Emily Johnson
Mushroom plugs are an easy and reliable way to grow mushrooms at home. The best time to start is in late winter, when logs have higher concentrations of sugar. The process involves inoculating freshly cut logs with mushroom spawn, which then takes around a year to start producing mushrooms. The first step is to drill holes in the logs, which are then filled with spawn and sealed with wax. After this, the logs need to be kept moist and shaded, and will eventually begin to produce mushrooms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best time of year to inoculate logs | Late winter, when logs have higher concentrations of sugar |
| Species that can be started before last frost | Oyster mushrooms, Shiitake |
| Species that need to be inoculated after last frost | More delicate species |
| Species with shorter incubation periods | Oyster mushrooms |
| Species with longer incubation periods | Shiitake |
| Tools required | One-inch bristle paintbrush, 5/16″ bit, mallet or hammer, sealing wax, crockpot or old pot |
| Log preparation | Soak logs for 12-24 hours before plugging with spawn, allow bark to dry before plugging |
| Log drilling | Drill holes starting two inches from the end of the log, spacing holes six to eight inches apart, make rows of holes three to four inches apart |
| Plug sealing | Use beeswax, soy wax, or candle wax to seal plugs and ends of logs |
| Spawn run time | Four months to two years, depending on mushroom and wood species |
| Mushroom growth | Mushrooms will start producing fruiting bodies after a full year of growing and can produce every year for up to five years or longer |
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What You'll Learn
- The best time to start is late winter, when logs have higher sugar concentrations
- Fresh logs are best, cut from a healthy tree within 2-4 weeks
- Drill holes in a diamond pattern, 6-8 inches apart, 1-1.25 inches deep
- Tap plugs into holes, seal with wax, and soak the logs for 12-24 hours
- Keep the logs moist and shaded, and wait for mushrooms to fruit
The best time to start is late winter, when logs have higher sugar concentrations
The best time to start your mushroom plugs is late winter, when logs have higher sugar concentrations. Mushroom plugs are hardwood dowels laced with mushroom mycelium, which are plugged into freshly cut logs or stumps to inoculate them. The mycelium will start producing fruiting bodies after a full year of growing and can continue to produce every year for up to five years or more, depending on the log.
Late winter is the ideal time to inoculate logs with mushroom plugs because logs have higher sugar concentrations at this time. This is important because the sugar provides an ideal food source for the mycelium to grow on. If you wait until spring, other bacteria may feed on the sugars while you're waiting for the antifungal properties to decay before plugging.
When preparing your logs, it's important to use freshly cut logs to ensure that no other fungi have started to colonize them. The logs should be cut from a healthy tree within two to four weeks, as very fresh logs will still have antifungal compounds. You'll need to drill holes in the logs in a diamond pattern about two inches from the end of the log and about six to eight inches apart. Tap your plug spawn into the holes using a mallet or hammer, so they sit just below the bark, and then seal the holes with wax.
Once your logs are inoculated, you'll need to keep them moist and in a shady spot. You can mist them regularly to maintain consistent moisture levels, or if you're in a dry area, you may need to soak the logs for 12 to 24 hours before plugging and then continue to mist them. Keep in mind that the natural fruiting times of year for your mushroom species will affect when they produce mushrooms. Some species, like Oyster mushrooms, have a shorter incubation period, so if you plant them in late winter, they may fruit in the fall of the same year.
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Fresh logs are best, cut from a healthy tree within 2-4 weeks
When starting mushroom plugs, it is important to use fresh logs. The logs should be cut from a healthy tree within 2-4 weeks. This ensures that the logs are still moist enough to support the growth of the desired fungi, while also allowing time for the natural antibiotics and antifungal compounds present in the living tree to dissipate.
Fresh logs that are properly hydrated provide an ideal environment for the mushroom plugs to thrive. The moisture content in the logs is crucial for the survival of the fungi, as it helps to prevent the logs from drying out and promotes the growth of the fungal network. It is recommended to keep the logs in a shady spot and regularly mist them to maintain consistent moisture levels.
When preparing the logs, it is essential to follow specific techniques. This includes drilling holes in a diamond pattern, tapping the mushroom plugs into the holes, and sealing them with wax. The process of inoculating the logs with mushroom plugs typically occurs in late winter, as the logs have higher concentrations of sugar during this period, which is beneficial for the growth of the fungi.
Using fresh logs is a crucial aspect of successfully cultivating mushrooms through the use of mushroom plugs. By following these steps and maintaining adequate moisture levels, individuals can create favourable conditions for the growth and development of mushrooms.
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Drill holes in a diamond pattern, 6-8 inches apart, 1-1.25 inches deep
The best time to start mushroom plugs is in late winter, when logs have higher concentrations of sugar. Some species are more delicate and need to be inoculated after the last frost date in your local area. Oyster mushrooms and Shiitake are great species to start with. Oysters will produce mushrooms from spring to fall and have a shorter incubation period. Shiitake mushrooms have a longer incubation period and may take nine months to two years before they produce mushroom bodies.
Once you've gathered your tools and fresh logs, it's time to inoculate. Drill holes in a diamond pattern, 6-8 inches apart, 1-1.25 inches deep. Start drilling about 2 inches from the end of the log and make a line of holes every 3-4 inches around the log. This will create a grid of holes in a diamond pattern around the log's surface. The holes should be deep enough so that the sawdust or plugs inserted into them don't end up with air space at the bottom. This space can dry out the log and sawdust and impact mushroom growth.
After drilling, tap your plug spawn into the holes using a mallet or hammer. Make sure the plugs sit just below the bark, flush with the wood of the log, so there's space left for sealing the holes. Melt sealing wax in a crockpot or old pot and use a paintbrush to seal each hole. The wax protects the plugs from pests and competing bacteria. Once all the holes are sealed, your logs are ready for placement.
Find a shaded location for your logs, as direct sunlight and wind can dry them out and kill the fungus. Stack your logs on an old pallet and keep them moist. You can use a mister that comes on regularly with a timer. After a year, if conditions have been sufficiently moist, the logs will be infused with a fungal network. To get a flush of mushrooms, submerge the logs in chlorine-free water for a day or two, then return them to the shade. Keep the logs misted as the mushrooms pop out.
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Tap plugs into holes, seal with wax, and soak the logs for 12-24 hours
The best time of year to inoculate logs with mushroom plugs is in the late winter. At this time, logs have higher concentrations of sugar. However, some species are more delicate and need to be inoculated after the last frost date in your local area.
Once you have gathered your tools and have some fresh logs ready, it's time to inoculate. Drill holes starting about 2 inches from the end of the log and spacing them approximately 6 to 8 inches apart. Make the rows of holes 3 to 4 inches apart along the girth of each log. Tap your 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.
After inserting the plugs, wax over the holes with bees or soy wax immediately. Also, wax over the ends of the logs, anywhere the bark was damaged, and anywhere that branches were cut off the log. The wax protects the inoculation points from drying out before the mycelium gets a chance to grow and shields the plugs from pests and competing bacteria.
If you are using fresh logs, you do not need to soak them. There will be enough residual moisture in them to keep the fungi happy and start a fungal network within the wood. However, if your logs are old and dried out, you should soak them in water for 12 to 24 hours before plugging with spawn. Allow the bark to dry out before you plug them.
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Keep the logs moist and shaded, and wait for mushrooms to fruit
Once you've prepared your logs and inserted the mushroom plugs, it's time to wait for the mushrooms to fruit. This waiting period can be challenging, as it requires patience and careful maintenance of the logs. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through this process:
Keep the Logs Moist:
Maintaining moisture in your logs is crucial for successful mushroom growth. Here are some ways to do this:
- Misting: Regularly mist the logs with water, especially if you live in a dry area. You can set up a mister with a timer to ensure consistent moisture levels.
- Soaking: Soak the logs in chlorine-free water for about 24 hours before fruiting. Repeat this process after a year to induce a flush of mushrooms.
- Waxing: The ends and inoculation points of the logs should be waxed to help retain moisture. The wax will fall off over time, but it is essential during the initial stages.
- Watering: Keep your logs watered, especially if they are kept outside and not receiving natural rainfall or sprinkler irrigation.
Provide Shade:
Mushroom logs should be kept out of direct sunlight. Here are some tips for providing shade:
- Location: Place the logs in an area that receives shade throughout the day. The north side of your house can provide excellent winter shade, but avoid areas under the eaves to ensure the logs receive rainfall.
- Covering: Use a piece of shade cloth draped over the logs to provide additional shade. Alternatively, place them under the cover of bushes or evergreen trees.
- Indoors: If you're growing mushrooms indoors, place the logs in a dark spot, away from direct sunlight and heat sources like vents.
Waiting for Fruiting:
The time it takes for mushrooms to fruit varies depending on the mushroom and wood species. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Incubation Period: Oysters have a shorter incubation period and may fruit in the fall of the same year if planted in late winter. Shiitake, on the other hand, may take nine months to two years before producing mushrooms.
- Signs of Fruiting: Look for the ends of the logs to turn white with mycelium after a soaking rain, indicating that the spawn run is almost complete.
- Resting Period: Allow a resting period of 4-6 weeks between forced fruitings to let the mycelium extract more nutrients from the log for subsequent flushes.
- Fruiting Frequency: The log should fruit several times over its lifetime, which could span several years. However, forcing the logs to fruit too often will shorten their lifespan.
Remember, growing mushroom logs is a waiting game. With patience and proper care, you'll be rewarded with delicious, home-grown mushrooms!
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Frequently asked questions
The best time to start mushroom plugs is in late winter, when logs have higher concentrations of sugar.
First, soak your logs for 12-24 hours before plugging with spawn, but allow the bark to dry out before you plug them. Drill holes starting two inches from the end of the log and spacing them about six to eight inches apart. Tap your plug spawn into the holes using a mallet or hammer, then seal the holes with wax.
It can take anywhere from four months to two years for mushrooms to grow, depending on the mushroom and wood species. For example, Oyster mushrooms on poplar take four to six months, while Shiitake mushrooms on White Oak take 12 months.
