Step1
Determine the growing season for shitakes in your area. The spores should be planted right around the time of the last spring frost. In the meantime, procure some shitake spores, which can come in the form of plugs, from a local, reputable dealer.
Step2
Obtain logs of hard word, about 3-8 inches in diameter, and no more thabn four feet long. Oak, poplar, sweet gum and some maples are a good choice. Rather than cutting down healthy trees, consider asking around to see if any local trees have already been cut down. No more than three weeks should pass between the time they were cut, and the time they`re planted. By that point, natural rot will have set in.
Step3
Drill small holes, about 5/16th-5/8ths of an inch wide, and an inch or two deep, along the logs, every six inches or so, stopping a few inches from either end, Rotate the log about two inches to one side, and repeat. Continue this process all the way around the cirumference of the log.
Step4
Fill those holes with the plugs of mushroom spores. Alternatively, mix the loose spores with sawdust and use the mixture to plug each hole. Then seal the hole with wax: brush over each hole with a paint brush that has been dipped in pre-melted wax.
Step5
Stack the logs in a shady area that also allows for good air flow on top of each other as you would Lincoln Logs, leaning vertically against each other or a stable surface.
Step6
Wait six months to a year for the spores to mature. At the same time, make sure to keep the logs moist, but not too moist. Water them in the drier months, but cover them with a tarp during rain.
Step7
Harvest in the spring and fall. Although production varies, each foot of log should produce about a pound of mushrooms.
sourced from:
sourced from:
www.hawkin.com
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