How to Care for Shiitake Logs

Once the logs are inoculated with mycelium spore, its time to stack and care for the logs until they begin to fruit. The most important thing a shiitake log needs to fruit is moisture. After spending the money for the shiitake plugs and doing the work required to prepare the logs, a little extra effort to care for the logs is something worth the time.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Extra empty logs
• Shade cloth or Burlap
• Hose and water source

1. Stack the logs in crisscross fashion on top of the empty logs. Shiitake logs should not come into contact with the ground.
2. Add an extra empty log or two to the top of the stack.
3. Tent the shade cloth or burlap over the top of the stack. Make sure the cloth is 3 to 4 inches away from the top of the shiitake logs.
4. Water the stack once or twice a week for at least ten minutes. If you live in a dry climate, you may have to water every other day.
5. Continue to water until the rainy season or freezing weather arrives.
6. Wait patiently. The shiitake logs will take from 6 to 12 months to colonize. Water the logs once a week if needed to retain moisture.

Tips & Warnings

• The hardest part of growing shiitakes, or any other mushrooms, is the wait. Once you have your logs established and fruiting, a shiitake log will continue to produce for up to 4 years.
• Be sure to set your stack where it will be protected from wildlife. Squirrels, raccoons and deer all love mushrooms.
• Never use plastic of any kind to tarp the mushroom logs. Plastic only encourages mold growth, which is not the type of fungi you are trying to grow.

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