Mushroom Growing

Noxia

Noxia

Noxia

Soldato
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Thought I'd ask this here as the Chilli thread was moved here from H&G. With Mother's day coming up, and following recent conversations, I've decided to get my mum some Shiitake mushrooms to grow.
Now, I'm not sure on how this is done, I see one method is with plugs, you then get a freshly cut log, drill holes in and put the plugs in, this doesn't sound too complicated. I'm not sure on optimal conditions though as in placement of the log etc.
Has anyone grown their own mushrooms via any method involving logs? Or any other method I may be unaware of.

Edit: I have of course googled this and seen various methods but I'd like to hear of any success stories here.
 
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I bought a mushroom growing kit from one of those cheap shop type places (might've even been Aldi)

I ended up with one mushroom the size of my face and not many others.
 
The logs want to be partially in a puddle, shaded area.

The box ones are extremely easy. But they're normal button mushrooms.
 
Ok that would be easy as there is a part shaded by trees, so much so that grass can barely grow there. Puddle can be improvised I think. Do they have to be freshly cut logs?
Really she is just after Shiitake and Oysters.
 
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I think you can get away with the log not being freshly cut but you will need to keep it really, really really moist. Hence the standing water thing that Glaucus mentioned.

I could be wrong though - last time I looked into mushroom growing it was for quite a different kind of mushroom...
 
Instructions

1
Obtain an oak or other hardwood log. You may want more than one log; each log holds 20 to 30 plugs, so determine the number of logs you will need accordingly. Cut the logs 2 to 4 feet long and 4 to 6 inches in diameter. Before use, age the log for three weeks to three months. Aging kills off natural antifungal agents in the wood that can negatively affect mushroom production.

2
Soak your log or logs for 48 hours in a bathtub or with a continually running hose.

3
Drill holes around your log in a spiral pattern, leaving four to six inches between each hole. Drill holes 2 inches deep, the same diameter as your plugs.

4
Inoculate your logs. Place a plug in each freshly drilled hole. Make sure the plugs are in the hole completely. If necessary, use a hammer to make sure the plugs are firmly seated in their holes. For the best results, inoculate before the first frost or after the last frost.

5
Cover each hole with a thin coat of cheese wax or beeswax, using a brush. This will protect the mycelium during incubation.

6
Lay a 4- to 8-inch layer of sawdust in the area where you want to lay your log or logs. The area should be shady and damp. The sawdust is not absolutely essential but does help to regulate temperatures.

7
Stack your logs in a shady, damp place, being sure not to cover any plugs in the process. Stacking logs together will help to further regulate temperature.

8
Water the log or logs twice weekly or as necessary to keep the logs damp at all times.

9
Wait. Your log should begin producing mushrooms between six months and a year. Logs will generally produce in the fall and the spring, when temperatures are between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Generally, logs will continue producing for two to three years.
Click to expand...

As I say the box ones are far easier take weeks and just need spraying with a water bottle, but no good for those mushrooms as far as I know.
 
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