Sarah Brown
Lion's Mane Mushrooms (Hericium erinaceus) are known for their cascading, icicle-like shape, and sweet, meaty crab-like flavor. They can be grown at home using logs, sawdust, buckets, bags, or containers. If you're looking to grow Lion's Mane Mushrooms using plugs, it's important to understand the process and the ideal spacing for the plugs. Plugs are small pieces of wood inoculated with pure mushroom mycelium, which, when inserted into logs or stumps, can yield a delicious harvest of mushrooms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Drill hole depth | 1 and 1/4 inches |
| Distance between holes | 6-8 inches |
| Distance between rows | 3-4 inches |
| Wood species | White Oak, Red Oak, Sweetgum, Ironwood, Maple, Tulip Poplar, River Birch, Cherry, Black Gum, Honey Locust, Chestnut, Birch, Willow, Elm, Black Walnut |
| Wood species to avoid | Black Locust, Apple, Cedar, Osage Orange, Redwood, Cypress, Fruit Trees, Conifers |
| Soaking time for logs | 12-24 hours |
| Harvest time | 3-4 weeks |
| Yield | 3 harvests |
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What You'll Learn
Drill holes 1 and 1/4 inches deep, 8 inches apart, in rows 4 inches apart
Lion's mane mushrooms (Hericium erinaceus) are unlike any other mushroom, with their cascading, icicle-like shape. They can be grown at home using logs or sawdust, but they are not the easiest mushroom to cultivate. They are not too difficult, however, and with patience, you can have a steady, reliable harvest for years.
When it comes to drilling holes for your lion's mane mushroom plugs, there is a specific method to follow. Firstly, drill holes that are one and a quarter inches deep. These holes should be eight inches apart and in rows that are four inches apart. It is important to alternate the starting point of the holes from the top of the log. This means that you will start drilling from opposite ends of the log for each new row. For example, if you start drilling from the left on the first row, start from the right on the second row, and so on.
The spacing of the holes is important to ensure that the lion's mane mushrooms have enough room to grow and develop. The holes should be spaced far enough apart to allow for the growth of the mycelium and the formation of the mushrooms. By alternating the starting point of the holes, you can also help to prevent contamination and ensure that the mushrooms have the space they need to thrive.
Once you have drilled the holes, you can start placing the lion's mane plugs or spores. It is recommended to complete one log at a time to further reduce the risk of contamination. Use a mallet or hammer to gently tap the spawn plugs into the holes until they are flush with the wood surface. Then, use a paintbrush or baster to apply wax over the plugs and holes, sealing them in place.
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Alternate the starting point of the holes from the top of the log
When planting lion's mane mushroom plugs, it is important to consider the spacing and arrangement of the holes drilled into the log. Alternating the starting point of the holes from the top of the log is a recommended technique to optimize the spacing and promote healthy mushroom growth. Here's a step-by-step guide with detailed instructions:
It is best to alternate the starting points of the holes by beginning at opposite ends of the log for each row. Start drilling holes from one end of the log for the first row, and then initiate the next row from the opposite end. This staggered pattern ensures that the mycelium has ample space to spread and grow without being overcrowded.
The distance between the holes and their starting points is crucial. Generally, it is advised to maintain a distance of 5 to 6 inches (12-15 cm) between each hole. Mark the starting points accordingly, ensuring that they are not placed too close to the edges of the log to prevent any potential breakage.
As you drill the holes, maintain a consistent depth and diameter according to the size of your mushroom plugs. Typically, holes are drilled at a depth that is slightly greater than the length of the plugs, allowing for secure insertion. A common hole diameter is around 5/16 of an inch (8 mm), but this may vary depending on the size of your plugs.
After drilling the first row of holes, move to the opposite end of the log and begin drilling the second row. Ensure that the holes in the second row are aligned between the holes in the first row, creating a zigzag pattern. This arrangement provides optimal spacing for the mycelium to spread and encourages uniform mushroom growth across the log.
Once you have completed drilling the holes, gently hammer the mushroom plugs into the holes. The plugs should fit snugly, ensuring good contact with the wood to facilitate mycelial growth. Be careful not to hammer too forcefully to avoid damaging the plugs.
By alternating the starting points of the holes and maintaining proper spacing, you can create an ideal environment for the lion's mane mushrooms to flourish. This technique allows the mycelium to spread effectively, resulting in a healthy crop of mushrooms. Remember to follow other important steps in the cultivation process, such as sterilizing tools and maintaining proper moisture levels in the logs.
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Tap spawn plugs into the holes, flush with the wood surface
Lion's mane mushrooms are unlike anything else in the mushroom world, with their cascading, icicle-like shape. They have a sweet, meaty crab-like flavour and are a nutritious medicinal mushroom. They can be grown in sawdust or on hardwood logs. The best varieties are oak, maple, and birch, although they will also grow on black walnut, tulip, poplar, and willow.
Once you have selected the right type of wood, you need to drill holes about 8 inches apart and in rows 4 inches apart. The holes should be about 1 and 1/4 inches deep. After you have drilled the holes, it's time to start placing the spawn plugs. Tap the spawn plugs into the holes using a mallet or hammer. The plugs should be flush with the wood surface, with some space left for sealing the holes.
To seal the holes, melt some wax in a crockpot or old pot and use a paintbrush to dab a small amount of wax over each plug, completely sealing it. You can also use mud if you don't have any wax. Cover at least one cut end of the log to prevent moisture loss.
After inoculating, your logs are ready to be stacked in a shady, moist location. You can stack them crib-style or lean them against a wood pole at a 45-degree angle. If you are having trouble maintaining moisture levels, try partially burying the logs vertically.
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Seal the plugs with wax
Sealing mushroom plugs with wax is an important step in the cultivation process, as it helps protect the mycelium from insects, diseases, and dehydration. Here is a step-by-step guide to sealing lion's mane mushroom plugs with wax:
Prepare the Wax
First, make sure you have the right type of wax. Cheese wax or wax made specifically for mushrooms is recommended. Regular candle wax is not suitable because it is not sterile. You will need approximately one pound of sealing wax for every 10 to 20 logs, depending on the number of plugs per log and how generously you apply the wax. Melt the wax in a double boiler, ensuring that the temperature stays below 212°F.
Apply the Wax
Once your logs are drilled and plugged, use a small paintbrush or turkey baster to apply the melted wax over the plugs and holes. Make sure to cover both the plug and the surrounding wood surface. This will create a protective seal that prevents contamination and moisture loss.
Soak the Logs
After waxing, soak your logs in water for 12 to 24 hours. This step helps to hydrate the logs and promote the growth of the lion's mane mushrooms. Do not soak the logs for longer than 24 hours, as excessive soaking can negatively affect the growth process.
Store the Logs
Once the inoculation process is complete, find a shady, moist location to store your logs. You can stack them crib-style or lean them against a wood pole at a 45-degree angle. If moisture is an issue, try partially burying the logs vertically to help maintain the necessary humidity levels.
Care and Maintenance
Lion's mane mushrooms prefer a shaded environment with good air circulation. Avoid direct contact between the logs and the ground, as this can attract insects and increase the risk of contamination. During hot weather, occasionally pour water over the logs to prevent them from drying out. With proper care, your logs can produce mushrooms for up to 6 years.
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Soak the logs for 12 to 24 hours
To grow Lion's Mane mushrooms, you'll need to soak the logs for 12 to 24 hours after plugging them with spawn. This process involves drilling holes in the logs, inserting the spawn plugs, and then submerging the logs in water for the specified time frame. Lion's Mane mushrooms (Hericium erinaceus) are known for their cascading, icicle-like shape and delicious flavour, resembling crab meat. They are a nutritious and medicinal variety of mushrooms that can be grown by intermediate growers.
- Prepare the logs: Select suitable wood species such as White Oak, Red Oak, Maple, or Birch. Drill holes in the logs about one and a quarter inches deep, spacing them 6 to 8 inches apart. Make sure to alternate the starting point of the holes.
- Plug the holes: After drilling the holes, it's time to insert the spawn plugs. Use a mallet or hammer to gently tap the plugs into the holes until they are flush with the wood surface. You can complete one log at a time to minimise the risk of contamination.
- Seal the plugs: Once the plugs are in place, use wax to seal them. A paintbrush or baster can be useful for applying the wax over the plugs and holes. This step ensures that the plugs are securely held in place and creates a barrier against contaminants.
- Soaking process: Now, you're ready for the soaking process. Submerge the plugged logs in water for 12 to 24 hours. It's important not to exceed this timeframe, as excessive soaking may negatively impact the growth process.
- Stacking the logs: After soaking, remove the logs from the water and allow any excess water to drip off. Find a shady and moist location to stack the logs. You can stack them crib-style or lean them against a wood pole at a 45-degree angle. Maintaining moisture is crucial for successful mushroom growth.
By following these steps, you'll create the optimal conditions for your Lion's Mane mushroom plugs to thrive. Remember to be patient, as colonisation can take 12-24 months, and you'll be rewarded with a delicious and abundant harvest.
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Frequently asked questions
Drill holes 8 inches apart and in rows that are 4 inches apart. Drill the holes 1 and 1/4 inches deep and alternate the starting point of the holes from the top of the log.
The rows of holes should be 3 to 4 inches apart along the girth of each log. For example, a 4-inch diameter log will have three rows of holes, with each hole in the line 6 inches apart.
Lion's Mane mushrooms grow on hardwood logs. The best varieties are oak, maple, and birch. Maple is the preferred wood, but they can also grow on black walnut, tulip, poplar, and willow.
