Sarah Brown
Stacking mushroom logs is a popular method for growing mushrooms. The technique involves creating a 'layer cake' of short log sections stacked vertically with a layer of spawn in between. The choice of stacking method and location can significantly reduce the need for management activities such as irrigation and the use of temporary covers. For example, a laying yard located behind buildings or under trees can decrease maintenance. Stacking methods also affect log moisture content and drying rates, which are critical factors in mushroom growth. Spacing logs 1 to 2 inches apart allows for adequate aeration, and placing smaller logs in the centre improves stability. Additionally, the type of mushroom and wood species influence the spawn run duration, which can range from four months to two years. Properly cared for medium-sized logs can fruit for five or more years.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Stacking methods | Dead piling, Crib stack, Low rail stack, Log cabin stack |
| Log spacing | 1-2 inches apart |
| Stack height | 5' in wetter climates |
| Stack location | Behind the north side of buildings, under coniferous trees, warm and shady areas, under trees, in forests, or in shady spots created by houses or garages |
| Log orientation | Upright, leaning against a tree, fence, or building |
| Moisture content | Above 30% |
| Temperature | Optimum temperature for spawn growth is 72–77 °F |
| Stack covering | Moisture-resistant cloth or plastic, weather-resistant paper or plastic bag |
| Stack spacing | Offset each layer by 90° |
| Stack height | Keep the stack lower than the average snow line |
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What You'll Learn
Stacking methods and their variations
Stacking mushroom logs is an important step in mushroom cultivation, as it helps maintain the desired moisture content and facilitates proper colonisation. Here are some stacking methods and their variations:
Log Cabin Stacking:
This method involves stacking logs in a similar fashion to building a log cabin, with logs placed horizontally and vertically, overlapping at the corners. This method increases airflow and makes mushroom picking easier. The height of the stack depends on the climate, with taller stacks in wetter climates and shorter stacks in drier climates to maintain moisture.
Crib Stacking:
Crib stacking is suitable for steep locations like hillsides. Logs are slightly raised off the ground, reducing pest pressure and improving aeration. This method also makes mushroom harvesting easier. It is recommended to use logs of the same tree species felled on the same day for this stacking technique.
Dead Piling:
Dead piling is primarily used for short-term storage, such as when logs are freshly inoculated or during early incubation. It involves covering the logs with a moisture-resistant material like cloth or plastic to conserve moisture and protect against rain. However, due to limited ventilation and the risk of contamination, dead piling is not a long-term solution.
Layer Stacking:
This method, also known as the "layer cake" approach, is well-suited for oyster mushrooms. It involves creating a stack of short log sections placed vertically on top of each other, with a layer of spawn spread between each section. A bag of sawdust spawn can inoculate multiple stacks, and it is recommended to assemble them in cool and damp conditions, providing shade and a moist microclimate for the fungi to grow.
Partial Burying:
For oyster mushrooms, logs can be partially buried lengthwise, with about two-thirds of the log above ground. This helps retain moisture and prevents bark detachment. Alternatively, logs can be buried upright, with only a third of the log beneath the surface.
The choice of stacking method depends on various factors, including the type of mushroom, local climate, and site conditions. Each method has its advantages and considerations, and some methods may be more suitable for specific mushroom species or environmental conditions.
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Log spacing and positioning
The choice of location for a laying yard and the choice of log stacking method can greatly reduce the need for management activities such as irrigation, the use of temporary covers to screen wind and sun, etc. For example, a laying yard located behind the north side of buildings or under coniferous trees works well to decrease maintenance. In general, warm, shady areas with good air circulation and protection from wind gusts are excellent sites for laying yards.
When stacking logs, place them 1 to 2 inches apart to allow for adequate aeration. Use a pallet or fresh-cut logs as a base for stacks to keep your inoculated logs off the ground. Placing smaller logs in the centre of the stack will balance the stack better. Use logs of the same tree species that were felled the same day. Logs felled more than two days apart should not be placed in the same crib stack. This stacking technique is modified from the crib stack and is designed for especially steep locations. Stability is increased using this method on hillsides. Logs are slightly raised off the ground, resulting in reduced pest pressure and improved aeration. It also allows for easy harvesting of the mushrooms.
If you have multiple layers of logs, offset each layer by 90 degrees. Keep the stack lower than the average snow line, as the snow cover protects the logs from dry winter winds. If you have 5 or more logs, you could consider the crib or low rail stacking methods. Logs can also be stacked in a log cabin fashion for increased airflow and ease of mushroom picking. Log cabin stacks can be as high as 5 feet in wetter climates, but in dry climates, shorter stacks closer to the ground help keep logs moist.
Oyster mushrooms can be grown by partially burying logs lengthwise, leaving about two-thirds of the log above ground. Burying the logs will help them retain moisture and prevent the bark from detaching. Multiple logs in this position can be used to edge a garden. Alternatively, the logs can be buried upright, in a post position with about a third beneath the surface. The logs can also be placed directly on the ground or propped up on an object. Shiitake logs, on the other hand, should not be buried or laid directly on the ground. They prefer to be upright, leaning against a tree, fence, building, or any object that will keep them off the ground.
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Log moisture content and drying rates
To achieve these objectives, growers must consider the choice of location for their laying yard and the stacking method. The location's climate, wind exposure, sun exposure, and humidity levels directly impact the drying rates of the logs. For example, a high, open, windy, and sunny hilltop location will likely require regular irrigation and the use of artificial windscreens, sunscreens, or coverings to protect the logs from excessive drying.
Stacking methods also play a significant role in maintaining log moisture content and reducing drying rates. There are several stacking configurations to choose from, each with its own advantages and considerations:
- Low Lean-To Stack: In severe winter climates, keeping the logs low to the ground protects them from freeze-drying winds. This method utilizes a blanket of snow to insulate the logs and prevent moisture loss.
- Log Cabin Stack: This method increases airflow and facilitates mushroom picking. The height of the stack depends on the climate, with shorter stacks recommended in dry climates to help maintain moisture.
- A-Frame Stack: This configuration provides more airflow and stimulates fruiting body growth. It requires a supportive base to keep the log ends off the ground.
- Crib Stack: Crib stacking is commonly used in shiitake production in the Northeastern United States. It offers good space efficiency and simplicity but may result in rain shadow effects, creating areas in the stack that are sheltered from rain.
- Dead Piling: This method is suitable for short-term storage or early incubation, using a moisture-resistant covering to conserve moisture. It is not recommended for long-term use due to limited ventilation and the potential for contamination during heavy rains.
To maintain log moisture content and prevent drying, growers can also soak the logs periodically, especially at the beginning and end of each season. Soaking for no more than 24 hours is recommended to renew water content and trigger fruiting. Additionally, partial burial of the logs can help retain moisture and prevent bark detachment.
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Log preparation and maintenance
Selecting the Right Logs
Choose logs from a healthy living tree, preferably in late winter or early spring while the tree is still dormant. Select logs of the same tree species that were felled on the same day. Logs felled more than two days apart should not be stacked together.
Log Inoculation
Drill holes in the logs in a diamond pattern, a few inches apart. Tap the plug spawn just below the surface of the holes and use wax to seal them. Alternatively, you can use sawdust spawn by drilling larger holes and filling them with the sawdust spawn.
Stacking Methods
There are various stacking methods to choose from, including the Japanese hillside method, crib stack, and dead piling. The choice of stacking method depends on your location and the number of logs you have. For instance, the crib or low rail stacking methods are suitable for five or more logs. If you have multiple layers of logs, offset each layer by 90 degrees to allow for airflow.
Log Stacking Techniques
Place a pallet or fresh-cut logs as a base to keep the inoculated logs off the ground. Stack the logs in a criss-cross pattern, ensuring they are spaced 1 to 2 inches apart for adequate aeration. Placing smaller logs in the centre of the stack improves balance. Keep the stack lower than the average snow line to protect the logs from dry winter winds.
Moisture Management
Maintain log moisture content above 30% to ensure healthy colonisation. Avoid letting the logs dry out, and soak them in cold water for 12 to 24 hours if they become too dry. However, ensure that the bark dries between soakings, and do not soak the logs for longer than 24 hours.
Location and Temperature
Choose a shady location with good air circulation and protection from wind gusts. The north side of buildings or under coniferous trees can provide ideal conditions and reduce maintenance needs. Keep the logs in a temperature range of 72–77 degrees Fahrenheit (optimum for spawn growth), avoiding temperatures above 105 degrees Fahrenheit, which can be lethal to the fungi.
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Harvesting techniques
Shiitake mushrooms are usually picked by grasping the lower portion of the stem and pulling the mushroom from the log with a slight twisting motion. They can also be harvested by cutting them as close as possible to the log surface with a sharp knife or scissors. To prevent bruising, only the stems should be touched during picking. Picking mushrooms from the bottom of the log and working upwards can minimise the accumulation of bark flecks and other debris on the unpicked mushrooms. After harvesting, the stems can be trimmed to remove any remaining debris. Harvested mushrooms can be placed into a basket, box, paper bag, or other breathable container. Plastic bags should be avoided as they can hasten mushroom decomposition.
The logs should be placed in a laying or stacking position that works best for your site and left to rest for one to three months. Log moisture content should be maintained at 30–40% to promote mycelial growth while inhibiting pinning. Warmer temperatures of 60–77 °F (15.6–25 °C) speed up log recovery. After this period, the logs can be soaked for another crop of mushrooms, also known as "force fruiting" or "force cropping". This technique works best with shiitake mushrooms. However, it is important to allow at least one month of rest before attempting to force fruit again. If the log has recently fruited, forcing will probably not be successful.
Each shiitake mushroom on a log develops independently. Therefore, logs must be frequently checked, and mushrooms need to be harvested at the right time to maximise quality. Shiitake mushrooms should be picked when the cap is opened by approximately 50–75%. Harvesting mature mushrooms with the cap fully opened can lead to a reduced shelf life, a longer delay before the next crop, and increased pest problems.
When choosing a stacking configuration, consider the strain, age, and overall health of the log, as well as the severity of the winters in your region. In severe winters, keeping the logs low to the ground can protect them from freeze-drying winds. The stacking arrangement should make it easy to access all sides of each log for harvest. Logs stacked outdoors can use a protective covering to minimise wind and rain, stabilise temperatures, and localise humidity around the logs. However, non-porous materials such as burlap and plastic should be used with caution and are recommended only for experienced growers. Instead, fruiting (humidity) blankets are preferable as they are porous, allowing air movement and providing some insulation while holding water.
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Frequently asked questions
Stacking methods depend on the number of logs you have. If you only have one or two, they can be placed anywhere. However, if you have several logs, it is beneficial to stack them together. The optimum temperature for spawn growth is 72–77 degrees Fahrenheit, and temperatures above 105 F are generally lethal to the shiitake fungus. Therefore, it is best to stack mushroom logs in a warm, shady area with good air circulation and protection from wind gusts.
Logs should be spaced 1 to 2 inches apart to allow for adequate aeration. Use a pallet or fresh-cut logs as a base for stacks to keep your inoculated logs off the ground. Placing smaller logs in the centre of the stack will balance the stack better. Logs should be cut from a healthy living tree, ideally in late winter/early spring while still dormant.
Logs can be stacked in a log cabin fashion for increased airflow and ease of mushroom picking. Stacking logs in a criss-cross pattern during the colonisation period is also recommended.
