03/05/2023
Had some fresh logs that were laying around for a few weeks so I decided to plug up some new shiitake logs today. The process is quite simple. Now is the best time to cut logs, as they have a ton of sugar in the log, which will provide a little extra nutrient for the mycelium and result in larger, more frequent flushes.
You allow your cut hardwood logs to sit for a couple weeks, this will allow the natural tannins and anti-fungals that the tree produces to weaken a bit before inoculation. Don't wait too long, or other fungi might take up residence first!
You then gather your tools-
mushroom spawn plugs, a hammer, drill, 8.5mm drill bit, stop collar for drill bit, an old pot to melt wax in or an old crockpot, wax (I reccomend cheese wax, but any will do), and wax dauber. A table or sawhorse to work on will make it much easier on your back. *An alternative to a drill is a grinder and grinder drill converter. This will speed up the drilling portion substantially!
You then proceed to drill holes in a diamond shaped pattern around the log, every 4" or so. Then place your spawn plug in the hole, hammer it in flush, and daub it with the hot melted wax. This prevents the plug from drying out or letting in contamination or competitor fungal species. That's it!
Then just find a nice shady spot for your logs to rest for awhile. I would recommend putting it someplace you can reach with a hose. Wet them down periodically in periods of hot dry weather, and within 6-12 months or so you should begin to see your first mushrooms! Once they start producing, you can expect them to produce a few times annually for several years.
