Emily Johnson
Growing mushrooms on logs is a fun and easy project that anyone can do. It's simple to grow your own mushrooms, and there are a variety of mushrooms you can grow at home, including shiitake, oyster, lion's mane, reishi, and turkey tail. Logs can bear mushrooms for several years, depending on their diameter and the type of mushroom. The best logs for growing mushrooms are freshly cut hardwoods, and it's important to choose the right type of wood for the variety of mushroom you want to grow. You can buy logs that have already been inoculated with mycelium, or you can inoculate them yourself using spawn plugs or sawdust spawn.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mushroom Varieties | Shiitake, Oyster, Lion's Mane, Reishi, Turkey Tail, Plan White Mushrooms |
| Mushroom Spawn Types | Plug Spawn, Sawdust Spawn |
| Log Diameter | 30 cm or more |
| Bark | Intact and thick |
| Drill Bit Diameter | 9 or 10 mm |
| Hole Depth | 32 mm |
| Hole Spacing | 15-20 cm |
| Hole Number | One for each dowel |
| Storage | Cool, shady place |
| Watering | Once or twice per week for 10 minutes |
| Harvest Time | 6 months to 5 years |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right logs
Type of Wood
Most mushrooms grow well on a wide range of hardwoods. However, certain species have specific preferences. For example, shiitake mushrooms thrive on oak, sugar maple, and sweet gum, while oyster mushrooms do well on birch and beech. Lion's mane mushrooms favour beech, elm, poplar, and maple, and reishi mushrooms prefer oak and plum logs. If you're growing turkey tail mushrooms, you can experiment with pine logs, but keep your expectations modest as pine is generally not recommended due to its high resin content.
Log Diameter
Larger logs tend to yield more mushrooms over time. Choose logs with a diameter of at least 30 cm or more to achieve bigger mushroom fruiting bodies. Logs with a smaller diameter can still be used, but they may produce smaller mushrooms.
Freshness of Logs
Freshly cut logs are ideal for mushroom cultivation. Aim for logs that have been cut no more than six weeks ago, as this ensures the wood is disease-free and provides the best chance for mushroom growth.
Bark Intactness
It is preferable to choose logs with clean, intact bark. The bark serves as a natural barrier, protecting the mushrooms from insects, parasites, and other types of fungi. It also helps maintain humidity and moisture levels within the log, creating an optimal environment for mushroom growth.
Tree Availability
Consider the tree species available in your area or on your land. This will help you match the right mushroom species to the specific type of hardwood you can easily access.
Spawn Type
There are two common spawn types for growing mushrooms on logs: plug spawn and sawdust spawn. Plug spawn is ideal for smaller projects or if you're starting without specialized equipment. Sawdust spawn, on the other hand, colonizes about 30% faster than plugs but requires additional tools and is more suitable for larger-scale inoculations.
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Selecting the right mushroom type
Mushroom Varieties
Firstly, you need to decide which variety of mushroom you want to cultivate. Some common varieties grown on logs include shiitake, oyster, lion's mane, reishi, and turkey tail. Each variety has its unique characteristics, flavour profiles, and growth requirements. For instance, shiitake mushrooms have a firm texture and a strong flavour, making them ideal for Asian cuisine, while oyster mushrooms come in various colours and flavours and can grow on a wide range of substrates.
Tree Species and Wood Type
Different types of mushrooms have preferences for specific tree species and wood types. Knowing what tree species are available in your area is essential for matching them with the right mushroom variety. Most mushrooms grow well on a wide range of hardwoods. For example, shiitake mushrooms thrive on oak, sugar maple, and sweet gum, while oyster mushrooms do well on birch and beech. On the other hand, reishi mushrooms can tolerate softwoods and conifers under certain conditions, making them more adaptable.
Environmental Conditions
Consider the environmental conditions in which your chosen mushroom variety will thrive. Mushrooms require specific temperature, humidity, and ventilation conditions to grow optimally. For instance, maintaining temperatures between 55-65°F is ideal for most mushrooms. Additionally, ensuring proper airflow and moisture levels is crucial for the survival of the mycelium, as too much dryness or moisture can be detrimental.
Spawn Type
The type of spawn you use will depend on the scale of your project and your equipment availability. Plug spawn is ideal for smaller-scale projects or those who are new to mushroom farming, as it requires less specialised equipment. On the other hand, sawdust spawn is more efficient for larger-scale operations, inoculating up to 30% faster than plugs, but it requires additional tools.
Harvesting Considerations
Each mushroom variety has its own unique harvesting requirements. For example, shiitake mushrooms should be harvested when their caps are closed and approximately 5 cm in diameter, while oyster mushrooms should be picked while there is still a slight curl in their shape. Understanding the specific harvesting window for your chosen mushroom variety will ensure you get the best yield and quality.
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Preparing the logs
When choosing logs, opt for freshly cut hardwoods with clean, intact bark. Logs with thicker bark are preferable as they provide a natural barrier against insects, parasites, and other types of fungi, while also helping to retain humidity and moisture in the log. Logs should ideally be at least 30 cm in diameter, as larger logs tend to last longer and yield more flushes of mushrooms over time.
Once you have your logs, use a power drill to drill rows of holes about 32 mm deep and 15-20 cm apart. If you are using plug spawn, you can tap them gently into the holes to ensure they are fully seated. For other types of spawn, stuff the holes with the spawn, making sure it is in close contact with the surrounding wood so that the spores grow into the log.
After inoculating the logs, seal the holes with wax, using a foam brush or cotton dauber to create a tight seal that prevents other fungi from entering. Finally, wrap the logs lightly in plastic and store them in a cool, shady place for 8-12 weeks. During this time, it is important to maintain good air circulation and a suitable level of humidity. You can achieve this by covering the logs with shade cloth and watering them with a hose once or twice a week for 10 minutes.
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Inoculating the logs
The inoculation process involves drilling holes in the logs and inserting spawn into them. The spawn is the fungal tissue that will grow into mushrooms. There are two common types of spawn used for growing mushrooms on logs: plug spawn and sawdust spawn. Plug spawn is ideal for smaller projects or if you don't want to invest in equipment, as it is more affordable and convenient for home-scale grows. Sawdust spawn, on the other hand, colonizes about 30% faster than plug spawn but requires additional tools and is more suitable for inoculating a larger number of logs.
To begin inoculating your logs, choose freshly cut hardwood logs with intact bark. The best logs for growing mushrooms are those harvested while the tree is dormant and before any buds appear. Oak is a top choice for shiitake mushrooms, while sugar maple, sweet gum, and birch are also excellent options. Avoid softwoods and conifers for most mushroom species, as they can inhibit fungal growth. However, some mushrooms like reishi may tolerate them.
Once you have your logs, use a drill bit to create holes in the logs. The holes should be about 32mm deep and spaced 15-20cm apart. If using plug spawn, gently tap the plugs into the drilled holes, ensuring they are flush with the surface and in close contact with the surrounding wood. If the dowels wobble, they are not tight enough.
After inserting the spawn, seal the holes with wax to prevent other fungi from entering. Melt the wax and use a brush or dauber to apply it to each hole, creating a tight seal. Finally, wrap the inoculated logs lightly in plastic and store them in a cool, shady place for 8-12 weeks. During this time, the mycelium will grow and colonize the log.
Depending on the mushroom variety and the size of the log, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years for the mushrooms to fruit. For example, oyster mushrooms have a shorter incubation time, while shiitake mushrooms can take 9 months to 2 years to fruit. Larger logs tend to yield more flushes of mushrooms over time and can produce mushrooms for up to 5 years.
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Maintaining the logs
Storage and Placement
After inoculating the logs, wrap them lightly in plastic and store them in a cool, shady place for 8–12 weeks. Then, remove the plastic and stack the logs in a damp, shaded area. Ensure the logs are placed in a way that promotes good air circulation while maintaining humidity. One method is to lay two logs parallel, then place two logs perpendicular on top, alternating back and forth to build a tower.
Moisture
Maintain appropriate moisture levels in the logs. Water the logs with a hose once or twice a week for about 10 minutes. Covering the logs with a shade cloth can provide additional protection from sunlight and help retain moisture. If the logs dry out completely, the mycelium will die. To speed up mushroom production, you can initiate or shock the logs by soaking them in cold water for 24 hours.
Harvesting
Harvesting at the right time is essential. Most mushrooms become too tough and woody to eat after about three weeks of growth. Shiitake mushrooms should be harvested when their caps are closed and they are around 5 cm in diameter, usually 2–7 days after they start growing. Oyster mushrooms should be picked while there is still a slight curl in their shape, before the rim becomes completely straight.
Bark
It is recommended to leave the bark on the logs as it serves two purposes: it acts as a natural barrier against insects, parasites, and other fungi, and it helps maintain humidity and moisture in the log. Thicker bark is preferable.
Longevity
With proper maintenance, logs can produce mushrooms for several years, typically ranging from 3 to 7 years, depending on the log's diameter and the vigour of the mushroom variety. Larger logs tend to yield more mushrooms over time.
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Frequently asked questions
Common varieties for log cultivation include shiitake, oyster, lion’s mane, reishi, and turkey tail.
Most mushrooms grow well on a wide range of hardwoods, but some are particular in their preferences. For example, oak is a top choice for shiitake mushrooms, while sugar maple and sweet gum are also excellent options.
First, choose the type of mushroom you want to grow and order a growing kit online. Then, drill holes in the logs and fill them with spawn. Seal the holes with wax and wrap the logs in plastic to stop them from drying out. Finally, place the logs in a cool, shady place for 8-12 weeks. Mushrooms should appear in autumn and spring after 6-18 months.
Logs can produce mushrooms for 3 to 7 years, depending on their diameter and the type of mushroom. Larger logs tend to last longer and yield more flushes of mushrooms over time.
