Outdoor Cultivation Info

Every mushroom has different trees that they’ll grow better on, which leaves the cultivator the task of experimenting. Most mushrooms work fantastic with maple and oak trees due to them being very dense and providing plenty of nutrition. Softer hardwoods will colonize faster and begin fruiting sooner, but they typically do not have as high of a yield nor do they produce mushrooms for as many years. There are also certain species that have much more complex symbiotic relationships which require specific species of logs for successful cultivation.

To make it easier for you, we have compiled a list of common mushrooms that includes their difficulty level, preferred trees, and which trees to avoid.

Which species of tree is the best?

FAQs

What is the best log size to use?

Any size will work. In fact, you can even use branches or saplings, if that is all you have available. The smaller the diameter of the log, the faster it will colonize. The downside to this is it will not produce mushrooms for as long as a larger log would. Try not to use a log so big so that it becomes counterproductive and difficult to handle. If you’re using a drilling method, a 5-8 inch diameter with a length of around 4 feet is typical. For the totem method, the diameter should be around 12 inches.

When should I cut the log?

The ideal time to start cutting your logs is in very late winter before the tree buds begin to open back up. After the logs are cut they should be inoculated within two weeks. This timed process lets the cells in the tree die without drying out the log or giving time for rival fungi to begin growth. The maximum period of time you should allow a cut log to sit without inoculation is one month.

Should I use freshly cut wood, or old wood?

It is important to only use freshly cut wood that has been inspected for disease. Rotting wood most likely contains contaminants and old wood is probably too dry to provide nutrients for optimal growth. Generally speaking, the shorter the time between cutting and inoculating the safer your cultivation efforts will be. In the winter, it may be possible to cover the pre-cut logs in snow to preserve their moisture for a spring inoculation, though this is not ideal.

How soon will I have my first flush of mushrooms?

The length of time until the first fruiting can vary, but with most setups you can expect to wait at least a year for the logs to be fully colonized. Once the fruiting process begins, the logs will produce mushrooms for approximately one year per inch of diameter of the log.

Why does my mushroom spawn have a white substance on it? / Is my spawn moldy?

While that white substance may resemble mold to a degree, it is actually far from it. What you may be noticing is the vegetative structure of fungi known as mycelium! This is a normal, natural process that can be taken as a sign of healthy mushroom spawn. Break up the spawn in the bag before use by crumpling it. If green mold becomes present then the culture has somehow become contaminated and should be discarded.

Spawn with minimal mycelial growth are completely fine to use and in fact are no less potent. The mycelium will continue to spread throughout the spawn over time. To avoid possible contamination it is of key importance that you do not open the bag of spawn.

What kind of pests will my mushrooms attract?

Mammals such as squirrels may decide to take bites out of your mushrooms, but they usually will not seriously harm a crop. Sometimes insects and slugs can cause damage, but the damaged section simply needs to be cut out from the rest of the mushroom and everything should be fine.

How do I store mushroom spawn and for how long?

You should store your mushroom spawn in the fridge. It can last up to a year, but you should try to use it within the first six months. If for some reason you can’t inoculate in the spring, you can try again in the summer with your refrigerated spawn. If this happens it is important to harvest the log within the first few weeks of inoculation.

How big of a yield can I expect?

The standard expectation is that for every increasing inch of log diameter one year is added to that logs production period. Although, yields vary depending on strain and climate.

How many plugs are needed per log?

The average sized log can have 50-75 plugs. Having a perfect drill pattern is not of importance.

Are wild mushrooms the same as cultivated ones? 

Yes.

How long will the log produce mushrooms?

On average about 2 to 4 years, but it varies depending on the type of wood and its diameter and if stored in the right conditions, and the wood does not have any harmful molds. 

How long will it take from inoculation to harvest?

The majority of mushrooms require cool temperatures to fruit. During the summer, growth typically slows in response to the heat. In a spring inoculation, you may get your first fruit in the fall, but most likely it will take a full year before you see any edible mushroom bodies. 

How often do I water my log?

There is a balance to achieve where the log is never dried out, but also never overwatered. Due to logs ideally being stored in shady outdoor locations on the bare ground, they tend to retain sufficient moisture to colonize without needing any watering at all. Depending on the time of year and the climate of your region supplemental watering may be necessary but this is usually not typical. Your log should not have a wet exterior for an extended period of time. Frequent watering can actually damage the log and increase the risk of contaminants. If a log absolutely has to be rehydrated, opt for a long soak as opposed to regular light watering.

Can I let the log freeze in winter?

Yes, but if possible they should be covered in snow to preserve their moisture.

What equipment do I need?

If you are using plug spawn, we recommend using a standard drill with a 5/16’’ drill bit. After that, you’ll need a hammer to drive the plugs into the logs, along with a wax of your choice to seal the hole against exposure and possible contaminants. It is important to seal every hole.

If you choose to opt for the sawdust spawn, we advise that you acquire a drill with a 7/16” drill bit and a tool to assist in packing the sawdust into the holes. Packing the sawdust in by hand is less than ideal, as the more densely it is packed the higher the success rate will be.

Should I use sawdust spawn or plug spawn?

Plugs are one of the most reliable colonization methods and are great for low scale projects, but their progress is slower. Sawdust spawn will colonize your logs on average 30% faster than plug spawn, but this method requires a little more equipment to operate at optimal efficiency. The totem method works great with sawdust spawn, especially in urban areas or places without spawn. When using this method no special tools are required. The scale of your cultivation project and the environment you have to work with are the two most important factors in determining your choice of spawn.

Can I soak my logs to force them to fruit?

Force fruiting is a tactic used by some cultivators to induce an early fruiting of the mushroom by soaking the log in water. While this tactic works best with shiitake mushrooms, it can also be applied to similarly resilient species. We advise that you simply soak your logs overnight and never for more than 24 hours. You should allow one natural fruit cycle in between force fruiting. Generally, this should not be done more than once a month.

Do I need hemlock to grow Reishi mushrooms?

Reishi mushrooms are infamously hard to grow. While many of its strains require a complex symbiotic relationship with hemlock, many cultivators have had success using sugar maple.

How do I cultivate Maitake mushrooms?

Maitake, or hen-of-the-woods, is notoriously one of the most difficult mushrooms to cultivate. After you have completed the one year incubation period, we strongly recommend burying your logs underneath 2 inches of soil. You should try to place it somewhere with both shade, and access to rainfall. Be sure to mark the location of the burial to ensure recognition of these proud mushrooms which can sprout throughout the year.