How To Grow Shiitake Mushroom Spawn From A Log

The medicinal value of shiitake mushroom is known for a long time in the Asian region and studies have indicated that it can prevent the growth of tumor. With such valuable benefits you have got to know how to grow this mushroom in logs. A majority of this product which is available in the market is grown in sawdust which deprives the mushrooms from the nutrients. If you are keen to enhance the content of nutrient in this mushroom the best option is to grow it on the log rather than on other things which can rob it off its nutrient content. Knowing how to grow it properly can help you get perfect mushrooms at home.

Finding the right log

First and foremost you have to look for the right quality of logs on which to grow the mushrooms and the best option is to cut the bark of the trees that are living such as varieties of oak, ironwood or sugar maple. Cutting the tree is important and you need to follow a time when the content of moisture is at its highest which aids in the growth of mushrooms. Logs must be up to eight inches in diameter and you should be able to get the most suitable varieties which are just right for growing the mushroom. As you complete the cutting the logs into sections you will be able to grow shiitake mushroom spawn in them for about ten years at a stretch.

Investing in spawn

Identifying the medium for growing shiitake mushroom spawn is an important part of the growth that you need to achieve. There are different forms in which the spawns are available but the wooden dowels that are also popularly known as plugs are the best option. Inoculating the logs that you have cut within a few days is extremely important to prevent infections caused by fungus. The mixture of sawdust and grain is also widely used for the growth of spawns but at the initial stage the plugs are the best option.

Making the holes

When the temperature becomes freezing at night it indicates that you need to drill holes in the logs and the shape of the holes must be perfect. Ideally, you can drill holes in the shape of diamond. You need to fill the holes with plugs and seal them with wax. If you have got the plug from a reliable place it will contain wax but keep on mind to avoid paraffin as it contains a lot of toxic chemicals.

The final stage

You can take the logs in which inoculation has been done and you need to lean them under a tree with a combination of sunlight and shade. You can expect the fruits to come from eight to fifteen months and you need to check frequently for the right opportunity to grow shiitake mushrooms. Shiitake mushrooms have distinct look and make sure that they grow from the site of inoculation and if all goes well you must be able to boost the harvest of mushrooms phenomenally.

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