Emily Johnson
Mushroom cultivation is a rewarding process, but it requires patience. The number of mushrooms yielded from 100 plugs depends on several factors, including the type of wood, species of mushroom, and environmental conditions. Generally, 100 plugs are enough to inoculate 3-4 logs, and each log can produce mushrooms several times a year for 3-5 years. The first harvest typically occurs a year after inoculation, and the yield per log can vary from season to season and year to year. Proper log selection is crucial, as logs from healthy, living trees without signs of decay or competing fungi will yield better results. Additionally, the growth rate and fruiting time vary depending on the mushroom species, with some producing mushrooms in the same year they are planted and others taking up to two years.
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What You'll Learn
100 plugs will inoculate 2-4 logs
Growing Mushrooms with Plug Spawn
Mushroom cultivation with plug spawn is a popular and effective method for growing mushrooms on logs. It is a simple process that only requires a drill and a hammer or mallet. The ideal log should be freshly cut from a hardwood tree, with all of its bark intact, and be 3–4 feet in length and 4–8 inches in diameter. Logs that are over six months old should be avoided as they may have other fungi living in them.
To inoculate the logs, you will need to drill a series of holes in a diamond or triangular pattern. The spacing of the holes depends on the desired speed of colonisation and the number of plugs available. A closer spacing will increase the rate of colonisation but will also increase costs. As a general rule, the diameter of the log should determine the number of rows of holes. For example, a 4-inch-diameter log will need 40–50 plugs, while a 6-inch-diameter log will need about 100 plugs. A 4-inch log will typically yield 2.5–4 pounds of mushrooms over its lifetime.
Once the holes have been drilled, insert a plug into each hole and gently tap it in with a hammer or mallet until it is flush with the surface of the log. Sealing the holes with wax is optional but recommended, as it helps to seal in the spawn and protect it from drying out or contamination. Place the inoculated logs in a shaded area and water them occasionally.
Depending on the species, it may take several months to a year for the mycelium to colonise the logs and begin fruiting. Logs generally start producing mushrooms 6 months to 1 year after inoculation and can continue to fruit once or twice a year for up to 5 years. The first fruiting can be initiated by "shocking" the logs, which involves submerging them in cool water for 24–48 hours to simulate the natural monsoon conditions of the mushroom's native habitat.
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Logs should be 4-6 inches in diameter
The best time to inoculate logs with mushroom plugs is in late winter, when logs have higher concentrations of sugar. Some species are more delicate and need to be inoculated after the last frost date in your local area. Logs cut during the winter should be inoculated in early spring. If you cut logs during the summer, inoculate within three weeks to ensure adequate moisture content. When inoculating logs in the summer, do so in the morning in a shady place.
To inoculate, drill 1 1/4-inch-deep holes into the log, spacing the holes about 6-8 inches apart within a row. Leave approximately 2-4 inches between the rows and offset the holes so that they form a hexagonal pattern. A 4-inch-diameter log will need 6 rows, a 5-inch-diameter log will need 7, and a 6-inch-diameter log will need 9 rows. A 4-inch log usually is given about 40-50 plugs. The more plugs per log, the faster the wood will be colonized with mushroom mycelium.
Seal the inoculation sites by dripping melted cheese wax onto each hole. Cheese wax is easy to work with and can be melted in a double boiler or a pan maintained at 300° F. An electric frying pan with a thermostat control works well for this. Wax can be applied with a brush, large dropper, turkey baster, syringe, or foam paintbrush.
Logs should be placed in a shaded area and kept moist. Elevating the logs from the surface, creating stacks, or leaning them against each other for support is best. Frequent and normal rainfall should keep them moist, but they may require additional watering during dry spells. If the logs receive no notable rain for two weeks, soak them overnight in a tub or bucket of water. Logs inoculated in early spring may produce mushrooms by fall, but it typically takes up to a year for mushrooms to mature.
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Logs should be 3-4 feet long
Logs play a crucial role in determining mushroom yield, and the ideal log length for mushroom cultivation is 3-4 feet. This length, coupled with a diameter of 4-6 inches, provides the optimal dimensions for mushroom growth. Oak logs are particularly well-suited for mushroom cultivation, but other tree species, such as poplar, aspen, sugar maple, willow, alder, and birch, can also be used effectively.
When selecting logs for mushroom cultivation, it is important to choose healthy, living trees without any signs of decay or existing mushroom growth. Dead trees may already harbour other competing fungi, which can hinder mushroom growth. Sapwood and cambium, found in living trees, are essential sources of nutrition for mushrooms, and logs with larger sapwood areas tend to be more productive. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that the logs are cut from healthy, living trees to maximise mushroom yields.
To prepare the logs for inoculation, it is recommended to cut them during the winter months for spring inoculation or after July 15 for mid-summer or fall inoculation. The best time of year to inoculate logs with mushroom plugs is in late winter, as logs have higher sugar concentrations during this period. However, it is important to inoculate before the last frost date in your local area, as some mushroom species are delicate and require specific conditions.
After drilling holes into the logs and inserting the plugs, it is crucial to seal the inoculation sites by covering them with melted cheese wax. This helps to retain moisture and protect the plugs. Proper moisture levels are essential for mushroom growth, and logs should be kept moist through frequent rainfall or manual watering during dry spells. Elevating the logs from the surface or leaning them against each other can help with moisture retention.
By following these steps and using logs with the recommended dimensions, each inoculated log can produce mushrooms for several seasons. The number of mushrooms yielded per log may vary, but with proper care, a well-maintained log can provide a bountiful harvest of mushrooms for years to come.
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Logs should be healthy and free of fungi
Logs play a crucial role in mushroom cultivation, serving as a growth medium for the fungi. To ensure successful mushroom growth, it is essential to select logs that are healthy and free of fungi. Here are some important considerations and guidelines:
Firstly, the type of log used is significant. While mushrooms can grow on most deciduous tree species, certain types of wood are more conducive to mushroom cultivation. Oaks and hard maples, for instance, are preferred by most mushroom species due to their high density and nutritional content, which promote a longer and more sustained fruiting period. In contrast, while poplars and other soft hardwoods may colonize faster and produce mushrooms sooner, they generally yield less and for a shorter duration. Therefore, matching the mushroom species to its preferred log type is crucial for optimal results.
Secondly, the condition of the logs is vital. Logs intended for mushroom cultivation should be freshly cut, healthy, and free from any signs of decay or existing fungi. Logs that exhibit fungal growth or rot are unsuitable for mushroom cultivation as they may already be inhabited by competing fungi, which could hinder the growth of the desired mushroom species. Additionally, logs with existing decay may lack the necessary nutrients and structural integrity to support healthy mushroom growth.
When sourcing logs, it is advisable to connect with local timber companies, loggers, millers, woodworkers, and cabinet makers. They may have freshly cut logs available or be able to direct you to suitable sources. Alternatively, keeping an eye out for tree service providers in your area can be helpful, as they often cut and provide fresh logs after storms.
Proper preparation of the logs is also essential. Logs should be cut to an appropriate size, typically around 2.5 feet in length, and drilled with holes to receive the mushroom plugs. The timing of inoculation is crucial, with late winter being ideal due to higher sugar concentrations in the logs. However, some species may require inoculation after the last frost date.
Lastly, proper care for the inoculated logs is necessary to ensure successful mushroom growth. Maintaining mild temperatures and high moisture levels will promote optimal yields and quality. During dry weather, regular sprinkling of water may be needed to prevent mushrooms from hardening and halting their growth. With proper maintenance, logs can continue to produce mushrooms for multiple seasons, making it a rewarding and exciting way to grow your own mushrooms.
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Inoculation is best in late winter or early spring
When it comes to cultivating mushrooms, timing is crucial, and inoculation in the latter part of winter or early spring is ideal for several reasons. This timing sets the stage for optimal mushroom growth and a bountiful harvest. Here's why late winter or early spring is the best time for inoculation:
- Temperature Advantage: During late winter and early spring, temperatures are typically cooler, which is favourable for mushroom cultivation. Many mushroom varieties thrive in cooler conditions, and these temperatures help slow the drying out of the growing medium, whether it's wood plugs or substrate bags. This timing ensures that the mycelium, the vegetative part of the fungus, has ample time to establish itself and colonize the growing medium before the warmer months arrive.
- Moisture Management: The
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Frequently asked questions
The number of mushrooms produced by 100 plugs will vary from log to log, season to season, and year to year. However, 100 plugs are estimated to be sufficient for inoculating 3-4 logs.
The number of mushrooms produced by each log will vary. However, inoculating just 10 logs can yield up to 25 pounds of fresh mushrooms per year.
Mushrooms typically take 9 months to a year to grow. However, this depends on the mushroom species and the time of inoculation. For example, Oyster mushrooms have a shorter incubation period, whereas Shiitake mushrooms may take up to two years to produce mushroom bodies.
To produce the highest yield and quality, maintain mild temperatures and keep the plugs moist. In dry weather, mushrooms can harden and stop growing unless they are given a daily sprinkling of water.
