Sarah Brown
Shiitake mushrooms are a delicious and nutritious gourmet mushroom with medicinal properties. They are highly prized in Japan, where about half of the world's supply is produced. They can be cultivated in a variety of ways, including on logs or in bags of nutrient-enriched sawdust. The best time to plant shiitake mushrooms depends on the method of cultivation, the climate, and the desired harvest time. When growing shiitake mushrooms on logs, it is important to start with healthy, disease-free logs that have the bark intact. The logs should be cut from deciduous hardwood trees such as oak, maple, or beech, and they need to be the appropriate size, typically between 3 and 6 inches in diameter and about 3 to 4 feet long. The logs should be seasoned for about two to three weeks before inoculating them with mushroom spawn. The inoculation process involves drilling holes into the logs and sealing them with wax, which can take about three days. After inoculation, the logs should be stacked in a well-ventilated, shaded area, and the mushrooms will take about six to twelve months to fruit.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mushroom type | Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) |
| Mushroom growing method | Logs, sawdust fruiting blocks, or bags of nutrient-enriched sawdust |
| Log type | Hardwood with bark intact, such as oak, maple, beech, or chestnut |
| Log size | 3-6 inches in diameter and 3.5-4 feet long |
| Mushroom spawn type | Dowels or sawdust |
| Spawn strains | Cold weather, warm weather, and wide range |
| Spawn cost | $35 for enough spawn for a dozen logs |
| Inoculation process | Drilling holes in logs and inserting spawn dowels, then sealing with wax |
| Mushroom growth time | 6-18 months after inoculation |
| Mushroom fruiting time | 3-7 years after the first harvest |
| Mushroom picking time | When they reach a decent size |
| Mushroom harvest method | Cutting the stem close to the block |
| Mushroom storage | In a paper bag in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right logs
Hardwood Species:
Shiitake mushrooms thrive on various hardwood species, including oak, maple, beech, birch, poplar, aspen, and chestnut. Oak is particularly favoured for shiitake cultivation, with white oak being an ideal choice. However, other suitable hardwoods include elm, alder, gum, and sweetgum.
Log Size and Diameter:
The size and diameter of the logs are important considerations. Logs should typically be around 3 to 4 feet long and 3 to 8 inches in diameter. Smaller logs tend to deteriorate and dry out quickly, which can hinder mushroom growth. Ridiculously large logs can also be challenging to manage, so it's best to stick within this size range.
Bark Condition:
The amount of bark on the log is crucial because shiitake mushrooms fruit from the bark itself. Ensure that the logs have ample bark intact, as insufficient bark will hinder fruiting.
Log Freshness and Seasoning:
Freshly cut logs are ideal for shiitake cultivation. If you're cutting your own logs, it's best to do so in the fall to capture the peak sugar content, which promotes fungal growth. After cutting, allow the logs to season for about two to three weeks before inoculation. During seasoning, lean the logs against each other to prevent direct contact with the ground, as this can introduce contaminants.
Log Source and Purity:
If you have access to a forest with suitable hardwood trees, you can source your logs from there. However, ensure that the logs are free from disease, damage, and contaminants. Avoid logs with lichen or other fungi, as these can interfere with shiitake growth. If you don't have access to suitable hardwoods, you may need to purchase logs specifically for shiitake cultivation.
By carefully selecting the right logs, you'll be well on your way to successfully growing shiitake mushrooms. Remember to consider factors such as hardwood species, log size, bark condition, log freshness, and log source to create an ideal environment for shiitake mushroom cultivation.
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Preparing the logs
Selecting the Right Logs
Choose logs from hardwood trees such as oak, maple, beech, birch, poplar, or elm. Avoid coniferous trees and dogwood, and trees with lichen or other fungi. The logs should be freshly cut, with the bark intact, and free from disease and damage. Aim for logs that are 3 to 6 inches in diameter and about 3 to 4 feet long.
Seasoning the Logs
Allow your logs to season for about two to three weeks. During this time, lean them against each other to prevent direct contact with the ground, as this can lead to contamination by other fungi.
Drilling and Inoculating the Logs
After seasoning, it's time to drill holes in the logs and inoculate them with mushroom spawn. Drill holes every 6 to 8 inches apart, and 2 inches from either end of the log. The holes should be about 1.5 to 2 inches deep. You can use either a special inoculation tool or a drill with an 8.5-millimeter drill bit.
Inserting the Spawn
Shiitake spawn usually comes in the form of dowels or sawdust. Insert the dowels or sawdust spawn into the drilled holes. If using dowels, gently tap them into the holes with a hammer or mallet. If using sawdust, you may need a special inoculation tool from your supplier.
Sealing the Logs
To protect the spawn from contaminants and moisture loss, seal the logs with wax. Melt some beeswax or cheese wax in a pot and carefully brush it over the holes. Paraffin wax can also be used, but it may attract unwanted bees.
Stacking and Placement
Once your logs are sealed, it's time to stack and place them in a well-ventilated, shaded area. You can stack them against a fence in a tepee style or lay them on a bed of straw. Keep them in a shady spot with 60 to 85 percent shade and close access to water for soaking or spraying.
With these steps, your logs will be ready to nurture the growth of shiitake mushrooms. Remember to choose a suitable location, as this will impact the success of your mushroom cultivation.
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Inoculating the logs
Selecting and Preparing the Logs
Choose logs that are free of disease and damage, with the bark intact. The ideal log is a freshly cut 4-foot piece of white oak, 6 to 8 inches in diameter. However, shiitake mushrooms will grow on various hardwoods, including oak, chestnut, beech, alder, gum, maple, and poplar. Avoid using logs smaller than 3 inches in diameter, as they dry out too quickly. If you don't have access to suitable logs, you may need to purchase them. Allow the logs to season for about three weeks, leaning them against each other to prevent contamination.
Obtaining Mushroom Spawn
Purchase mushroom spawn or seed to initiate fungus growth. It comes in the form of short dowels impregnated with spawn, usually packaged in jars or plastic bags. Ensure the spawn is covered with a pulpy white and tan material, indicating freshness. Select the appropriate strain for your region and experience level—cold weather, warm weather, or wide range. Consult your supplier to ensure you obtain enough spawn for your project. Keep the spawn refrigerated until you're ready to use it.
Drilling and Inoculating the Logs
After your logs have seasoned, use a drill with an 8.5-millimeter drill bit to create holes in the logs. Space the holes 5 inches apart and drill them 1.5 inches deep. Form a diamond pattern by drilling diagonal lines of holes on all four sides of the log. Insert the dowels containing the spawn into the holes. Use a hammer or mallet to secure them in place.
Sealing the Logs
Seal the dowels in the holes by brushing molten wax over each hole. Paraffin or cheese wax is recommended, but beeswax can also be used, although it may attract bees. The wax will help retain moisture in the logs and prevent the growth of unwanted moss and mould.
Stacking and Caring for the Logs
Stack the inoculated logs in a well-ventilated area, providing 60 to 85 percent shade. Handle them carefully to avoid damaging the wax seals. You can expect to see signs of colonisation in the form of white, fungus-like growth rings on the log ends within 4 to 18 months. Keep the logs moist by soaking or spraying them with water regularly.
By following these steps, you will successfully inoculate your logs and create the ideal environment for shiitake mushrooms to thrive. With patience and care, you'll soon be able to harvest your own delicious and nutritious mushrooms.
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Maintaining the logs
Firstly, choose the right logs for your shiitake mushrooms. Select hardwood logs such as oak, maple, beech, or alder. These logs should be freshly cut, with the bark intact and free from any disease, damage, or lichen. The ideal size is about 4 feet long and 6 to 8 inches in diameter. Smaller logs can be used, but they dry out more quickly and may not support the mushroom growth as effectively.
Once you have your logs, allow them to season for about two to three weeks. During this time, lean the logs against each other to prevent direct contact with the ground, as this can introduce unwanted fungi or contaminants. Access to water is also important during this phase, as you will need to soak the logs in a container of water for a full day before beginning the inoculation process.
The inoculation process involves drilling holes into the logs and inserting mushroom spawn or plugs. Drill holes that are 6 to 8 inches apart, about 2 inches deep, and 2 inches from either end of the log. You can then insert the spawn or plugs, which should be covered with a white and tan pulpy substance, indicating they are healthy and ready for use. After insertion, seal the holes with wax, such as paraffin or cheese wax, to protect the spawn and keep the logs moist.
Finally, find a suitable location for your logs. Stack them in a well-ventilated area with partial shade, mimicking the natural environment where shiitake mushrooms thrive. Keep the logs moist by soaking or spraying them with water regularly. With proper care and patience, your shiitake mushrooms will begin to fruit, providing you with a delicious and rewarding harvest.
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Harvesting the mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms are typically ready to harvest six to 24 months after inoculating the logs. However, you may start to see small brown buttons, known as "pinning", appearing on the logs after four to 18 months. Mushrooms will follow in a few days if the weather remains warm and damp.
The pinning stage often occurs as the logs dry out, around three to five days after shocking the logs, but it can also occur naturally after a week. After the pins emerge, the protective covering should be removed. This typically takes seven to ten days following the shock.
The fruiting period usually lasts one to two weeks, depending on the temperature and shiitake strain. You can extend the fruiting season by using different combinations of strains, such as cold, warm, and wide-range weather strains.
Shiitake mushrooms should be picked when the cap is opened approximately 50–75%—this is when the gills are exposed but still rolled under the cap. If you harvest the mushrooms when the cap is 100% open, it can lead to a reduced shelf life, a longer delay before the next flush, and increased pest problems.
To harvest the mushrooms, grasp the lower portion of the stem and pull the mushroom from the log with a slight twisting motion. You can also use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the mushrooms as close as possible to the log. Only the stems should be touched during picking, as bruises on the caps and gills will discolor rapidly.
Fresh shiitake mushrooms will last in the fridge for up to two weeks. After harvesting, the logs should be placed in a laying or stacking position and rested for one to three months. To induce a second fruiting, submerge the block completely under cold water for 6–12 hours.
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Frequently asked questions
The best time to plant shiitake mushrooms is in the fall, when the sugar content in the wood is at its peak, which is most advantageous for promoting fungal growth.
The most efficient method of cultivation is to grow the mushrooms from plug spawn (from logs). Before you get started, you need to consider what kind of hardwood trees you have in your forest. A white oak tree is ideal, but elm, alder, sweet gum, and maple trees also make good logs.
It takes between six and eighteen months for shiitake mushrooms to start fruiting. Once established, the crop will continue to produce fruit for approximately four to seven years.
