Emma Wilson
Mushroom log cultivation is a style of farming that dates back about 2,000 years and is still a great low-tech way to grow mushrooms today. The best time of year to inoculate logs with mushroom plugs is in the late winter, when your logs have higher concentrations of sugar. If the logs are freshly cut, you do not need to soak them as there will be enough residual moisture in them to keep the fungi happy and start a fungal network within the wood. However, if the logs are old and dried out, they may need to be soaked to rehydrate them. It is also possible to soak the mushroom plugs in water for about 24 hours to allow them to soak up the right amount of moisture required for colonization.
Do you soak mushroom plugs before putting them into logs?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Soaking mushroom plugs | Soaking is done to hydrate the logs and allow for colonisation. However, it is not always necessary. If the logs are freshly cut, they will have enough residual moisture to support fungal growth without soaking. |
| When to soak | If the logs are old and dried out, soaking may be beneficial. Soaking is typically done after plugging and sealing the logs with wax. It is recommended to soak for 12-24 hours, but not longer to avoid potential contamination. |
| Alternative methods | Instead of soaking, logs can be floated in a lake or pond, or staked and soaked with a hose. Logs should be kept moist and shaded to support fungal growth. |
| Drill holes | Holes should be drilled approximately 4 inches apart and 1 1/4 inches deep. The diameter of the drill bit should match the size of the dowel for a tight fit. |
| Inoculation | Inoculation involves inserting mushroom plugs into the drilled holes. Suitable species include Oysters, Lion's Mane, Shiitake, and Reishi. |
| Sterilisation | While not necessary, sterilisation can be done using a pressure cooker or by boiling/soaking the dowels in hot water to prevent contamination. |
| Mushroom growth | Mushrooms typically take 6-12 months to colonise the logs and start fruiting. Oyster mushrooms may fruit within 4-6 months, while Shiitake can take at least 12 months. |
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What You'll Learn
The best time to soak logs is in the late winter
The best time to soak logs is in late winter, specifically in February and March. This is because logs soaked during this period have higher concentrations of sugar, which is essential for the growth of mycelium, the mushroom's "'root'" network. Additionally, certain mushroom species are more delicate and require inoculation after the final frost date in your region. For example, Oyster mushrooms, a great species to start with, can be planted in late winter and may start fruiting in the fall of the same year.
When preparing logs for mushroom plugs, it is important to ensure they are freshly cut and have not been left outside for more than a month. Logs should be cut and set up for about one to two weeks before drilling and plugging. Avoid using evergreen hardwoods (magnolia), evergreen conifers (fir, cedar, pine, etc.), walnut, black locust, and cherry. Logs that have been outside for extended periods may be colonized by native fungi, and bark damage can hinder mushroom growth due to water loss.
Once the logs are ready, use a drill bit to create holes about six to eight inches apart, forming a diamond pattern. Tap the mushroom plugs into the holes using a mallet or hammer, ensuring they are flush with the wood. Melt sealing wax in a crockpot or old pot and use it to seal the holes. Keep the logs in a shady, damp area sheltered from the wind, such as under a north-facing wall or a shady tree. Stack the logs so that air can circulate freely, and avoid placing them on the ground to prevent competing fungi from colonizing your logs.
After the plugs have been inoculated and the logs are fully colonized, which can take 7-12 months, it is time to initiate fruiting. Shock the logs by knocking one end sharply on the ground and soaking them in non-chlorinated water for 24 to 48 hours. Place the logs in a sheltered, shady spot, and cover them with plastic to increase humidity. With proper care, your logs will start fruiting within 1-3 weeks and can continue producing mushrooms for years.
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Soaking duration should be 12-24 hours
Soaking mushroom plugs is a simple process, but it requires attention to detail and a basic understanding of how mushrooms grow. The ideal soaking duration for mushroom plugs is 12 to 24 hours, and here's why:
First, it's important to understand the role of moisture in mushroom cultivation. Mushrooms require moisture to grow, and logs that are too dry may not support the growth of the desired fungi. By soaking the plugs in water for an adequate period, you can ensure they absorb the necessary amount of moisture. This process prepares the plugs to serve as a hospitable medium for the mushroom culture.
The recommended soaking duration of 12 to 24 hours strikes a balance between providing sufficient moisture and avoiding potential issues. Soaking for 24 hours ensures that the dowels are thoroughly hydrated and have absorbed enough water to support the colonization process. This duration is especially important if you are using hardwood dowels, as they need to absorb an adequate amount of moisture to compensate for their lower nutritional content.
However, it's crucial not to exceed the recommended soaking duration. Soaking the logs for too long can lead to over-hydration, which may create an unfavourable environment for the mushrooms. Additionally, extended soaking may increase the risk of contamination, as excessive moisture can provide a breeding ground for unwanted organisms. Therefore, sticking to the recommended soaking duration of 12 to 24 hours is essential for successful mushroom cultivation.
To achieve optimal results, it is advisable to follow a few additional steps. Before soaking, drill holes in the logs for the plugs, ensuring they are spaced appropriately apart and are deep enough to accommodate the plugs snugly. After soaking the logs, it is crucial to drain the excess water and seal the holes with wax to protect the plugs from pests and competing bacteria.
By adhering to the recommended soaking duration of 12 to 24 hours and following the necessary preparation and post-soaking steps, you can create the ideal conditions for mushroom cultivation and look forward to a bountiful harvest.
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Drill holes 4 apart and 1-1/4 deep
Growing mushrooms on logs is a simple and low-tech way to cultivate your own mushrooms outdoors. This method of cultivation mimics how mushrooms grow in the wild. To grow mushrooms, you will need to inoculate freshly cut logs with mushroom plugs. The best time of year to do this is in the late winter, when logs have higher concentrations of sugar.
Before you start drilling holes, you should cut your logs to a manageable length. Logs are typically cut to between 2 and 4 feet in length, but you should choose a size that suits your strength and abilities. Next, you will need to drill holes into the log at regular intervals. Drill your holes in a diamond pattern, spacing them about 4 to 6 inches apart. Drilling holes closer together will speed up colonisation. However, it is important not to drill your holes too close together, or you may increase the risk of attracting spores from competing fungi. The holes should be about 1 to 1-1/4 inches deep, or just deep enough to fully take in the plug. Make sure to clear the remaining sawdust and woodchips from the holes to make room for the plugs.
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Seal holes with wax to prevent bacteria
When growing mushrooms, it is essential to seal the holes with wax to prevent bacteria from entering and ruining your spawn. This process is known as inoculation, and it involves plugging holes in logs with mushroom mycelium to stimulate the growth of mushrooms. The best time to inoculate logs with mushroom plugs is in late winter when logs have higher concentrations of sugar.
To seal the holes with wax, you can use a high-quality, food-grade wax designed for sealing plug spawn inoculation sites. This wax can be safely applied with a brush or a turkey baster after melting it to a temperature of 145 °F. Remember to exercise caution when working with hot wax. An alternative to hot wax is plug wax, which is pliable at room temperature and can be pressed over each plug without the hazards of using hot wax.
If you are using freshly cut logs, you do not need to soak them before inoculating them with mushroom plugs, as they will have enough residual moisture to support the growth of the desired fungi. However, if you are using old and dried-out logs, soaking them may not be advisable as they may already be colonized by other fungi through cracks and checks in the wood.
To ensure the success of your mushroom cultivation, it is recommended to sterilize the plugs before inoculation. While this may not be necessary due to the lack of nutrition in the hardwood plugs, boiling or soaking them in hot water can help reduce the risk of contamination. If you have access to a pressure cooker, this would be the ideal method for sterilization.
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Soak logs in a lake or pond, or with a hose
If you're looking to soak your logs before inserting mushroom plugs, there are a few methods you can use. One approach is to take advantage of natural bodies of water like lakes or ponds and float your logs in them. This method has been used traditionally, and submerged logs can be resistant to rot and termites due to the anaerobic conditions underwater. However, be cautious as logs submerged in water can become food for organisms that thrive in such environments.
Another approach is to soak your logs with a hose by staking them in your yard and directing the hose towards them. This method allows you to control the moisture level of the logs more closely. To prevent the logs from drying out too quickly, you can wrap them in burlap. This technique is especially useful if you don't have access to a lake or pond.
It's important to note that the moisture content of the logs is crucial for successful mushroom growth. If you're using freshly cut logs, they already contain enough residual moisture to support fungal growth without the need for additional soaking. However, if your logs are old and dried out, soaking them may not be advisable as other fungi may have already colonized them through cracks and checks in the wood.
When preparing your logs for mushroom cultivation, it's recommended to drill holes approximately 4 inches apart, with a depth of about 1¼ inches to fully accommodate the mushroom plug. Clearing the remaining sawdust and woodchips from the holes ensures a snug fit for the plugs. Remember to use a drill bit that matches the size of your dowel for a tight fit.
Additionally, it's worth mentioning that the best time for log inoculation is during late winter when log sugar concentrations are higher. Oyster mushrooms and Shiitake are excellent species to start with, as they have shorter incubation periods and can produce mushrooms from spring to fall. By following these steps and choosing the soaking method that suits your resources and environment, you can create the ideal conditions for mushroom growth in your logs.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you soak the mushroom plugs after you have placed them into the logs. Soak the logs for 12-24 hours after plugging them with spawn. If the logs are less than 10 days old, soaking is not necessary.
Choose a healthy hardwood tree with a diameter of no more than 8 inches at the bottom. Drill holes all over the log, approximately 4 inches apart and 1 1/4 inches deep. The logs should be cut into 3-foot lengths and placed in a sheltered area, out of the sun and wind, to rest for 2 weeks.
The best time of year to inoculate logs with mushroom plugs is in late winter, when your logs have higher concentrations of sugar.
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