Sarah Brown
Growing mushrooms outdoors is a simple and low-tech way to cultivate edible and medicinal mushrooms. To grow mushrooms, holes are drilled into logs or stumps, which are then plugged with mushroom spawn. The spawn is then sealed with wax to prevent contamination and insects. The depth and diameter of the holes drilled depend on the type of mushroom spawn being used. For plug spawn, the depth of the hole should be about 1 to 1.5 inches, and the diameter should match the size of the plugs. For sawdust spawn, a slightly larger diameter is needed, and the depth should still be about 1 inch.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mushroom type | Shiitake, Maitake, Oyster, Enoki, Beefsteak, Chicken of the Woods, Reishi |
| Tree type | Hardwood, Oak, Sugar Maple, Poplar, Birch, Beech |
| Tree diameter | No more than 8 inches at the bottom |
| Drill bit size | 5/16-inch, 7/16-inch, 7.9325 mm, 8.5 mm, 11.1125 mm, 12 mm |
| Hole depth | 1 inch |
| Hole spacing | 4-6 inches apart, 6-8 inches apart |
| Spawn type | Plug spawn, Sawdust spawn |
| Wax | Melted wax brushed over spawned holes to seal in spawn and maintain moisture |
| Placement | Shady area with dappled forest light, away from direct sunlight and wind |
| Colonization time | 6-10 months |
| Fruiting time | 9 months to 1 year, can produce for 5 years or more |
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What You'll Learn
Drill hole depth and spacing
When drilling holes for mushroom plugs, it's important to consider both the depth and spacing of the holes to ensure successful mushroom growth.
Hole Depth
The depth of the holes you drill will depend on the type of mushroom plugs you are using. If you are using plug spawn, it is recommended to match the depth of your holes to the length of your plugs. Most plug spawn calls for a 5/16-inch drill bit, but this may vary, so it's important to match the drill bit size to the plugs. If you're using sawdust spawn, you may need a slightly larger drill bit, depending on the tool you use to insert the sawdust.
Hole Spacing
The spacing of the holes is also important for optimal mushroom growth. It is recommended to drill your holes in a diamond pattern all the way around the bark-covered surface of the log, with spacing of about 4 to 6 inches between holes. Closer spacing will speed up colonization, but spacing the holes farther apart than 6 inches can increase the risk of attracting spores from competing fungi, which can reduce your yield. To create the diamond pattern, start drilling holes about 2 inches from the end of the log and continue down the length of the log, making a line of holes every 3 inches. This will result in a grid of holes in a diamond pattern.
It's important to note that drilling and spawning more holes will not produce more mushrooms, but it will speed up the colonization process for earlier fruiting. Therefore, consistent spacing is crucial for even mushroom growth.
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Choosing the right drill bit
If you're using plug spawn, it's crucial to match the depth and diameter of your drill bit to your plugs. Most plug spawn on the market requires a 5/16-inch drill bit, which equates to approximately 8 millimetres. This size ensures that your plugs fit snugly into the holes, allowing the spawn to take hold effectively.
However, if you opt for sawdust spawn, you'll need a slightly larger drill bit. A 7/16-inch drill bit, or approximately 11 millimetres, is recommended for this type of spawn. The larger hole accommodates the sawdust spawn better and facilitates efficient packing.
It's worth noting that the depth of your holes is also important. Ideally, the holes should be about one inch deep. This depth ensures that the spawn is flush with the bark, providing an optimal surface for sealing with wax. Drilling deeper than one inch may create gaps that hinder the spawn's ability to establish itself successfully.
Additionally, when selecting a drill bit, consider the speed of your drill. For low-speed drills (under 2500 rpm), 5/16" brad point bits made of soft steel are suitable for drilling into wood. Conversely, high-speed drills or angle grinders with a high-speed drill bit adapter can expedite the process, especially when working with a large number of logs.
By choosing the right drill bit size and type, you can effectively drill holes that accommodate your chosen spawn type and set the stage for successful mushroom cultivation.
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Inserting the spawn
Now that you have drilled holes in the logs, it is time to insert the spawn. The spawn is the carrier that holds a specific strain of mushroom mycelium. The goal of the spawn is to spread out bits of mycelium into its final habitat where it can grow, colonize, digest food, and ultimately fruit.
If you are using plug spawn, match the depth and diameter of your holes to your plugs. Most plug spawn on the market calls for a 5/16-inch drill bit, although this can vary; just match the drill bit to the plugs you are using. An 8.5mm soft steel screw tip drill bit with a stop collar is also used for plug spawn inoculations. Tap the plug spawn into the holes using a mallet or hammer. You want them to sit just below the bark, flush with the wood of the log, so there’s space left for sealing the holes.
If you are using sawdust spawn, you may need a slightly larger diameter depending on the tool you use to insert the sawdust. If you’re using sawdust spawn, match the bit to the size of the packing tool you’re using. Tamp the sawdust spawn into the holes with a dowel. Fill the hole until the spawn is flush with the bark.
Brush a small amount of melted wax over the spawned hole to seal in the spawn. Wax helps maintain moisture in the hole, supporting the mycelium as it drills its way outward from the sawdust or plug into the walls of the freshly drilled holes. Covering the plug with wax helps preserve moisture and keep contamination and insects out.
The colonisation phase can take six to ten months, depending on the type of wood, temperatures, and spawn spacing. During the colonisation phase, a specific fungus added to the substrate during inoculation gets the chance to colonise it fully. To make sure this process runs smoothly, it’s important to create the right conditions. In practice, that mostly means keeping the right temperature and minimising light exposure.
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Sealing the holes
Choose the Right Wax
Select a sealing wax that is specifically designed for mushroom plugs. Natural soy wax is recommended by some sources, as it performs well and remains flexible in cold temperatures. Avoid using wax meant for sealing wine bottles, as it may require long heating times and become brittle in freezing temperatures.
Prepare the Wax
Melt the sealing wax in a crockpot or an old pot on low heat. Keep in mind that the pot will likely be ruined for future cooking, so consider using a can placed inside the pot and heating the wax indirectly.
Brush the Wax onto the Plugs
Once the wax is melted, use a one-inch bristle paintbrush to apply it to the mushroom plugs. Brush a small amount of melted wax over each plug, ensuring that it is flush with the bark. This will help seal in the spawn and preserve moisture.
Monitor and Maintain
After sealing, place your logs in a shady area with dappled forest light or on the shady side of a building if you're in an urban environment. Keep them near a water source for easy watering and soaking. Check on your logs regularly, and don't be afraid to sprinkle them with water to maintain moisture.
The sealing process is crucial to providing the mycelium with the necessary time to colonize the log. By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to successfully growing mushrooms outdoors.
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Log placement
Once your logs are inoculated and sealed with wax, they are ready for placement. It is important to place your logs in a sheltered, shady location, away from direct sunlight and wind, which can dry out the log and kill the fungus. Situate them near a water source for easy watering and soaking.
If you are in an urban environment, place the logs on the shady side of a building. An old pallet is perfect for stacking logs on and will keep them off the ground.
The logs should be placed in a resting period of about two weeks to allow for cell dieback to begin before inoculation. However, if you cannot wait, the logs can be inoculated the next day, but they should still be soaked overnight.
The colonisation phase can take six to ten months, depending on the type of wood, temperatures, and spawn spacing. After a full year of growing, the mycelium will start producing fruiting bodies, and you can expect to see mushrooms about 12 months after plugging. However, it may take up to 18-24 months to see significant yields.
Some mushrooms, such as maitakes, are better suited for outdoor cultivation under natural conditions than indoors. Oyster mushrooms, for example, prefer softer hardwoods such as poplar, birch, and beech. On the other hand, shiitake mushrooms require the nutrient-rich sapwood of hardwood logs and are more sensitive to the type of wood they grow on.
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Frequently asked questions
The ideal drill bit size depends on the type of mushroom spawn being used. For plug spawn, a 5/16-inch drill bit is commonly used, although sizes can vary from 5/16-inch to 7/16-inch. For sawdust spawn, a larger drill bit size is needed, typically 7/16-inch or 11.1125 mm.
The holes for mushroom plugs should be drilled to a depth of about 1 to 1-1/2 inches. It is important that the holes are not drilled deeper than 1 inch, as it may create a gap that makes it difficult for the spawn to take hold.
Mushroom plugs should be drilled after selecting and preparing the logs or stumps for cultivation. The logs should be cut to the appropriate length and diameter, and allowed to rest for about two weeks before drilling and inoculation.
