Ken has finished a second batch of shiitake mushroom logs. This time, we used oak, plus a couple of locust logs as an experiment.
The first batch of logs have not yet shown any sign of production. It’s too early — five months. But we did the work in August, which is the least favorable time of year to start mushroom logs. Still, we have high hopes that that first batch of logs (all poplar) will make mushrooms.
The shiitake mushroom spawn, by the way, were mail-ordered from Oyster Creek Mushroom Company in Maine.
Ken shot video while he was making the new logs. He plans to post a how-to video of the process on his blog as soon as he has a chance to do the editing. Also, here’s a link to the photo series on the mushroom work Ken did in August.
The first batch of mushroom logs, last August.
Is there a reason the first patch was only four logs high and the new ones are much higher? Do you have to replace the mushroom plugs after they produce mushrooms or do they just keep reproducing? Very interesting!!!
Actually, the same stack contains both the old and new logs. I believe Ken made 10 legs the first time and 12 logs in the second batch. My understanding — based only on reading — is that the logs should now produce without real maintenance for four or five years. So plugging the logs with the spores only has to be done once.