Emma Wilson
Growing mushrooms on logs is a fascinating and rewarding process. To care for your mushroom log, you must first select a suitable location, either indoors or outdoors, that provides shade and protects the log from direct sunlight. The log should be kept in open air and have access to water, either from nature or through regular watering. Maintaining proper hydration is crucial, and soaking the log in cold water once a month is recommended. The ideal temperature range for fruiting is between 65–80 degrees Fahrenheit, and the log should be placed on a plate or tray to avoid soil contact and potential contamination. With patience and proper care, your mushroom log will produce bountiful harvests for years to come.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Between 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Location | Outdoors in a shady spot, or indoors in an unheated garage, closet or basement |
| Position | On its end or laid flat, elevated off the ground on a rock or brick |
| Moisture | Moist, but not soaking wet; soak in cold water overnight once a month |
| Sunlight | No direct sunlight |
| Harvest | Mushrooms will emerge from the surface; harvest by twisting or cutting at the base |
| Yield | Each log will produce mushrooms up to 3 times per year for 3-4 years |
| Fruiting | Typically takes 6-18 months from the inoculation date |
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What You'll Learn
Keep the log in the shade, out of direct sunlight
To care for a mushroom log, it is important to keep it in a shady spot, away from direct sunlight. This is crucial as direct sunlight can cause the log to dry out and negatively impact the growth of the mushrooms.
When selecting a location for your log, look for an area that receives no direct sun. This could be under a shady tree or fence, or you can use a tarp or large cardboard box to create shade and protect the log from sunlight. If you are keeping the log indoors, ensure it is in a well-ventilated room with access to natural light, but no direct sunlight. Keep in mind that a completely dark environment is also not ideal, as mushrooms require some light.
The temperature of the environment is also important. Aim for a temperature between 65–80 degrees Fahrenheit, as lower or higher temperatures can slow down the fruiting process. Additionally, ensure there is no standing water near the log, as this can affect the moisture level and be detrimental to the mushrooms.
To maintain the moisture level of the log, it is recommended to soak it once a month or every 30 days. Submerge the log in cold water overnight or for at least 10 hours, using the coldest water possible. This helps keep the log hydrated and provides the necessary moisture for the mushrooms to grow.
By following these instructions and keeping your log in the shade, out of direct sunlight, you will create the ideal environment for your mushrooms to thrive and ensure a healthy growth cycle.
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Ensure the log has access to water
Water is essential for the growth of mushrooms in logs. It is important to ensure that the log has access to water to keep it at an ideal moisture level. Here are some ways to do this:
Firstly, when you receive your log, it should be well-hydrated. Freshly cut logs retain a lot of their original moisture, and the ends and inoculation sites are often waxed to preserve moisture. However, it is crucial to check the moisture level regularly, as the log may start to dry out after a few months. To check, lift the log – if it feels heavy, it still has adequate moisture; if it feels light, it may need additional hydration.
If your log is kept outdoors, it can be naturally hydrated by rainfall or sprinklers. However, if your log is placed indoors or in an area without sufficient rainfall, you will need to water it manually. Soak the log in cold water once a month or more frequently if you live in a dry area. Submerge the log in a container of cold water overnight or for at least 10 hours, and consider adding ice to the water for optimal results. You can also speed up the mushroom growth process by "shocking the log" by submerging it in cold water and then forcefully smacking or hitting both ends of the log on a hard surface.
When placing your log, avoid standing water and direct sunlight. Instead, opt for a shady spot, either indoors or outdoors, with access to open air. You can elevate the log a few inches off the ground by placing it on a rock or brick, cinder block, or wooden pallet. This will help prevent soil contact, which can lead to contamination. Additionally, consider using a tarp or large cardboard box to shield the log from direct sunlight if placed in a sunny area.
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Avoid soil contact to prevent contamination
When growing mushrooms, it's important to prevent contamination from soil and other sources. Mushrooms are delicate and require specific conditions to thrive. Here are some detailed instructions to avoid soil contact and prevent contamination when caring for your mushroom log:
Firstly, find a suitable location for your mushroom log. It should be placed in a shady spot, out of direct sunlight, as logs exposed to direct sunlight can quickly dry out and become firewood. Elevate the end of the log off the ground by a few inches, placing it on a rock or brick. This prevents the log from coming into direct contact with the soil, reducing the risk of soil-borne contaminants.
Secondly, ensure proper hydration for your log. Standing water should be avoided, but the log should be kept moist. Submerge the log in cold water once a month or more frequently if the log is kept in a dry area. This hydration helps the log retain moisture and discourages the growth of certain moulds and bacteria.
Additionally, create a barrier around the log to protect it from contaminants. You can use a tarp, a large cardboard box, or another similar barrier, ensuring it doesn't touch the log. This barrier helps shield the log from direct sun exposure and potential soil contact, creating a more controlled environment.
Furthermore, maintain good airflow around the log. Mushrooms need open air, and stagnant air can encourage the growth of certain moulds. Avoid placing the log in closed spaces like cabinets or closets. Instead, provide a steady supply of clean, moving air to reduce the risk of mould spores and other contaminants settling on the log.
By following these steps and being mindful of potential sources of contamination, you can help prevent issues like Trichoderma, cobweb mould, and black bread mould from affecting your mushroom log. Remember that growing mushrooms requires patience and a sterile environment, so take the necessary precautions to avoid soil contact and other sources of contamination.
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Shock the log to speed up the process
If you want to speed up the process of growing mushrooms, you can "shock the log". This technique is used to wake up the mushroom spawn growth (mycelium) and force fruit the log. It is best to do this in spring or fall, as summer can be too hot and winter can be too cold.
To begin, submerge the log in a container of cold, non-chlorinated water overnight or for at least 10 hours. Use the coldest water possible and consider adding ice to the container. Place a weight on the log to keep it submerged. You can leave the log outside, or in a suitable area such as a fridge, a cold room, or a garage.
After soaking, remove the log from the water and with a firm grip, smack both ends of the log on a hard surface. You can also use a hammer and hit both ends with a sharp rap. This will help activate the mushroom spawn.
Following the shocking process, you should see the first mushrooms within 4-10 days. The timeframe depends on your environment, including location, rainfall, and time of year.
It is important to allow the log to rest after each fruiting period for 8-12 weeks. During this time, the mycelium will extract more nutrients from the log for the next batch of mushrooms. Then, you can repeat the soaking and shocking steps to continue forcing fruit from the log.
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Harvest the mushrooms by twisting or cutting at the base
When the mushrooms have grown and appear well-rounded with gills open underneath, it is time to harvest your crop. The mushrooms will emerge from the surface of the log and can be harvested by gently twisting or cutting at the base. Be careful not to damage the log, as this can affect future yields.
To harvest by twisting, hold the mushroom at its base where it emerges from the log. Then, gently but firmly twist the mushroom until it comes away from the log. You may need to twist quite forcefully, but be careful not to damage the log or break the stem of the mushroom.
To harvest by cutting, use a sharp, sterile knife to cut the mushrooms at the base, where the stem meets the log. Cut as close to the log as possible without damaging the surface of the wood. Make sure your knife is clean and sharp to avoid crushing or damaging the mushrooms.
After harvesting, the log will need to rest for a few weeks before producing another crop. Leave the log in a shady spot and keep it moist, but not soaking wet. With proper care, your mushroom log will continue to produce crops for years.
Harvesting mushrooms from your log is a rewarding experience and a delicious treat. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy your own home-grown mushrooms and keep your log healthy for future yields.
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Frequently asked questions
Keep your log in the open air, out of standing water, and soak it once a month. The ideal moisture level of the log is 35–55%.
The outdoors provide the best environment for your mushrooms to thrive. If you don't have access to an outdoor area, you can keep your log indoors in a room that is between 65–80 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the log on its end directly on the ground or in a tub of moist soil, ensuring it is elevated a few inches off the ground. Keep the log out of direct sunlight.
The incubation period is between 6 to 18 months, depending on the fungus strain, log size, and environmental conditions. Once the mushrooms start to appear, you can harvest them by gently twisting or cutting at the base.
You can speed up the process by "shocking the log". First, submerge the log in a container of cold water overnight when the outdoor daytime temperature is between 18-20 degrees Celsius. Then, remove the log from the water and firmly smack both ends of the log on a hard surface.
