How To Use Logs To Cultivate Shiitake Mushrooms

Did you know that you can grow your favorite shiitake mushrooms on a log? If not, then this write-up is just for you. Here you’ll learn how you can cultivate them on logs.

Very few people are aware of the fact that farming mushrooms on a log is the oldest form of growing them. How else would the prehistoric man learn to cultivate almost every kind of edible fungi and consume them? Hardwood can be quite handy, especially when you plan to grow shiitake. In fact, the people of Japan have been doing it for centuries. It means that they started it much longer than the people of the west began planting button mushrooms on composted manure. Their method is exceptionally simple. They just put a fresh piece of hardwood next to another one where the fungi are already fruiting. As soon as the new log starts producing, you have to check whether they are edible or not. If they are, you harvest them, and if they aren’t, then you throw them away.

1. The special ones:So, if you purchase a shiitake mushroom kit for your fungi gardening fantasies, then you’ll need a log of wood.Then again, you can also use the hardwood to grow almost every kind of medicinal and gourmet fungi. Hundreds of growers all over the world use wood chips as the substrate for the mycelium. Those chippings increase permeability as well as the surface area. As a result, the mycelium beings to colonize the wood faster than usual and yields the product earlier.
2. Easy to prepare: Now, you may be wondering whether you have any other substrate options that you can choose for your shiitake mushroom kit. You’re probably looking for other substrate materials simply because you think that preparing the wood is going to tricky. However, readying a log for edible fungi growing purposes is very simple. Nevertheless, you have to make sure that you combine the right timber with the right fungus. Otherwise, you won’t get results. Several fungi are exceptionally specific about the wood they will grow on.
3. For shiitake: If you’re going to work with shiitake, then you’ll need Lentinulaedodes. It’s just the scientific name of the tree that yields the wood suitable for this delicious fungus. Apart from being the most commercially available one, it’s indescribably mouthwatering. You only have to add it to a few dishes to acknowledge this fact. When it comes to logs, it prefers shii trees. It’s clear that the timber on which this fungus grows gave it its name. If you don’t have access to this particular tree wood, then you can use oak wood instead. Willow, birch, poplar, or cottonwood will also do the trick.
4. The diameter: There’s one more thing that you must consider when selecting logs for your project. It’s the size of the wood piece. Make sure that it’s between four to twelve inches in diameter. You must avoid going higher or lower than the stipulated measurement. If you increase the diameter, then fruiting will take too long. The fungus won’t yield anything until it colonizes the whole piece of wood. On the other hand, going lower than the stipulated diameter will result in a very small amount of fungi.
5. The length: Apart from the diameter, you must also consider the length of the log and the way to store it. Those who reside in relatively humid areas should leave the wood in the open on the northern side of their house. In doing so, it won’t get direct sunlight. Mother Nature will take care of the rest. However, if the climate in your area is relatively dry, then you need to take extra care of the fungus. After all, it needs your help in retaining moisture. That’s why you should consider using a pot or something similar.

Endnote

Now that you know how and why you should use logs for growing shiitake, you should try it as soon as you can. Just stick to the guidelines mentioned here, and you’ll enjoy a hearty and healthy mushroom-laden meal.

Resource:- https://app.ex.co/stories/delunkang10/how-to-use-logs-to-cultivate-shiitake-mushrooms-