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Shiitake really need a wood-based growing medium to thrive and get the nutrients they need. So your options are usually limited to either growing them on logs or blocks of sawdust. Sawdust or sawdust pellets are likely easier for you to source than fresh logs, especially if you live in a city.
How do you start a shiitake mushroom farm?
II. How to Grow Shiitake Mushrooms: STEP BY STEP GUIDE Inoculate your shiitake logs in the warm months, ideally spring. Order Your Shiitake Mushroom Plugs. Cut hardwood tree sections or source just-cut hardwood logs. Drill Holes In Your Shiitake Mushroom Logs. Insert Your Shiitake Mushroom Plugs Into Logs.
Can you grow shiitake outside?
The shiitakes prefer to be outside for the second flush because of the added wind flow, and the log’s ability to dry out a bit easier. We are primarily fruiting these shiitake logs outside. There is no barrier. We spray them down once a day to keep them moist and humidity up.
What kind of wood does shiitake grow on?
Oak logs, especially those in the white oak group, are preferred species. They decompose slowly, providing several years of food for the shiitakes–thus offering a longer harvest period.
Where do you place mushroom logs?
Outdoors, simply place your mushroom log in a cool, shady spot (dappled light or deep shade as under a tree) and out of the direct heat of the sun and strong winds. In the rain is GREAT! You can lay your log down on its side, or stand it up, or you can prop it against something or even hang it.
Is shiitake easy to grow?
Shiitake mushrooms are a bit more difficult to grow since their mycelium is not as aggressive, and requires a longer incubation time. But the extra work can be well worth it. Shiitake produces more flushes of fresh mushrooms for you to harvest.
Are shiitake hard to grow?
Growing shiitake mushrooms for commercial production requires significant investment capital as well as very specific shiitake mushroom care. However, shiitake mushroom growing for the home gardener or hobbyist isn’t very difficult and can be very rewarding. Shiitakes are wood-decay fungus, meaning they grow on logs.
How many mushroom logs do I need?
Soaking 4 logs a week should yield between 1 and 2 pounds per week, which is plenty for eating and dehydrating some for the off-season or to give as gifts. An old kiddie pool would suffice for soaking.
How long does shiitake take to grow?
Shiitake mushrooms may be ready for harvest in 7 to 10 days from shocking, longer if cool weather. Most yield is in the second and third years, with one quarter to one half pound per log typical.
How long do shiitake logs produce?
Basics of Shiitake Production The log will continue to fruit biannually for three to four years, generating upwards of 8 ounces of mushrooms at each flush.
What time of year do you inoculate mushroom logs?
The best time to inoculate logs is in spring, within one to two weeks after the logs have been cut. This allows the cells in the tree to die but is not long enough for the log to dry out or for other competitor fungi to become established. Logs can be inoculated with either the drilling method or the totem method.
How long do shiitake logs take to fruit?
After around 6-9 months, or longer for larger logs, your spawn run should be complete and your log will be ready to fruit.
Will shiitake grow on wood chips?
In general, shiitake does not grow well on outdoor wood chip beds, because the mycelium is too weak to overcome competition from other species.
How often should I water my mushroom logs?
It’s advisable to mist or water the logs 1–2 times daily until you start to see mushroom primordia (baby mushrooms) emerge from the logs. This will usually take 7–10 days depending on the temperature and humidity.
What is the fastest growing mushroom?
The fastest-growing mushrooms are oyster mushrooms. Substrate bags will become fully colonised by mycelium in just 10-14 days. Oyster mushrooms will then be ready to harvest 7 days after fruiting.
How many days mushroom grow?
In about three weeks, you’ll begin to see small mushrooms growing, keep the area damp to encourage this growth. Once the caps separate from the stems, then your mushrooms are ready! Just cut them at the base of the stem and rinse properly before eating.
How do you take care of a shiitake log?
Once the log has hydrated for 24 hours, choose a nice shady spot in your yard for your mushroom log. You can lean the log against a shady fence or tree. The end of the log should be elevated off the ground a few inches. Check the log for moisture content every few weeks to make sure it is not drying out.
How do you stop slugs from mushroom logs?
These include using copper wire or copper mesh below your logs. Laying copper wire or mesh down underneath your logs creates a field that deters the slugs. The only downside of this method is finding affordable copper if you are growing on a large scale.
How do you force mushroom logs?
How to Force Fruiting and What to Look For: Soak log in water for 24 hours, but not past 48 hours. Soak Logs in Water for 24 hours. Place log in the shade with high humidity and scout regularly for mushroom primordia. Approximately 12 days after soaking the logs should be ready for harvest.
