How to Prepare Oak Logs for Growing Shiitake Mushrooms

Shiitake mushrooms are a popular choice for Oriental cooking and flavoring of soups and stews. Shiitake’s can be purchased at most any grocery store, but growing them yourself is just as easy. While there are kits that you can buy, preparing the oak logs is relatively simple with a few tools and buying the prepared Shiitake spore plugs.

While White Oak is the preferred host for Shiitake Mushrooms, most any variety of Oak will work with the exception of Live Oak.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Oak logs
• Drill or
• Drill Press

1. Fell a 4 – 8 inch Oak tree in the fall or winter if possible. If it is not possible to cut the tree yourself, check with local lumberyards, neighbors or place an ad in the local want ads for a suitable tree.

2. Cut the full length log into sections 3 – 4 feet long. Do not cut until ready to inoculate.

3. Use a 3/4” drill bit to drill holes in the logs. The holes should be 6” apart and in rows 4” apart. The supplier of the spore may have different recommendations so read their instructions carefully.

4. Keep the logs covered until you are ready to inoculate the logs. Shiitake mushrooms require the logs to have moisture.

Tips & Warnings

• Other species of hardwoods are being studied for Shiitake mushroom production.
• Straight logs are preferred because they are easier to handle although a crooked log may be used.
• Pine, Fir and other conifers are not suitable for Shiitake mushroom production.
• Once you’ve mastered Shiitake mushrooms, there are numerous other varieties that can be grown on the same scale.
• Always purchase your spore from a reputable dealer.

Resources

• Shiitake Mushroom Plugs