Mushroom Log Care (2024)

FAQs

How often do you water mushroom logs? ›

Step 2, Water: Thoroughly water your log once a week during periods of no rainfall. Continue this routine for 3-4 months, then you may reduce watering to every other week. After 6 months, place your log directly on the ground so that it can wick moisture from the soil.

You may water your log more often than once a month, if your space is dry, or you feel the log is dry, but don't let it get waterlogged nor sit in standing water. Outdoors, simply place your mushroom log in a spot out of the direct sun and strong winds. In the rain is GREAT!

You sure can. If you don't have a wooded or shady garden area available, you can also grow mushrooms on logs indoors or on your patio, but the logs have to be out of direct sunlight. Dappled sunlight is fine.

It also helps to keep other fungi out, limiting competition in your log. Wax should be applied to any areas where the bark is damaged or missing. This includes the holes you have drilled for plugs, as well as the cut ends of the log.

Some growers also wax the ends of their logs to lock in moisture, but that can also lock it out. Another option is to wax one end and not the other, allowing moisture to wick in the unwaxed side during rainfall, during an overnight soak, or when it comes into contact with the moist ground.

Oyster mushroom logs are the perfect addition to any garden. The main requirement is a fully shaded area, or an area that receives only dappled sunlight.

Most mushrooms that are cultivated are well adapted to very cold weather. A little TLC to avoid the combination of cold and wind will allow your logs to safely lay down for a cold winter's nap.

Intact bark is very important for the spawn run. Never cut dead, dying, or diseased trees for mushroom growing.

Many mushrooms will grow on a variety of hardwoods, i.e., oaks or beech, but some are more specific about what species they will grow on than others. Also, keep in mind that some mushrooms prefer to grow on substrates (sawdust, straw, or composted manure) other than intact wood logs.

- Mushroom logs require a minimum of 5 months from when they were inoculated. Typically spring inoculated logs will not be ready until the following year. - Shiitake typically take the longest from 5 - 18 months.

How to keep slugs off mushroom logs? ›

Laying copper wire or mesh down underneath your logs creates a field that deters the slugs. The only downside of this method is finding affordable copper if you are growing on a large scale. A similar method is to place your logs on a surface that slugs do not like to cross, such as a gravel pad.

Option 2: Enrich your compost.

Spent mushroom blocks are still rich in mushroom mycelium. And while that mycelium may not be able to convert any more sawdust to mushroom fruiting bodies, that myceliated sawdust substrate adds a bonus fungal punch to your compost pile.

Humidity is a key factor for successful mushroom growth. Spray the area around your kit with a few pumps of water whenever you have a chance, at least 2-3 times a day.

Step 4: Keep moist and wait

Try to keep the garden bed relatively moist by watering at least once a day with a light shower or mist. You don't want the bed to be logged with water, but it needs a certain level of moisture to initiate mushroom formation.

In times of drought it would be a good idea to give them a soak with a garden hose, but otherwise they should stay perfectly hydrated all on their own with regular rainfall. If propped up the logs should be flipped end over end once every few weeks.

A) lots of water dripping shows that the substrate is too wet. b) a few drops released with some pressure show that the substrate is well watered. If it is too dry then with no drops will be released with pressure.