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Shiitake mushrooms are a type of fungus that grows on logs. They are native to China but are now grown commercially in Tasmania and New South Wales, Australia. Growing shiitake mushrooms can be done cheaply and without much technical expertise. All you need is a hardwood log, mushroom spores/spawn, and a sheltered shed where you can control moisture and temperature. The process involves drilling holes in the log, inserting the spores/spawn, and sealing the holes with wax. With some patience, you can soon have a regular supply of delicious shiitake mushrooms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mushroom type | White Rot Basidiomycota |
| Mushroom species | Lentinula edodes |
| Mushroom origin | China |
| Mushroom growth | Tree fungus that grows on dead branches with carbohydrates |
| Mushroom spawn | Mushroom spores/plug spawn |
| Spawn source | Fungi Perfecti |
| Spawn bag size | 8.5mm diameter and 30mm deep |
| Spawn bag spacing | 10-15cm apart |
| Spawn bag sealing | Beeswax or paraffin wax |
| Mushroom growth temperature | 16-18°C |
| Mushroom growth moisture | 25mm rain or overhead watering every week |
| Mushroom growth time | 6-18 months |
| Mushroom harvest | 1kg of mushrooms per log |
| Mushroom value | $2000 worth of mushrooms for $200 outlay |
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What You'll Learn
Shiitake mushrooms grow on logs
Shiitake mushrooms are a type of White Rot Basidiomycota (mushroom type) fungi that decompose cellulose and lignin. They are native to China but are now widely grown commercially across temperate East Asia (Japan and Korea) and more recently in North America. Shiitake mushrooms are also being grown commercially in Tasmania and New South Wales, Australia.
To grow shiitake mushrooms on logs, you will need mushroom spores or spawn, which usually come as mycelium-impregnated dowels or plugs. Drill holes in the log about 8.5mm in diameter and 30mm deep, spaced 10 to 15cm apart. Insert the dowels or plugs into the holes and seal them with melted beeswax or paraffin wax. This process is known as inoculation. It will take about six to twelve months for the mycelium to colonize the log, and the mushrooms will not appear until this process is complete. During this time, it is essential to keep the logs off the ground to prevent other fungi from invading the shiitakes.
Once the log is fully colonized, the mushrooms will naturally fruit when the weather cools or becomes more moist. You can also 'shock' the logs to encourage better and stronger flushes of mushrooms. With proper care, you can expect to harvest at least 1kg of mushrooms per log, providing a plentiful supply of delicious shiitake mushrooms for your kitchen.
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You need mushroom spores/spawn
Shiitake mushrooms are a type of fungus that grows on logs. To grow your own shiitake mushrooms, you'll need mushroom spores or spawn. Mushroom spawn is sold in bags from mushroom suppliers online. You can buy shiitake plug spawn and grow shiitake mushrooms outdoors on a log or two.
The first step in growing shiitake mushrooms is to acquire mushroom spores, which usually come in the form of mycelium-impregnated dowels. These dowels are typically around three centimetres long and one centimetre in diameter. You'll also need a hardwood log, such as oak, and a sheltered shed where you can control the moisture and temperature.
To prepare the log, drill holes about ten to fifteen centimetres apart, and a little deeper than the length of the plug. The holes should be just wider than the plug size, usually about 8.5 mm in diameter. Make sure the log is kept off the ground to prevent other fungi from invading your shiitake.
Once you have drilled the holes, hammer the plug spawn into them using a rubber mallet until they are flush with the surface. Seal the inoculation points with melted beeswax or paraffin wax, which will give the shiitake mycelium a head start and protect them from other fungi.
It will take around six to twelve months for the fungus to colonise the log, and the mushrooms will not appear until this process is complete. During this time, it is important to keep the log moist, either through regular rainfall or by watering it yourself.
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Drill holes in the logs
To grow shiitake mushrooms, you will need a hardwood log, mushroom spawn, and a sheltered shed where you can control moisture and temperature.
Once you have your log, the next step is to drill holes in the log. The holes should be around 8.5mm in diameter and about 30mm deep. They should be spaced no more than 10-15cm apart, dotted all along the length of the log. The more inoculation points, the more mushrooms you will get!
The holes should be drilled with a 5/16th drill bit. You can then hammer your plug spawn into the holes using a rubber mallet until the plugs are flush or just below the surface. Finally, seal the holes with melted beeswax or paraffin wax. This will give the shiitake mycelium a head start and prevent other fungi from colonising your log.
It is important to note that shiitake mushrooms are a type of tree fungus that grows on dead branches that still contain carbohydrates. They will not grow on living tree branches but will grow on branches cut from living trees, as these branches have enough stored food for the mycelium to grow.
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Seal the holes with wax
Once you've drilled the holes and hammered the plug spawn into the log, the next step is to seal the holes with wax. This is an important step as it ensures that the shiitake mycelium gets a head start on any other fungi that may want to colonize your log.
To seal the holes, you can use melted beeswax, paraffin wax, or soy wax. Paint the wax over the inoculation points with a paintbrush or small sponge. You can also use a dauber, which is a tool specifically designed for applying wax. Make sure the wax is melted before you start applying it. To keep it melted while you work, use an outdoor camp stove, fire, or hot plate to keep it warm.
In addition to sealing the holes, it's a good idea to cover the ends of the logs with wax as well. This helps to retain moisture and keep other fungi and insects out. You can also wax any areas where the bark is damaged or missing.
Once you've sealed the log with wax, it's ready to be stored in a shaded location outdoors. Shiitake mushrooms can handle some filtered light, but they should be protected from the hot summer sun, which can dry out the logs.
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Keep the logs moist
Shiitake mushrooms are a type of fungus that grows on logs. They are native to China but can be grown in Australia. To grow shiitake mushrooms, you will need a hardwood log, mushroom spawn, and a sheltered shed where you can control the moisture and temperature.
Keeping the logs moist is an important part of growing shiitake mushrooms. Here are some tips to ensure your logs have the right amount of moisture:
- Shiitake logs should be kept in a shady, cool, and moist environment with good airflow.
- Water your logs with 25mm of water every week. You can use a hose to water them for about one minute each time.
- Rainwater is the best type of water to use, but town water is also acceptable.
- If you are using a bucket to grow your mushrooms, keep the walls of the bucket wet and mist the log with water twice a day.
- Do not spray the mushrooms directly with water.
- During the summer, create a shaded, moist, and cool microclimate for your logs, similar to the bucket method.
- The ideal fruiting temperature for shiitake mushrooms is between 16-18°C.
- It is important to keep the logs off the ground to prevent other fungi from invading the shiitake.
- After drilling holes and inserting the spawn, seal the holes with beeswax to give the shiitake mycelium a head start on any other fungi.
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Frequently asked questions
You need a hardwood log, mushroom spores/spawn, and a sheltered shed where you can control moisture and temperature.
Drill holes in an oak log about 10 to 15 cm apart, and 8.5mm in diameter. The holes should be no more than 15cm apart. Then, hammer your plug spawn into the holes using a rubber mallet until the plugs are flush or sitting just below the surface. Seal over the inoculation points with melted beeswax or paraffin wax.
It takes about six to twelve months for the fungus to colonize the log and the mushrooms won't appear until that happens.
