How to Inoculate A Shiitake Mushroom Log

Shiitake mushrooms are grown on Oak logs and can be a source of an exotic mushroom for your cooking. Growing your own Shiitakes can be a great hobby for pleasure, is cheaper than buying and excess can be sold or given to family and friends.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Oak Logs – 4 feet long, 4 – 8 inch diameter
• Shiitake mushroom plugs
• Paraffin
• Double boiler
• Small paintbrush
• Rubber mallet

1. Hold prepared log in place with a vice, between two large rocks or between your feet.
2. Melt the paraffin in a double boiler over the stove or an open fire. A grill comes in handy for this step.
3. Take the rubber mallet and pound one plug into each of the prepared holes in the logs.
4. Paint a thin coating of paraffin over the tops of each hole to seal once the plug is in place.
5. Lean the inoculated log against a wall or stacked in a teepee like fashion.

Tips & Warnings

• Shiitake mushrooms require moisture to grow. If needed cover with burlap or other shade cloth and water. Normally rain, snow and humidity will provide the 35 percent moisture the logs needs.
• Shiitake logs should start producing in 6 months and will continue to produce for 3 – 6 years.
• Keep your shiitake logs away from drying winds.
• Keep records of your shiitake production. In this way you will find out if the process is profitable to you and often how to improve production.
• For information on preparing the logs, see my eHow article:
• How to Prepare Oak Logs for Growing Shiitake Mushrooms
• As you experiment with Shiitake mushrooms, you may want to try other mushroom varieties suitable for home growers.
• Always purchase your Shiitake mushroom spore or plugs from a reputable dealer.