms won't thrive.
While waxing is important, it is not strictly necessary if you use plug wax. Plug wax is a type of food-grade wax that is pliable at room temperature, so you don't need to melt it. You can simply take a pinch of the wax and press it over each plug to protect the inoculation sites without the hazards of using hot wax. This method is much safer and easier than traditional waxing, which requires melting wax and using a paintbrush or dauber for application.
When using traditional waxing methods, you need to be cautious as wax can get extremely hot over an open flame. Additionally, it is time-consuming to melt the wax and apply it to each individual plug. With plug wax, you eliminate the need for these extra steps and potential safety hazards.
Overall, if you're looking for a quick, easy, and safe way to seal your mushroom plug spawn, plug wax is a great option. By eliminating the need for waxing, it streamlines the process and reduces the risk of accidents associated with handling hot wax.
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Sealing mushroom plug spawn is vital for a successful harvest
To ensure a successful harvest, it is essential to seal the mushroom plug spawn. The sealing process helps to retain moisture in the logs, which is crucial for the survival of the mycelium. Without proper sealing, the plug spawn will dry out, leading to the death of the mycelium. Additionally, sealing protects the mycelium from being exposed to contaminants and competing wild mushrooms.
Wax is commonly used to seal mushroom plug spawn. While some sources suggest that waxing is not strictly necessary, it is a cheap, easy, and effective way to control water content and keep out insects, birds, and other contaminants. Natural food-grade waxes such as soy wax, beeswax, or cheese wax are suitable for this purpose. Soy wax, in particular, is practical as it is cost-effective, quick to melt, and easy to work with.
To seal the plugs, melt the wax in a crockpot, an old pot, or a heat-resistant container placed in a pot of boiling water. Be cautious when melting the wax, as it can be flammable if overheated. Use a paintbrush to dab a small amount of melted wax over each plug, ensuring they are completely sealed. Keep in mind that the wax and paintbrush will be dedicated solely to this purpose and should not be used for cooking or anything else afterward.
Proper spacing and workflow are also important considerations when sealing mushroom plug spawn. It is recommended to drill rows with 6-inch spacing and offset the second row by 3-4 inches to create a diamond pattern. After drilling, plugging, and sealing two rows, turn the log and repeat the process for the next pair of rows. This method minimizes the need to move the heavy logs and saves time and energy.
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Types of wax: paraffin, beeswax, soy wax, vegetable-derived waxes
Sealing mushroom plug spawn with wax is essential for a successful mushroom harvest. The wax helps to retain moisture and prevent competing fungi from taking hold. While it is possible to use other materials such as tape or plastic, wax is the most effective method.
There are several types of wax available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here is an overview of some common types of wax:
Paraffin Wax
Paraffin wax is a byproduct of the petroleum, coal, or shale industry and is the most commonly used type of candle wax. It is inexpensive, holds fragrance and colour well, and is available in various melting points, making it versatile for different types of candles. However, it is not the most eco-friendly option and burns faster than some other types of wax.
Beeswax
Beeswax is one of the oldest forms of candle wax, dating back to the Tang Dynasty in China. It is produced by bees during the honey-making process and has a subtly sweet natural scent. Beeswax is harder and more solid than other waxes, making it ideal for crafting free-standing pillar candles. However, it is typically more expensive than other types of wax.
Soy Wax
Soy wax is made from soybeans and offers a middle ground in terms of performance. It has a slow, steady burn and is more eco-friendly than paraffin wax. However, there are some concerns about the soybean industry's impact on deforestation, fertilizers, and pesticides. Soy wax is also more difficult to work with and doesn't hold fragrance as well as paraffin wax.
Vegetable-Derived Waxes
In addition to soy wax, other vegetable-based waxes are available, such as palm wax. These waxes are often hydrogenated vegetable oils that have been developed for commercial use in the candle market. They offer a more eco-friendly alternative to paraffin wax while still providing a strong burn.
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How to apply wax: melt, use a brush, or pinch and press
While waxing is not necessary when using plugs to grow mushrooms, it is an inexpensive and simple way to control the water content inside the logs and keep pests away. If you decide to use wax, you can melt it using a small camp stove and a double boiler, and then apply it with a paintbrush or dauber.
Melting Wax
First, decide on the type of wax you want to use. If you are using canning wax (paraffin), add one teaspoon of mineral oil per pint (brick) of wax. You can melt the wax using a small camp stove and a double boiler to keep it hot.
Using a Brush
When using a wax brush, load up the tip of the brush with the wax. Then, cover the surface you want to treat in the same way you would paint with a paintbrush. For detailed areas, use a brush with a rounded tip. You can apply multiple coats as needed, but be sure to work quickly and not spend too much time on any one area.
Pinch and Press
If you are using orthodontic wax, start by moulding a pea-sized ball of wax. Pinch off a quarter-inch piece and roll it between your fingers for about five seconds to soften it. Then, gently press the wax onto the desired area. You can use your tongue or finger to rub the area and ensure the wax holds firm and covers completely.
Other Application Methods
Wax melts, for example, are applied by placing them in a wax burner or warmer. The heat from a tealight or electric burner will melt the wax, releasing its fragrance. You can also use gel wax melts, which can be peeled out of the burner at room temperature.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, wax is needed to protect the inoculation points from drying out before the mycelium gets a chance to grow.
Natural food-grade waxes such as soy wax, beeswax, carnauba wax, candelilla wax, and paraffin wax can be used to seal mushroom logs.
First, heat the wax until it is malleable enough to spread. Then, place a fair-sized glob of wax over the inoculation site. Alternatively, you can drip the wax over the plug or use a small foam brush, baster, or cotton dauber to apply it.
