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
Drill Holes:
Space holes 10–15 cm apart along the length of the log in a staggered pattern, leaving about 5 cm between rows.
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.
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.
