Emily Johnson
Mushroom cultivation is a time-consuming process that requires patience. Mushroom plug spawn log cultivation is a method that uses hardwood dowels laced with mushroom mycelium, which are then plugged into freshly-cut logs or stumps to create a fruiting mushroom colony. The timing of mushroom production depends on temperature and rainfall, and the best time to initiate the process is in the late winter or early spring. After inoculation, it takes about a year for the mushrooms to mature, and they can continue to produce for 3-5 years. The yield varies depending on the log, season, and year, but on average, each log typically produces 2.5-4 pounds of mushrooms over its lifetime.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken to produce mushrooms | It takes 9 months to a year for mushroom logs to produce mushrooms. |
| Number of mushrooms produced | A log usually produces 2.5-4 lbs over its lifetime. |
| Number of plugs required | 100 plugs are required to inoculate 3-4 logs. |
| Time between cutting logs and inoculation | Logs should be inoculated within 3 weeks of being cut in the summer. |
| Mushroom species | Oyster and Shiitake are good species to start with. |
| Yield per pod | RyzaPods yield approximately 30 grams of dried mushrooms per pod. |
| Yield per bag | Grow bags typically yield 10-15 grams of dried mushrooms per pound of substrate. |
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What You'll Learn
Spawn production
The process of spawn production begins with selecting a high-quality mushroom strain, which is typically isolated from spores or tissue culture. This strain is then cultivated in a nutrient-rich medium, such as potato dextrose agar (PDA), to create the "mother culture," which serves as the mycelium source for further propagation.
The next step is preparing the substrate, which can be grains like wheat, millet, or sorghum, or materials like sawdust, depending on the mushroom type. This substrate is sterilised to eliminate contaminants and then cooled before inoculation. The mother culture is introduced to the substrate in a sterile environment, allowing the mycelium to colonise it.
The inoculated substrate is then incubated in controlled conditions of temperature and humidity. Over a period of a few weeks, the mycelium spreads throughout the substrate, resulting in fully developed spawn ready for mushroom cultivation. Maintaining sterility throughout this process is crucial to ensuring high-quality, contamination-free spawn.
There are different types of spawn, including plug spawn, sawdust spawn, and grain spawn. Plug spawn, often sold in garden centres, involves growing mushroom mycelium on wooden dowels. These plugs are then hammered into freshly cut hardwood logs, and the holes are sealed with wax. Sawdust spawn is similar but requires an inoculation tool for injecting into logs. Grain spawn, on the other hand, is used for commercial indoor mushroom cultivation and is made from grains like millet and wheat berries.
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Inoculation timing
The timing of inoculation depends on several factors, including the type of mushroom, the substrate, the environmental conditions, and the desired yield. Here is an in-depth guide to inoculation timing:
Early Spring Inoculation
The optimal time for inoculating logs is typically in early spring when the logs are still fresh. This allows the mycelium to become well-established before the next winter. To prepare the logs for spring inoculation, they should be cut during the winter months. The logs should be maintained in a shady place with temperatures above 40°F and kept fully shaded during the summer. Spring inoculation can also be done in late winter when logs have higher concentrations of sugar, which promotes the growth of the mycelium.
Summer Inoculation
If you choose to cut logs during the summer, it is best to inoculate them within three weeks to ensure adequate moisture content. When inoculating logs in the summer, choose a shady spot, and inoculate in the morning to avoid excessive heat.
Fall Inoculation
Inoculating logs in the fall, especially in warmer regions, can offer some advantages. In the fall, deciduous trees transfer nutrients from the foliage down into the stems and trunks for storage. By planning wood harvests around sap flow, you can maximize the available nutrients in the wood. The optimal time for harvesting is after 30% of a tree's leaves have changed colour through full leaf drop. Starting logs in the fall extends incubation time, so they may start fruiting sooner.
Winter Inoculation
While spring is considered ideal, it is possible to inoculate logs in the winter as long as the right conditions, especially temperature and humidity, are maintained. If you plan to inoculate in winter, cut the logs before December 15.
Temporary and Permanent Laying
After inoculation, the logs should be stacked like firewood in a shady, humid area. If you live in an area with low humidity, you may need to cover the logs with plastic to maintain humidity. After one to two months, separate the logs to prevent mould growth. For permanent laying, find a shaded, damp area sheltered from the wind, where the logs will receive rainfall.
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Mushroom types
Mushroom plug spawn cultivation is a method of mushroom cultivation that mimics how mushrooms thrive in the wild. Hardwood dowels laced with mushroom mycelium are plugged into freshly-cut logs or stumps to inoculate them. The mycelium will start producing fruiting bodies after a full year of growing and can go on to produce every year for up to five years or even longer, depending on how long the log takes to fully decompose.
The best time of year to inoculate logs with mushroom plugs is in late winter, when logs have higher concentrations of sugar. Some species are more delicate than others and need to be inoculated after the last frost date in your local area. Great mushroom species to start with are Oyster mushrooms and Shiitake. Oysters will produce mushrooms from spring to fall and have a shorter incubation period. Shiitake has a longer incubation period and may take nine months to two years before they produce mushroom bodies.
The total number of mushrooms you can expect to get on each log or stump will vary from log to log, from season to season, and from year to year. Each log usually produces 2.5 to 4 pounds over its lifetime. A 4-inch diameter log is usually given about 40 to 50 plugs and a pack of 100 plugs is sufficient to inoculate 3 to 4 logs.
There are thousands of varieties of mushrooms, some of the more common fresh mushrooms are: button, chanterelle, enoki, morels, oyster, Portobello, shiitake, and straw. Mushrooms are neither a fruit nor a vegetable. They are actually fungi but are often used in the same way as vegetables due to their nutritional content. Vegans often use mushrooms as meat replacements.
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Yield
The yield of mushroom plugs depends on several factors, including the type of mushroom, the size and health of the log, the growing conditions, and the number of plugs used.
For context, a single plug is a small, spiral-grooved hardwood dowel laced with mushroom mycelium. These plugs are inserted into freshly cut logs, stumps, or rounds to create a fruiting mushroom colony.
Shiitake mushrooms, for example, have a longer incubation period and may take anywhere from nine months to two years to produce mushroom bodies. Oyster mushrooms, on the other hand, have a shorter incubation period, and if planted in late winter, they may start fruiting in the fall of the same year.
The size and health of the log also play a role in yield. Logs should ideally be freshly cut, disease-free hardwood logs with the bark intact. The diameter of the log typically ranges from four to six inches, and the length is generally between three and four feet. Oak is a particularly good species for the cultivation of most mushroom types.
Growing conditions, such as temperature and moisture, are critical for optimal yield. The best time to fruit your logs is in the spring, early summer, or fall, when daytime temperatures are between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Maintaining mild temperatures and high moisture during fruiting will result in the highest yields and quality.
The number of plugs used will also influence the yield. Approximately 100 plugs are needed to inoculate three to four logs. A 4-inch diameter log typically receives about 40 to 50 plugs.
While specific yield data for mushroom plugs is limited, it is clear that multiple factors influence the number of pounds of mushrooms produced. Proper log selection, species choice, and environmental conditions are key to maximizing yield.
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Maintenance
Maintaining a mushroom garden is a rewarding way to grow your own delicious and nutritious fungi. Here are some tips to ensure a successful mushroom garden:
Choosing Logs
Select freshly cut hardwood logs such as oak, maple, or alder, as these are ideal for most mushroom varieties. Logs should be cut during the dormant season (winter) and used within a month for best results. Make sure the logs are free from any signs of disease, decay, or other contamination. Logs should be 4-10 inches in diameter and cut to a consistent length so they can be stacked or leaned, ensuring they are not in contact with the ground.
Inoculating Logs
Drill 1" deep holes into the hardwood logs in a diamond or triangular pattern, approximately 4 to 6 inches apart. Insert one plug spawn into each hole, making sure they are tight for good contact between the plug and the wood. Seal the plugs and log ends with wax to prevent contamination and retain moisture.
Care
Place the inoculated logs in a shaded area where they will receive no direct sunlight. Keep the logs moist by watering them regularly, especially during dry periods. It may take several months to a year before the mycelium colonizes the logs and begins fruiting. Harvest the mushrooms when they are at their desired size and maturity. With proper care, your mushroom garden can produce bountiful harvests for years to come!
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Frequently asked questions
It is hard to say exactly how many pounds of mushrooms one plug will produce, as it depends on the type of mushroom, the size of the log, and the growing conditions. However, a 4-inch log will usually produce 2.5-4 lbs of mushrooms over its lifetime, and a pack of 100 plugs is sufficient to inoculate 3-4 logs.
Mushrooms typically take 9 months to a year to grow from plugs. However, this depends on the type of mushroom. For example, Oyster mushrooms have a shorter incubation period, whereas Shiitake mushrooms can take up to two years before they produce mushroom bodies.
The best time of year to inoculate logs with mushroom plugs is in late winter, when logs have higher concentrations of sugar. Logs inoculated in early spring may produce mushrooms by fall.
Oyster and Shiitake mushrooms are great species to start with. Other types of mushrooms that can be grown from plugs include Reishi, Hemlock, Fir, and Spruce.
RyzaPods offer a superior yield compared to traditional all-in-one mushroom grow bags. They are designed to be small enough to colonize quickly and efficiently, and they come individually packed, ensuring that a single contamination doesn't ruin your entire crop.
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