John Miller
Mushroom plugs are an easy and reliable way to grow mushrooms at home. The process involves inoculating hardwood logs or stumps with mushroom spawn, which then grow into mushrooms. The best time to start this process is in late winter, when logs have higher sugar concentrations. After inoculation, the logs need to be left for at least 10-12 weeks to allow the mycelium to replenish its energy. The first crop of mushrooms can be expected between four and ten months later, and the logs can continue to produce mushrooms for up to five years. To get started, you'll need a freshly cut hardwood log, a drill, a hammer, mushroom plugs, and some wax to seal the plugs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best time of year to inoculate logs | Late winter |
| Mushroom species to start with | Oyster mushrooms, Shiitake, Lion's Mane, Reishi |
| Tools required | 1-inch bristle paintbrush, 5/16-inch drill bit, hammer, cheese wax |
| Log diameter | 4–6 inches |
| Log length | 3–4 feet |
| Number of plugs per log | 40–50 |
| Number of logs per 100 plugs | 3–4 |
| Time taken for mycelium to colonize dowels | 2–3 weeks |
| Time taken to see the first mushrooms | 4–10 months |
| Number of crops per year | 3–5 |
| Number of years crops can be produced | 5 |
| Yield per log | 2.5–4 lb |
| Yield per 10 logs | 25 lb |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right mushroom species
Climate and Timing
The climate and timing of cultivation play a significant role in mushroom growth. Certain species are more suited to specific climatic conditions. For example, in areas with harsh winters, it is recommended to inoculate logs in late winter or after the last frost date, allowing the mycelium to establish itself before winter dormancy. Oyster mushrooms thrive and produce mushrooms from spring to fall, making them a good choice for a longer growing season.
Tree Species and Wood Type
Different mushroom species have preferences for certain types of wood. Oyster and Shiitake mushrooms, for instance, favour hardwood tree species such as alder, birch, oak, maple, cottonwood, and beech. It's important to use the right logs for the species you choose. Additionally, the health of the tree is a factor; decaying trees may already host other fungi, creating competition for your mushroom spawn.
Cultivation Experience
If you're a beginner, it's advisable to start with easier-to-grow species. Oyster mushrooms and Shiitake are recommended for novice cultivators. Oyster mushrooms have a shorter incubation period, often fruiting within the same year of planting. Shiitake, on the other hand, has a longer incubation period, typically taking nine months to two years to produce mushrooms.
Availability of Spawn
The availability of mushroom spawn can influence your species selection. Some vendors offer plug spawn for specific mushroom varieties, including Reishi, Maitake, Lion's Mane, Shiitake, and various Oyster mushrooms. If you're purchasing pre-made mushroom plugs, choose a species that aligns with your desired cultivation experience and climate.
Personal Preferences
Consider your goals and preferences when choosing a mushroom species. Are you growing mushrooms for culinary, medicinal, or other purposes? Some species, like Lion's Mane, Reishi, and Shiitake, are known for their culinary and potential health benefits. Select a species that aligns with your intended use and interests.
In conclusion, by taking into account factors such as climate, wood type, your level of experience, spawn availability, and personal preferences, you can make an informed decision when choosing the right mushroom species for your plug cultivation journey. Remember to refer to specific guides for the species you select to ensure successful growth.
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Selecting the right logs
Tree Species
Match the mushroom type to the tree variety. Oyster and Shiitake mushrooms prefer hardwood tree species such as alder, birch, oak, maple, cottonwood, and beech. Other hardwood species that can be used include aspen, poplar, willow, sugar maple, and birch. Oak is particularly good for the cultivation of most mushrooms. However, avoid tree species such as conifers, eucalyptus, hackberry, beech, and dogwood. For certain mushroom species like Reishi, hemlock, fir, and spruce can be used.
Tree Health
Select fresh, healthy trees for your mushroom logs. Trees that are already decaying may have other species of fungi growing in them, resulting in more competition for your mushroom spawn. Harvest your trees during the fall or winter when their sugar concentration is highest, as this provides a good growing environment for the mushrooms.
Log Size
Logs for mushroom cultivation should typically be 4–6 inches in diameter and 3–4 feet long. A 4-inch diameter log will usually require 40–50 plugs, while larger diameter logs will need more rows of holes and plugs.
Timing
The best time to inoculate logs with mushroom plugs is in late winter, when logs have higher concentrations of sugar. Some species, such as Oyster mushrooms, can be started before the last frost. For summer inoculation, it is best to do it in the morning in a shady place.
Number of Logs
Depending on the scale of your project, consider the number of logs you will need to inoculate. For smaller projects, plug spawn is ideal. Each log will require approximately 25-50 plugs, and you will need approximately 100 plugs for 3-4 logs. If you are inoculating more than 8 logs or want to maximize efficiency, sawdust spawn is a faster option but requires additional tools.
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Preparing the logs
Firstly, you will need to choose the right logs. Mushrooms in the wild grow on dead trees, working to decompose organic matter to acquire nutrients. Each species has its own tree preferences, so it is important to do your research. For example, Oyster and Shiitake mushrooms prefer hardwood tree species such as alder, birch, oak, maple, cottonwood and beech. It is recommended to select freshly cut hardwood logs, as these are ideal for most mushroom varieties. Logs should be cut during the dormant season (winter) and used within a month or two for the best results.
Next, you will need to drill holes in the logs and insert the mushroom plugs. The number of plugs you use per log will determine how fast the wood will be colonized. It is recommended to drill holes about six to eight inches apart, leaving approximately three to four inches between the rows. This will create a diamond pattern that evenly covers the log and allows the mycelium to spread along the grain of the wood. Tap the plugs into the holes using a mallet or hammer, ensuring they are tight and below the bark, so there is space left for sealing.
Finally, seal the plugs and the log ends with wax to prevent contamination and retain moisture. Cheese wax is a good option for this. Melt the wax in a pan at 300o F and apply it to the logs with a foam paintbrush. It is important to note that the wax must be hot when applied, or it will not create a tight seal.
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Drilling holes and inserting plugs
Firstly, select a freshly cut hardwood log, preferably oak, birch, poplar, maple, willow, alder, or another dense hardwood species. Avoid conifers, eucalyptus, hackberry, beech, and softwoods like pine and fruit trees. The log should be cut between November and March, with the best time being late winter, when the logs have higher sugar concentrations. The diameter of the log should be between 4 and 6 inches, and the length should be 3 to 4 feet.
Next, use a drill with a 5/16-inch drill bit to create holes in the log. Set the drill depth to approximately one inch. Starting about 2 inches from the end of the log, drill holes about 3 to 4 inches apart in a straight line down the length of the log. Leave 3 to 4 inches between each row of holes and offset them to create a diamond or hexagonal pattern. This pattern allows the mycelium to spread effectively.
Now it's time to insert the plugs. Tap the mushroom plugs into the holes using a mallet or hammer, ensuring a snug fit. The plugs should sit just below the bark, flush with the wood of the log. Handle the plugs as little as possible to reduce the risk of introducing other fungi or bacteria. You can soak the logs for a week before inserting the plugs to speed up inoculation.
Finally, seal the plugs with wax to prevent bacteria and maintain moisture. Melt cheese wax, beeswax, or candle wax in a pan or crockpot to a temperature of around 300°F. Apply the melted wax over the plug entrances with a foam paintbrush or cotton dauber, ensuring a tight seal.
With these steps, you'll have your mushroom plugs set up and ready for cultivation!
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Sealing the plugs
Preparing the Sealing Wax
The first step is to melt the sealing wax. You can use a crockpot, an old pot, or an electric frying pan with thermostat control. It is important to maintain a temperature of around 300 °F to keep the wax in a malleable state. Please note that the pot or crockpot may not be suitable for future cooking, as the wax can be challenging to remove. Always exercise caution when working with hot wax, as it can be flammable if overheated.
Applying the Wax
Once the wax is melted, you can begin sealing the plugs. Using a foam paintbrush or a cotton dauber, dab a small amount of melted wax over each plug. Ensure that you use enough wax to completely seal the plug. Alternatively, plug wax, a food-grade wax, can be used at room temperature. Simply take a pinch of this wax and press it over the top of each plug.
Drying and Curing
After applying the wax, allow it to cool and dry completely. This will create a tight seal, protecting the inoculation site. The curing process may vary depending on the type of wax used and environmental factors such as temperature and humidity.
Stacking the Logs
Once the wax is cured, you can stack your logs appropriately. It is recommended to keep the logs off the ground to prevent direct contact with soil, as this can attract bugs and termites. You can achieve this by using gravel or a pallet. There are several ways to stack the logs, including the loose crib, triangle, lean-to, and upright methods.
By following these steps, you will successfully seal your mushroom plugs, creating an ideal environment for mushroom growth and protecting your logs from potential contaminants.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom plugs, also known as plug spawn or mushroom cultivate plugs, are hardwood dowels that have been inoculated and colonized with mushroom mycelium. The plugs are used to inoculate hardwood logs and stumps for the purpose of growing mushrooms outside.
First, you need to cut and select logs to grow on. Logs are best cut between November and March. Logs cut in the winter and inoculated in the spring have shown to have the highest yields. The best results are achieved when logs are sourced in the fall when 30% of the leaves have changed colour. Logs should be freshly cut, no more than a month or two old, and dense hardwoods like oak, sugar maple, and beech are great species to use. Avoid logs with large strips of bark removed. Next, drill holes in the log to the depth of the plugs, with holes about 3 to 4 inches apart. Then, tap the plugs in with a hammer, ensuring a snug fit. Finally, seal the plugs with wax to prevent bacteria from damaging the plug.
Oyster, Lion's Mane, Shiitake, and Reishi mushrooms are all suitable species for inoculation.
