Emma Wilson
If you're interested in growing mushrooms, fall is a great time to start preparing. Logs can be cut and inoculated almost any time of year, but strategic timing can increase yield and longevity. If you inoculate in the fall, you may get mushrooms as soon as the next spring, or more likely, the following fall. The optimal time for harvesting wood for bolts is in the fall, after 30% of a tree's leaves have changed colour and before they drop. This is when sugars are highest, the bark is tight, and moisture content is good, allowing fungi to quickly myceliate the log. Additionally, fall inoculation can lead to earlier fruiting the following year and offers many benefits for fungal growth and cultivation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Outdoors in a shady spot in your yard, or indoors in a dark spot out of direct sunlight |
| Temperature | Cool temperatures, simulating a fall/spring night |
| Moisture | Well-hydrated, with regular rainfall or artificial soaking |
| Timing | Logs can be cut and inoculated almost any time of year, but fall is optimal for harvesting wood |
| Species | Oyster, Shiitake, Lion's Mane, Chicken of the Woods, Reishi, Wine Cap, Maitake, and more |
| Yield | Depends on the type of wood, species, and environmental conditions |
| Time to First Harvest | Varies between 6 months to 2 years, with smaller logs typically fruiting sooner |
| Maintenance | Regular watering, flipping, and checking for healthy mycelium growth |
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What You'll Learn
The ideal environment for mushroom logs
Mushrooms need a temperature change and moisture to grow and produce fruit. The ideal environment for mushroom logs is, therefore, a shaded, moist area.
If you are growing your mushrooms outdoors, a nice shady spot in your yard that is out of direct sunlight is best. You can lean the log against a shady fence or a tree, ensuring that the end of the log is elevated off the ground by a few inches. This will allow mushrooms to grow around the entire surface of the log. Alternatively, you can partially bury the log lengthwise, leaving about two-thirds of it above the ground. This will help the log retain moisture and prevent the bark from detaching.
If you are growing your mushrooms indoors, place the log in a dark spot in your home, away from any vents that blow air. The ideal temperature for the room is between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The log should be resting on a plate or in a tray.
Whether your logs are indoors or outdoors, it is important to keep them well hydrated. You can do this by soaking them in water for 24 hours at the beginning and end of each season. Misting or watering the logs 1-2 times daily is also recommended until you see mushrooms begin to emerge.
If you are growing Shiitake mushrooms, it is important to note that they prefer a temperature range of 50-70°F with humidity around 85%.
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How to care for your mushroom log
Unwrapping and positioning your log
If you've purchased a mushroom log, the first step is to unwrap it, removing all packaging but leaving any silver tags that indicate the type of mushroom and date of inoculation. Logs from 2FunGuys, for example, have wax covering the ends and inoculation points, which should be kept on to retain moisture.
Next, you'll need to find a home for your log. If you're growing your mushrooms outdoors, place the log in a shady spot in your yard that's out of direct sunlight. You can lean the log against a fence or a tree, with the end of the log elevated a few inches off the ground. If growing your mushrooms inside, place the log in a dark spot in your home, out of direct sunlight and away from any vents that blow air. The ideal temperature for your log is between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, which you might find in an unheated garage, closet, or basement.
Watering your log
Whether your log is kept indoors or outdoors, it's important to keep it watered and well-hydrated. Soak your log once a month, or more if you live in a dry area, in cold water for around 24 hours. You can also add ice to the water to create a temperature difference, simulating a cool fall or spring night, which will kickstart the fruiting process. If your log is kept outdoors, regular rainfall should provide enough hydration, but during droughts, you may need to give it extra water with a garden hose.
Fruiting and harvesting
The mycelium typically takes 6-12 months from the inoculation date to fully colonize the log and start fruiting. When you see fine white fibers (hyphae) running through the ends of the log, they are ready for fruiting. To initiate fruiting, you can shock the log by knocking one end of it sharply on a hard surface and then submerging it in cold water for 24 hours. The pins of the mushrooms should appear within 4-10 days, and they'll be ready to harvest within 5-10 days after that.
Other care tips
- If you're growing Shiitake mushrooms, their logs should not be buried or laid directly on the ground. Instead, they should be kept upright, leaning against a tree, fence, or building.
- If your log is propped up, flip it end over end once every few weeks.
- Keep an eye out for healthy white mycelium. The ends of the logs will have white patches, and mycelium can also be visible around the inoculation points.
- If your log doesn't produce mushrooms on your first try, allow it to rest for 8-12 weeks and then try again.
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The best time to inoculate your log
Logs can be cut and inoculated at almost any time of the year, but the strategic timing can increase yield and longevity. The time between inoculation and the first harvest depends on the species being grown, the size of the logs, and environmental conditions.
In cooler climates, some growers cut logs in the fall, stack, and cover them with a tarp to overwinter, then inoculate in the spring. This method may not work in hotter climates, as mushroom spores are present in the air year-round. If you inoculate in the spring, you might get your first mushrooms in the fall, but it will likely take a full year until you see your first fruiting. If you inoculate in the fall and can keep the mycelium from going dormant, you may get mushrooms as soon as the next spring, but more likely the following fall.
To prepare for inoculation in the fall, you should harvest wood for bolts after 30% of a tree's leaves have changed colour through full leaf drop. At this point, sugars are highest, the bark is tight, and moisture content should be in a good range, allowing the fungi to quickly myceliate the log.
To simulate the temperature difference of nightfall, you can place the log in the refrigerator overnight after it has been hydrated.
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The benefits of fall inoculation
Benefits of Fall Inoculation
Fall inoculation can offer several advantages for fungal growth and cultivation. Here are some benefits of inoculating your mushroom logs in the fall:
Earlier Fruiting
Inoculating mushroom logs in the fall can lead to earlier fruiting the following year. The cooler temperatures and increased moisture during this season provide ideal conditions for the fungi to quickly myceliate the log and establish themselves.
Temperature Fluctuations
Mushrooms need temperature fluctuations to initiate and promote fruiting. By inoculating in the fall, you naturally create a temperature difference that mimics the cooler nights of fall and spring. This temperature change can trigger the fruiting process and lead to a more abundant harvest.
Nutrient Availability
During the fall, trees undergo a period of dormancy, and nutrients are transferred from the foliage down into the stems and trunks for storage. By harvesting wood for bolts after leaf colour changes and before full leaf drop, the sugar content is highest, and the bark is tight, providing optimal nutrient availability for fungal growth.
Moisture Retention
Fall inoculation allows you to take advantage of the natural moisture in the air and soil during this season. The higher moisture content in the logs and environment can promote fungal growth and help prevent the logs from drying out, which is detrimental to the fungus.
Planning and Yield
Fall inoculation gives you a head start on planning and preparing your mushroom garden for the following spring. By inoculating in the fall, you can increase the yield and longevity of your mushroom crop, as the fungi will have more time to establish and colonize the logs before the first harvest.
In conclusion, fall inoculation offers several benefits for mushroom enthusiasts, including earlier fruiting, temperature fluctuations, increased nutrient availability, improved moisture retention, and enhanced planning and yield potential. With strategic timing and care, you can successfully cultivate a bountiful mushroom harvest.
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How to position your mushroom log
When positioning your mushroom log, it's important to consider the type of mushrooms you're growing, the environment, and your available space. Here are some detailed guidelines on how to position your mushroom log for optimal growth:
Choose a Suitable Location:
Select an area that is shady and protected from direct sunlight. This can be outdoors in your yard or garden, or indoors in a room that receives indirect light. If growing outdoors, a shady spot under a tree or near a fence is ideal. If growing indoors, a basement, closet, or unheated garage that meets the temperature requirements can work.
Ensure Proper Airflow:
Mushrooms need access to fresh, moving air. Avoid placing them in closed spaces like boxes or cabinets. Instead, opt for open-air environments with good ventilation, such as near a window or door. Avoid persistent winds and heaters as they can dry out the log.
Consider Moisture Retention:
Mushrooms require moisture to grow and fruit. If you're placing your log outdoors, ensure it's in an area that receives rainfall or has access to a water source for occasional soaking. If growing indoors, you may need to water your log regularly to keep it hydrated.
Position the Log Properly:
For Shiitake logs, it's recommended to keep them upright and off the ground. You can lean them against a tree, fence, or any object that elevates them slightly. This allows mushrooms to grow around the entire surface of the log. Oyster logs, on the other hand, can be partially buried lengthwise, with about 2/3rds of the log above ground, or simply placed directly on the ground.
Stacking and Spacing:
If you have multiple logs, consider stacking methods such as the pillar method or crib stacking. Spacing between logs is also important. One or two logs can be placed almost anywhere, but if you have several logs, stacking them together can have benefits.
Temperature Considerations:
Maintain a temperature range of 65–80 degrees Fahrenheit. Create temperature fluctuations by soaking the log and then placing it in the fridge overnight, simulating cool nights. This temperature difference helps trigger the fruiting process.
Remember, the positioning of your mushroom log may vary depending on the specific mushroom species and your unique environment. Always monitor your logs and adjust their positioning as needed to ensure optimal growth conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms thrive in the outdoors, in a shady spot out of direct sunlight. If you're growing your mushrooms indoors, place the log in a dark spot in your home, away from direct sunlight and air vents.
Your mushroom log should be kept in a spot with access to water and open air. Avoid placing it in a box or closed cabinet. It's also important to keep the log moist, so consider giving it a soak with a garden hose during droughts.
The time between inoculation and the first harvest depends on the species, the size of the log, and environmental conditions. Mushrooms on standard-size logs in temperate climates typically take about a year to fully colonize before fruiting.
Logs can be cut and inoculated at almost any time of the year. However, in cooler climates, some growers cut logs in the fall and inoculate them in the spring. The optimal time for harvesting wood in the fall is after 30% of a tree's leaves have changed colour and before they fall.
Some common issues with mushroom logs include the bark falling off, mould growth, and plant shoots growing out of the logs. If you're having trouble getting your mushrooms to fruit, try the technique of force fruiting, which involves periodically soaking the logs.
