How To Take Care of Oyster mushroom Log
A wide variety of mushrooms, especially edible mushrooms, can grow both on hardwood logs and indoors. The introduction of fungus takes place via sawdust spawn or plugs in a twelve-month or six-month period. It is in this period that the fungus colonizes the logs fully. A similar method can be witnessed occurring naturally on the surface of a fallen tree. But, that would typically take longer and may involve several fungi species, all competing with each other for billet colonization. The oyster stumps can produce a high yield of fruits significantly within just twelve months, after injection. For instance, if you take a medium-sized billet, it can fruit for more than five years, provides you are caring well for them. Here is how you can do that.
Perennial harvest
While the shiitakes can take longer than the oysters, you need to take good care of the billets for them to produce fruits for more than five years. Either try getting a pre-plugged Oyster mushroom Log from a renowned supplier because they are fully colonized or get a fresh billet. Beginner growers can achieve perennial harvests of the fungi with minimal work; however, they need to take outstanding care of the stump. Oysters are an excellent addition for any garden; hence, you mainly require an area that has full shade and one that receives dappled sunlight only.
Prevent detachment of the bark
You can position the stumps in a variety of ways. One of the methods is leaving almost two-thirds of the stump above the ground. When you bury the logs partially, it helps them to retain moisture while prevents the bark from disengaging. Try to pick softer hardwoods as the Oyster mushroom Log, for production. Multiple logs, when positioned in such a manner, can help to edge your garden as well. Alternatively, you can bury the stump upright with one-third below the surface in a so-called post-position. Try keeping the billets directly on the ground or prop them up on any object. Stacking and positioning depend on the log number you have. Two and one can be positioned anywhere you want to. However, when you have more than one log, stacking them together has a wide range of benefits.
Keep them hydrated
Once you have installed the billets in a permanent location, the only thing left is you having patience. During a period of drought, it is a great idea to soak the stumps with a garden hose, but otherwise, rainfall naturally keeps them perfectly hydrated. If there is propping up, try flipping the billets once every week, from time to time. Never forget to keep eyes on them and check for the growth of healthy white mycelium. Stump ends are going to have visible mycelium growth or white patches around the points of injection. For ensuring adequate content of moisture, the best idea is soaking them at every season’s end or beginning. You can always refer to the mandatory instructions for all this.
Drying can kill the fungi
The Oysters are cold weather edible fungi hence you cannot afford to let the stumps dry. Furthermore, you must save them from prevailing winds despite keeping them in a dappled or shady area.