Growing shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) on logs

A natural way to cultivate these flavourful and nutritious fungi

1. Preparation

Selecting Logs

• Type of Wood: Shiitake mushrooms thrive on hardwoods such as oak, beech, sugar maple, sweetgum, and eucalyptus. Avoid softwoods like pine or cedar, as their resin inhibits fungal growth.
• Log Size: Logs should be 1–1.2 meters long and 10–20 cm in diameter for easy handling.
• Freshness: Use freshly cut logs (ideally within 1–2 weeks of felling) to ensure they retain moisture and are free of competing fungi.

Timing

• Ideal inoculation time: Late winter to early spring (Southern Hemisphere: June–August) before tree buds break dormancy.

2. Inoculation

Tools and Materials

• Shiitake Spawn: Purchase spawn in either sawdust or plug form.
• Drill: Use a drill with a 12 mm bit to create inoculation holes.
• Hammer or Inoculation Tool: For inserting spawn.
• Wax: Beeswax or food-grade paraffin for sealing inoculation sites.
• Heat Source: To melt the wax.

Process

1. Drill Holes:
   • Space holes 10–15 cm apart along the length of the log in a staggered pattern, leaving about 5 cm between rows.
2. Insert Spawn:
   • Fill each hole with shiitake spawn. For plug spawn, tap it into place with a hammer; for sawdust spawn, use an inoculation tool.
3. Seal with Wax:
   • Melt wax and brush it over the filled holes to protect the spawn from pests, contamination, and moisture loss.

3. Incubation

Location

• Place logs in a shaded, humid area with good airflow. Forest edges or under a shade cloth are ideal.

Stacking Logs

• Stack logs in a crisscross "log cabin" style or lean them against a support in an A-frame structure. Ensure air circulation around each log.

Moisture Management

• Logs must stay moist but not waterlogged. Water them during dry periods (2–3 times weekly) or after extended periods of no rain.
• Avoid submerging for extended periods until ready for fruiting.

Incubation Period

• Mycelium colonization takes 6–18 months, depending on conditions. You’ll see white mycelium under the bark when it's fully colonized.

4. Fruiting

Inducing Fruiting

• After incubation, submerge the logs in cold water (10–15°C) for 24–48 hours to shock the mycelium into fruiting.
• Fruiting typically occurs 7–14 days after soaking.

Harvesting

• Harvest mushrooms when the caps are fully open but not flattened.
• Twist gently or cut the stem close to the log to avoid damaging the mycelium.

5. Maintenance and Longevity

• Rest Period: Allow logs to rest for 8–12 weeks between fruiting cycles.
• Lifespan: Each log can produce mushrooms for 3–5 years, depending on log size and wood type.
• Pests and Diseases: Monitor for slugs, rodents, or mold, and take measures to control them.

6. Benefits of Log Cultivation

• Low Cost: Minimal initial investment after obtaining logs and spawn.
• Sustainability: Uses renewable wood resources and produces little waste.
• Quality: Home-grown shiitake mushrooms are fresher, tastier, and free of synthetic chemicals.