Sarah Brown
Mushroom logs are a low-tech way of cultivating mushrooms. The process involves inoculating logs with spawn—either plug spawn or sawdust spawn—and allowing the fungus to incubate and fruit. The type of mushroom, log species, and growing conditions will affect the yield, with some mushrooms preferring hardwoods and others softer woods. The size of the log will also determine how long it takes to fruit and how many times it fruits. The process can be time-consuming, but growers have found innovative ways to speed it up, such as hosting inoculation parties or setting up a small assembly line.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To grow mushrooms |
| Mushroom type | Shiitake, Oyster, Lion's Mane, Purple, Red, Common, Morel, Chanterelle, Mystic, etc. |
| Mushroom growth time | Every 4 days; rainy days speed up growth |
| Mushroom growth number | Between 1 and 5 |
| Spawn type | Plug spawn, sawdust spawn |
| Optimum temperature for spawn growth | 72–77 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Log type | Oaks, hard maples, poplars, soft hardwoods, aspens, pine, eucalyptus, etc. |
| Log size | Bigger logs take longer to fruit but will fruit more times |
| Log moisture content | Above 30% to ensure speedy, vigorous, uniform colonisation |
| Log protection | Logs should be protected from abrupt or severe drying |
| Stacking method | Dead piling, high A-frame stacking, cribbing, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
How to grow mushrooms using a log
A mushroom log is a piece of wood that has been inoculated with mushroom spawn, allowing mushrooms to grow. This method of mushroom cultivation is simple and easy, and can be done at home with minimal equipment. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to grow mushrooms using a log:
Selecting the Log
The best logs for growing mushrooms are freshly cut hardwoods, ideally harvested while the tree is dormant and before any buds appear. The log should be no older than 1 month, and the diameter should be between 4 and 8 inches. Avoid damaging the bark when handling the log, as it is needed to maintain moisture and protect the log from competitive wild fungi.
Preparing the Spawn
Mushroom spawn is the living mycelial (fungal) tissue that will be inserted into the log. It is usually sold in a carrier medium, such as sawdust. There are two main types of spawn: sawdust spawn and plug spawn. Sawdust spawn is cheaper and faster-acting but requires a special tool (inoculator) to insert it into the log. Plug spawn is more expensive and slower-acting but can be inserted using a drill and hammer or mallet. Choose the type of spawn that best suits your needs and follow the instructions for preparing it.
Drilling and Inoculating the Log
Use a drill to create a series of small holes in the log. The number and density of holes will depend on the size of the log and the type of mushroom you are growing. A general rule of thumb is to have as many rows of drill holes as there are inches of log diameter. For example, a 6-inch diameter log would need 6 rows of holes. Plan for a minimum of 30 to 40 holes per log, staggered in a diamond pattern to ensure rapid fungal growth. Once the holes are drilled, fill them tightly with spawn.
Sealing the Holes
After filling the holes with spawn, cover each hole with wax. This step helps to ensure optimal growing conditions for the mycelium and reduces the risk of contamination by other fungi. Be careful when handling melted wax, as it has a low flash point and can be flammable. Monitor the wax at all times and keep it away from children and sources of sparks or flames.
Caring for the Log
Place the inoculated log in a shady location and water it regularly for the first few weeks. Visit the log regularly so you don't miss the mushrooms when they start to grow. The time it takes for the mushrooms to fruit will depend on the size and type of log, but it can take several months. Bigger logs will take longer to fruit but will fruit more times. Enjoy your freshly grown mushrooms!
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The best types of wood for mushroom logs
Mushroom logs are a great way to grow your own mushrooms at home, and the type of wood you use is an important factor in their success. Not all mushrooms will grow on all types of wood, so it is important to choose the right wood for the species you want to cultivate.
- Oak: With its high tannin content, oak is a great choice for many types of mushrooms, including shiitake, lion's mane, and oyster mushrooms. It is a dense and durable wood, providing a long-lasting substrate for mushrooms to grow on.
- Maple: Maple is a less dense hardwood that is suitable for mushrooms that prefer slightly less hardy conditions, such as enoki, maitake, and nameko mushrooms. It is a good choice if you want to grow mushrooms that prefer a more neutral pH level.
- Beech: Beech wood is often used for shiitake mushrooms, as it has a good balance of porosity and moisture retention. It is a slightly alkaline wood, which some mushrooms prefer, and it also has a long history of use in mushroom cultivation.
- Poplar: As a fast-growing tree, poplar is a sustainable choice that is suitable for oyster mushrooms, lion's mane, and chicken of the woods. It is a softer hardwood, so it may not last as long as other types of wood, but it is a good option for beginners as it fruits mushrooms quickly.
When preparing your mushroom logs, it is important to use fresh, untreated wood. The logs should be cut to size and then drilled with holes to inoculate the mushroom spawn. Different mushrooms have different requirements, so it is important to follow specific instructions for the species you are growing.
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How to prepare a log for mushroom growing
Mushroom logs are a unique way to grow mushrooms at home, offering an alternative to the more common methods of using kits or spores. A mushroom log is exactly as it sounds: a log or a stump that has been prepared and inoculated with mushroom spawn, creating the perfect environment for mushrooms to grow. This technique has been used for centuries and is a great way to grow mushrooms outdoors, utilizing natural materials and creating a sustainable food source. So, how do you prepare a log for mushroom growing?
Start by selecting the right wood. Not all mushrooms grow on any type of wood, so it is important to do your research and choose a log that is suitable for the mushroom species you wish to cultivate. Hardwood trees such as oak, maple, beech, and ash are commonly used. The log should be recently cut, with the bark still attached, and around 3-6 inches in diameter. The length can vary but aim for something manageable, like 3-4 feet long.
Once you have your log, it needs to be cleaned and prepared. This involves removing any side branches and ensuring the log is free from dirt, debris, and competing fungi. You can use a brush and water to clean the log, but avoid chemicals or soaps as they can harm the mushrooms. After cleaning, the log should be soaked in water for 24 hours to ensure it is fully hydrated, which is important for the mushrooms' growth.
Now it's time to inoculate the log with mushroom spawn. This is usually done by drilling holes into the log and inserting the spawn, which will then colonize the wood and lead to mushroom growth. Space the holes about 6 inches apart in a diamond pattern, and they should be no deeper than two-thirds of the log's diameter. You then push the spawn plugs into these holes, sealing them with wax to keep out contaminants and retain moisture.
Finally, you need to care for your log by keeping it in a humid, shaded area, mimicking the natural environment mushrooms thrive in. Regularly water the log, especially during dry spells, and ensure it is kept off the ground to prevent competing fungi from taking over. It can take several months for mushrooms to start growing, but with patience, you will be rewarded with a crop of delicious mushrooms.
Preparing a mushroom log is a fun and rewarding project, offering a sustainable way to grow your own food and connect with nature. With the right care and attention, your mushroom log will provide multiple harvests over several years, making it a worthwhile endeavor for any mushroom enthusiast.
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How long it takes for mushrooms to grow on a log
A mushroom log is a crafted item that produces mushrooms. Mushrooms grown on logs are cultivated using either the traditional log method or the pillar (totem) method. The traditional method works well for most mushrooms and can be adapted to stumps as well. The process of inoculating logs can be time-consuming, but many growers have found innovative ways to speed it up, such as by using a sawdust spawn or plug spawn.
The time it takes for mushrooms to grow on a log depends on several factors, including the type of wood, the diameter of the log, the species of mushroom, and the environmental conditions. Hardwoods, such as oak, maple, beech, and alder, are typically preferred for mushroom cultivation as they provide a more hospitable environment for many types of mushrooms. Coniferous and softwoods are generally not recommended due to their high resin content, which can inhibit fungal growth.
The size of the log also matters, as larger logs will take longer to colonize but will produce mushrooms for a longer period of time. Smaller logs and soft hardwoods will typically fruit sooner but will have less longevity. On average, a mushroom log will produce mushrooms for 1 year per inch of diameter of the log. For example, a 5-inch diameter oak log with shiitake spawn will likely produce mushrooms for 5 years.
The environmental conditions, such as temperature and moisture, also play a role in the growth time. Mushrooms need cool weather and moisture to fruit, and growth slows down in the heat of summer. In general, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years for mushrooms to grow on a log, with the first flush of mushrooms appearing in the fall or the following spring. Once the mushrooms begin to grow, you can harvest them for 3 to 7 years from the same log.
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How to care for a mushroom log
A mushroom log is a piece of fresh wood that can be used to grow mushrooms. Here are some detailed instructions on how to care for a mushroom log:
Firstly, find a fresh log, preferably no older than a month. You can cut the log into smaller pieces, or "biscuits", using a chainsaw or a hand saw. If you are cutting the log into smaller pieces, layer cardboard between each piece. You can stack the pieces as high as you want, but be aware that they may be knocked over.
Next, you will need to inoculate the log with spawn. This can be done using the plug spawn method, which involves drilling small holes into the log and packing them with spawn, or the sawdust spawn method, which involves inserting sawdust into the log using a special tool. Once the spawn has been added, cover the holes with wax to ensure optimal growing conditions and reduce contamination.
Now, you need to find a place for your log. Mushrooms grow best outdoors, in a shady spot out of direct sunlight. If you are growing your mushrooms indoors, place the log in a room that is between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, such as an unheated garage, closet, or basement. Make sure the log is elevated off the ground and has access to water and open air. Avoid placing the log in an enclosed space, as stagnant air can dry out the log.
Once your log is in place, you will need to keep it hydrated. Soak the log in cold water for at least 10 hours every 30 days, or more frequently if you live in a dry area. You can also water the log, but be careful not to make the soil too wet.
Finally, be patient. It can take 6-12 months for the mushrooms to start fruiting, and the first harvest is usually lower than subsequent yields. However, with proper care, your log will produce mushrooms for 3-4 years.
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Frequently asked questions
A mushroom log is a log that has been inoculated with spawn to grow mushrooms.
First, drill a series of small holes into the log. Then, pack each hole tightly with spawn and cover the surface with wax. This ensures optimal growing conditions for the mycelium and reduces contamination by other fungi species.
Oaks and hard maples are the preferred wood types for most mushroom species as they are very dense and offer plenty of nutrition for a longer, sustained fruiting period. However, you can use other types of wood, such as poplars and aspens, which will colonize faster and produce mushrooms sooner but generally yield less.
