Shiitake logs are fun to make, require little maintenance, and will produce mushrooms for years. Inoculate your own prepared logs using our 5/16in x 1in spiral grooved colonized plug spawn.

Soak recently cut hardwood logs of two to three feet in length, four to six inches in diameter, in a tub of fresh water, or under a slow soaking hose for 48 hours. "Shi" is japanese for oak, and as such Shiitake mushrooms prefer white and red oaks. Freshly cut wood can be used without soaking.

Prepare plug spawn inoculation sites by drilling 5/16in x 1 1/2in holes in a spiral pattern starting at one end of the log working towards the other. Space each hole approximately 4-6 inches away from the last. Number of holes will vary, for most logs 20-30 is good.

Inoculate the log by hammering colonized plugs into each hole. Using a small punch to sink the top of the plug 1/4in or so below the surface is recommended. Each log should take approximately 20-30 plugs.

Seal the inoculation sites by dripping melted cheese wax onto each hole. Cheese wax is easy to work with and can be melted in a double boiler. We use a small 2.5 quart crock pot dedicated to this purpose. Wax can be dripped on with a brush, distributed with a large dropper, turkey baster, or easy to use 10cc B-D inoculation syringes. A markable metal write-on tag can be stapled or tacked to the end of the log for long term identification.

Place logs in a shaded area and keep moist. Elevating the logs from the surface, creating stacks, or leaning against each other for support is best. Frequent and normal rainfall should keep them moist, but the logs may require a watering during dry spells. If the logs receive no notable rain for two weeks we recommend soaking them overnight in a tub or bucket filled with water.

Spring inoculated logs may produce mushrooms by Fall, but will typically take up to one year to mature. Once mature, shock logs into producing mushroom by soaking them overnight. This is best done in Fall and Spring as shiitake is a cool weather mushroom and will produce when temps are 50F-70F.

Properly maintained logs will continue to produce mushrooms for many seasons!

For more information on growing from plug spawn check out the following titles from our Mushroom Bookstore: