Michael Davis
Growing mushrooms is a simple process that has been practised for thousands of years. However, it requires careful consideration of the placement of mushroom logs. The logs should be placed in a shaded, moist environment, protected from direct sunlight, and with access to water. They can be placed in a trench, stacked in a criss-cross formation, or even submerged in water for short periods. The ideal location is a shaded area on the north side of a house, under the cover of bushes or evergreen trees, or close to the forest floor, elevated on scrap wood. The logs should not be covered, as they need access to rain, and they should not be allowed to dry out.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Outside in a shaded, moist environment |
| Sunlight | No direct sunlight |
| Position | Logs can be placed in a trench, stacked, or stood upright |
| Soil | Not in contact with soil or leaf litter |
| Watering | Keep logs hydrated but do not soak for longer than 24 hours |
| Incubation | Cover with a paper bag or cardboard and incubate for 4-12 months |
| Fruiting | Logs can be forced to fruit by soaking them for 24 hours |
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What You'll Learn
Keep logs in full shade
If you want to grow mushrooms, placing your logs in a shaded, moist environment is essential. Here are some tips for keeping your mushroom logs in full shade:
First, it is important to understand that mushrooms need shade, not complete darkness. "Shade" can include partial direct sun, which may vary throughout the day or across seasons. As long as the sun's direct rays don't hit the log, you're providing the necessary shade. This is crucial because a log exposed to direct sunlight can quickly dry out and become firewood.
When placing your logs, look for natural sources of shade, such as the north side of a house, which typically provides shade during the winter without blocking necessary rainfall. You can also place logs under the cover of bushes or evergreen trees. A simple piece of 80% shade cloth draped over the logs can also provide sufficient shade.
If you're creating a trench for your logs, as recommended by some sources, dig out an area approximately half as deep as the diameter of your logs. Place the logs in the trench and pack the reserved soil around and between them so that only the top surface area of the logs is exposed. For added moisture retention, you can use wood chips or sawdust in addition to or instead of soil.
Regularly monitor your logs to prevent them from drying out. While logs need to be kept moist, they shouldn't stay wet on the outside for extended periods. Deep soaking is recommended if necessary, but limit it to no more than 24 hours.
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Avoid direct sunlight
When placing your mushroom log, it is important to avoid direct sunlight. This is because direct sun rays can cause the log to dry out and become firewood. While mushrooms require sunlight to grow, direct sunlight can be harmful. Instead, place your log in a spot that receives dappled or partial sunlight, or indirect light through windows.
To avoid direct sunlight, you can place your mushroom log in a shaded area, either indoors or outdoors. If keeping your log outdoors, find a shady spot in your yard, such as under a shady fence or tree, or on the north side of your house during the winter. You can also drape an 80% shade cloth over the logs or place them under bushes or evergreen trees. Elevate the log a few inches off the ground, either by leaning it against something or by placing it on a rock or brick.
If keeping your log indoors, place it in a room that receives indirect light, such as an entryway mudroom, laundry room, bath, kitchen, or pantry. The room should have a temperature between 38-85 degrees F, with normal temperature fluctuations, high humidity, and fresh circulating air. Avoid placing the log near heat sources such as wood stoves or heater vents, as this can cause the log to dry out.
Whether your log is kept indoors or outdoors, it is important to ensure it remains hydrated. Submerge your log in water overnight or for 12-24 hours before plugging with spawn. If your log is kept outdoors, regular rain or sprinklers can provide the necessary hydration. If the log feels light, it may need to be soaked. However, do not soak the logs for longer than 24 hours, and allow the bark to dry between soakings.
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Place in a moist environment
To place mushroom logs in a moist environment, you can follow these steps:
Firstly, it is important to identify a shaded location, as direct sunlight can be harmful to mushroom logs. Choose a spot that receives partial sunlight or dappled light throughout the day or seasonally. The north side of a house is an excellent option during the winter, as it provides shade while still allowing access to rain. Alternatively, you can create shade by draping an 80% shade cloth over the logs or placing them under the cover of bushes or evergreen trees.
Next, prepare the selected area by digging out a trench about half as deep as the diameter of your logs. Remove the soil and set it aside, then place your logs in the trench, stacking them with a little space between each log for airflow. If you have multiple layers of logs, offset each layer by 90 degrees. You can also elevate the logs about 1-2 inches above the ground using scrap wood to ensure better airflow and prevent direct contact with soil or leaf litter.
Once your logs are arranged, take the reserved soil and pack it around and between the logs, leaving only the top surface area exposed. At this point, you can also use wood chips or sawdust in addition to or instead of soil. Water the area to compact the material around the logs and add more if necessary.
To maintain a moist environment, regular watering is crucial. While mushroom logs should not remain wet on the outside for extended periods, they require sufficient moisture to thrive. Watering is especially important during dry weather conditions. If the logs require deeper hydration, you can soak them for 12-24 hours using a sprinkler, soaker hose, or by rolling them into a body of water like a stream or pond. Remember to allow the bark to dry between soakings, and do not soak the logs for more than 24 hours.
By following these steps, you can create an ideal moist environment for your mushroom logs, promoting their growth and productivity.
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Stacking methods
Stacking mushroom logs is a faster and easier method of growing mushrooms and is suitable for several species, including oyster mushrooms. The climate is an important factor when stacking mushroom logs. In dry climates, shorter stacks closer to the ground help keep logs moist. In wetter climates, log stacks can be higher. Here are some stacking methods to consider:
Lean-to Stack
In climates with severe winters, keeping the logs low to the ground can protect them from freeze-drying winds by a blanket of snow.
Dead Piling
Dead piling is mainly used for short-term storage, such as when logs come off the inoculation line or for early incubation. It involves using a moisture-resistant covering of cloth, plastic, etc., to conserve moisture and shed rain. This method should not be used indefinitely due to the lack of ventilation and the potential for contamination by heavy rains or condensation.
Log Cabin Stack
The log cabin stack is suitable for increasing airflow and the ease of mushroom picking. This method is recommended for dry climates or sites and log sizes or species prone to excessive drying. It can be as high as 5' in wetter climates.
Layer Cake Stack
This method involves creating a 'layer cake' of short sections of a log stacked vertically on top of each other with a layer of spawn spread between each section. Place your stack in a shady spot that provides a relatively cool, moist microclimate for the fungi to grow, such as under a tree, in a forest, or a shady, protected spot created by your house or garage.
A-Frame Stack
The A-frame stack is recommended for improving airflow and promoting the fruiting of soaked logs.
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Log placement in relation to the forest floor
When placing mushroom logs in relation to the forest floor, it is important to consider the following factors:
Shade and Sun Exposure
Mushroom logs should be placed in a shaded location to prevent direct sunlight from drying out the logs and killing the fungus. While some shade is necessary, it is important to note that "shade" may include partial direct sun, which can dapple and change daily or seasonally. The key is to avoid the sun's direct rays hitting the log.
Moisture
Moisture is crucial for mushroom log cultivation. Logs should be kept moist, but not excessively wet for long periods. Soaking the logs at the beginning and end of each season is recommended, especially after harvesting. Natural water sources like rain, streams, or ponds can be used for hydration.
Elevation and Stacking
Logs should be elevated 1-2 inches above the forest floor, using scrap wood or pallets to keep them off the ground. This prevents contact with soil or leaf litter, which could contaminate the logs. When stacking logs, leave a little space between each log for airflow, and consider offsetting each layer by 90 degrees for stability and optimal air circulation.
Trench Method
An alternative method is to trench the logs by digging a trench half as deep as the diameter of the logs in a shaded area. Place the logs in a raft formation in the trench and pack the reserved soil around and between the logs so that only the top surface area is exposed. This provides stability and insulation for the logs.
Snow Line
In regions with snowfall, it is important to keep the stack of logs lower than the average snow line. Snow cover protects the logs from dry winter winds and insulates them from the cold.
By following these guidelines for log placement in relation to the forest floor, you can create an optimal environment for mushroom cultivation, ensuring healthy growth and minimizing potential risks.
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Frequently asked questions
Place your logs in a shaded, moist environment and monitor them regularly to prevent drying out. The north side of your house is a good option, but not under the eaves, as the logs need rain.
If your logs are drying out, you should give them a deep soaking of 12-24 hours. Make sure the bark dries out between soakings.
The best logs for growing mushrooms are freshly cut hardwoods, harvested while the tree is dormant. Oak is a top choice for shiitake mushrooms, while sugar maple and sweet gum are also excellent options.
Logs with a diameter of 8 to 25 cm and a length of up to 1.25 m are ideal for mushroom cultivation.
Mushroom logs should not be covered. They should be left outside in the elements, exposed to rain.
