Emily Johnson
Mushroom logs should be stored in a shaded area that is out of direct sunlight and protected from wind. They should be kept off the ground and can be leaned against a shady fence or tree. The logs should also be kept well hydrated, with regular rainfall or by soaking them in water. In cold temperatures, it is recommended to cover the logs with a tarp to protect them from freezing. Additionally, it is important to check on the logs periodically to ensure they are not drying out and to look for healthy white mycelium growth. Proper stacking and positioning of the logs can also help maintain their health.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Outdoors in a shaded area with no direct sunlight, preferably with access to natural rainfall. Can be placed on the ground, elevated on a rock or brick, or partially buried. |
| Temperature | Avoid freezing temperatures, especially in the first 3 months. Place in the fridge overnight after soaking to simulate temperature changes. |
| Moisture | Soak logs regularly, especially before and after the growing season. Ensure logs are well-hydrated, especially in dry conditions or drought. |
| Stacking | Stack logs during winter to protect from freezing temperatures. Use a low lean-to stack in severe winters to prevent freeze-drying. Do not cover with a non-permeable tarp to avoid overheating and condensation. |
| Fruiting | Initial fruiting can take 6-12 months or longer. Logs can fruit several times over their lifetime, which can span several years. |
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What You'll Learn
Keep logs in a shaded area with no direct sunlight
When storing mushroom logs, it is important to keep them in a shaded area with no direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause the logs to dry out and become firewood. The logs should be kept in a consistently shady spot, either inside or outside, that has access to water and is in the open air.
If storing your mushroom logs outside, you can place them in a shady spot in your yard, leaning them against a shady fence or a tree. They should be elevated a few inches off the ground, either by placing them on a rock or brick or by partially burying them. Burying the logs lengthwise, leaving about two-thirds of the log above the ground, will help them retain moisture and prevent the bark from detaching. Alternatively, the logs can be buried upright, with about a third of the log beneath the surface. If you have multiple logs, stacking them together can provide additional protection from the sun. In severe winters, keeping the logs low to the ground can also protect them from freeze-drying winds by allowing them to be covered by a blanket of snow.
If storing your mushroom logs inside, make sure they are in a well-ventilated area with access to natural light, but no direct sunlight. Avoid placing them in a closed cabinet or closet, as stagnant air can dry out the logs.
Whether stored inside or outside, it is important to keep your mushroom logs hydrated. Depending on the inoculation date, they should be well-hydrated when received and may not need additional water for 7-9 months. However, it is important to regularly check the logs for moisture content and soak them if they begin to dry out. Soaking the logs in cold water overnight once a month or after periods of drought can help maintain hydration.
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Protect logs from drying out
To protect mushroom logs from drying out, it is important to maintain a humid environment. This can be achieved by misting the logs with water, especially during dry spells or in arid climates. Ensure the logs are not exposed to direct sunlight, strong winds, or drying air from heaters, as these factors can contribute to moisture loss.
When storing mushroom logs, it is crucial to choose a location that is consistently shady and sheltered from wind. Elevating the log a few inches off the ground can help reduce the chances of contamination. Regularly check the moisture content of the log by feeling its weight—a lighter log indicates a need for additional water.
To maintain hydration, it is recommended to soak the log in water periodically. This can be done by submerging the log in cold water for 24 hours, ensuring it doesn't exceed this duration to prevent the mycelium from drowning. Soaking the log in tap water requires prior preparation by letting the water sit for two days to allow chlorine to evaporate.
Creating a microclimate around the log can also help retain moisture. This can be achieved by loosely tenting a plastic bag over the log, ensuring minimal contact between the bag and the log. Alternatively, placing the log in a room with controlled temperature and humidity, such as a refrigerator, can simulate temperature fluctuations that promote fruiting.
Additionally, it is important to avoid standing water around the logs, as this can lead to waterlogging and potential rot. Providing fresh, circulating air is essential, and placing the log near an open window or door can help achieve this. By following these practices, you can effectively protect mushroom logs from drying out and create favourable conditions for mushroom growth.
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Soak logs in water periodically
Soaking your mushroom logs in water periodically is an important step in the process of growing mushrooms. This step is necessary to ensure the logs remain hydrated, creating an ideal environment for mushrooms to grow and produce fruit. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do it:
Firstly, determine if your log requires soaking. If the log feels light, it may be drying out and will need to be soaked. Logs that are kept outside and receive regular rainfall or sprinkler irrigation may not require additional soaking. However, if you live in an area with dry spells or an arid climate, soaking your log is recommended.
When soaking your log, use a container large enough to completely submerge the log. Examples of suitable containers include a bathtub, a 5-gallon bucket, a cooler, or a rectangular potting tray. Use non-chlorinated water, and if using tap water, let it sit for at least a day before soaking to allow the chlorine to evaporate. Colder water is preferable, and if your log floats, weigh it down with an object to ensure it stays submerged.
The soaking duration is crucial. Soak the log for 24 hours. Soaking for longer than 24 hours can cause the bark to come off prematurely. After soaking, pat the log dry with paper towels or a clean rag.
Next, place the log in your refrigerator overnight. This step creates a temperature difference, simulating a cool fall or spring night, which is essential for the growth of mushrooms. Most homes have conditioned air, resulting in relatively constant temperatures and humidity. By placing the log in the fridge, you introduce the temperature fluctuations needed for mushrooms to thrive.
Finally, remove the log from the fridge and place it in a humid environment. You can use a tray or plate and tent a plastic bag over the log, leaving space at the bottom for airflow. Keep the environment moist, but avoid excessive water. Spray the plate or tray with a spray bottle regularly to maintain high humidity levels.
By following these steps, you will provide the necessary moisture and temperature changes to stimulate the fruiting process in your mushroom logs.
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Store in a cool place with temperature fluctuations
Mushrooms need temperature fluctuations and moisture/humidity to grow and produce fruit. One way to create temperature fluctuations is to store your mushroom logs in a cool place with temperature changes.
If you have access to an outdoor area, it is recommended to store your mushroom logs outside as it provides the best environment for your mushrooms to thrive. Place your logs in a consistently shady and wind-sheltered spot outside. The logs should never be exposed to direct sunlight and should ideally be able to receive natural rainfall. You can lean the logs against a shady fence, a tree, or simply place them on the ground. If you have several logs, stacking them together has some benefits. Burying the logs partially or upright will help retain moisture and prevent the bark from detaching.
If you have no other option but to store your mushroom logs indoors, you can create temperature fluctuations by placing the log in the fridge overnight after it has been hydrated (submerged for 24 hours). By placing the log in the fridge, you are creating a temperature difference simulating a cool fall/spring night. You can also add several cups of ice to the soaking process to create the temperature change.
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Stack logs for winter
Stacking mushroom logs for winter storage is important to ensure that the logs remain unscathed during the cold months. Here are some tips to help you stack your mushroom logs effectively:
Firstly, choose an appropriate location for your log stack. It is recommended to keep your firewood outdoors, away from structures such as the side of your house or garage. A minimum distance of 5 feet from outer walls is suggested to prevent termites and other pests from entering your home. If possible, stack your logs 5-30 feet from your house, maintaining easy access during chilly winter mornings. Consider areas with natural windbreaks to maximize exposure to airflow and sunlight, which will help dry the logs efficiently.
When stacking your mushroom logs, it is important to consider the strain, age, and overall health of the logs, as well as the severity of the winter weather in your region. One recommended stacking configuration is the Low Lean-To Stack, which is ideal for severe winter climates. By keeping the logs low to the ground, you can protect them from freeze-drying winds, as they will be covered by a blanket of snow. Ensure that your logs don't touch the ground by using bricks or pallets to elevate them.
You can also build secure square log cribs by alternating the directions of the logs. For example, place east-west-facing logs on top of north-south-facing logs. This technique provides added weather protection and can be further enhanced by covering the pile securely with a tarp. Avoid using a non-permeable tarp, as it can lead to overheating and condensation, encouraging the growth of competitor fungi.
Stacking firewood can be a pleasant and contemplative task. Take your time to enjoy the process, savouring the pungent, earthy smell of the wood and the way sunlight reflects off its freshly split surface.
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Frequently asked questions
If you're storing mushroom logs during winter, it's best to stack them low to the ground to protect them from freeze-drying winds. You can also cover them with a tarp or a similar covering to be extra safe. However, avoid using a non-permeable tarp as this can cause overheating and condensation, encouraging competitor fungi.
Place your mushroom logs in a fully shaded area outdoors that is out of direct sunlight. They should also be sheltered from any prevailing winds and have access to water, either from you or through natural rainfall. If you have no other option but to store them indoors, find a spot that has access to fresh air and is not too hot, too dry, or stagnant.
Check on your mushroom logs every few weeks to ensure they are not drying out. If they feel light, they may need to be soaked. You can also check for healthy white mycelium around the inoculation points and on the ends of the logs.
