Today was the second time we “planted” shitaake mushrooms in logs. The logs we did last year have not yet fruited, but the time-frame is usually 12-18 months, so we are still waiting.
This a log before the process starts. The ideal log is about 3-8 inches thick and about 40 inches long. Oak is the best, but most non-conifers work fine. Harvest logs while dormant. We had a good supply that broke off in ice storm.
The first step is to drill holes in lines about 6 inches apart and in rows 2 inches apart.
We ordered spawn on wooden dowels that are pounded into the drilled holes.
The final step is to seal each plug and the ends of the logs with wax, to preserve moisture.
Here’s a completed log. The last step for a while is to stack the logs in a shady, moist spot until they start fruiting in 12-18 months.