Shiitake in Oak Logs
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Pictured here are some shiitake mushrooms that I grew last year in oak logs. These logs came from a water oak that was being cleared on property next to mine. Actually, I am a bit of a tree hugger and hate cutting them and therefore, I look for those that are going to be cut anyhow. Additionally, you might contact a tree surgeon or arborist for sources. Of course, if there is an area of woods that needs to be thinned out, this might be a good idea.
There is much information on the web related to this, so I won’t try and repeat it all here. My emphasis will be to share my own very successful experience and how to accomplish this on a smaller scale without commercial equipment etc. I will be adding a page soon on the full details, but a quick search on google for keywords “shiitake”, “growing”, “logs” etc. should turn up plenty of information.
Now, I did a few things differently than what is recommended for commercial operations. Basically, I ordered a bag of the Lentinula edodes
“Shiitake” sawdust spawn from Fungi Perfecti for about $19 (not including shipping). The normal method is to order the more expensive plugs, unless you have the proper commercial equipment. However, the bag of shiitake spawn will inoculate at least 30 logs (and so is more cost efficient). I followed the normal advice of drilling the holes, but when it came time to stuff the holes with the spawn, this is where a little ingenuity payed off. I bought a cheap set of those food funnels used for cooking and found a size that I would hold just snuggly over the hole. I then found a small rod (can buy at hardware stores) that would work like a “piston” inside the funnel.
Therefore to summarize, after placing the funnel firmly over the hole, I grabbed enough spawn to fill a couple of holes (using disposable latex gloves) and placed in the funnel. I then took a piston and stuffed spawn firmly into hole. After completing a section of log, I then smeared some of the inexpensive sealing wax (also found on the site I linked) firmly over each hole. After this, just use the normal methods of log maintenance as outlined in many of the fine articles!
The neat thing about this is that after going through the initial effort, these logs will produce for many seasons. From the ”crop” pictured, I had more than enough mushroom use fresh, dry, and gave away several bags! I also had some shrooms that were the size of my hand. I have had successive fruitings in about 2 month intervals. The best part about natural log grown shrooms, is that you cannot beat the taste or health benefits by purchasing the store bought (which are grown in bags etc.).
I will be preparing more logs shortly and will be more thoroughly photo documenting the procedure! Apparently Fungi Perfecti was impressed enough to feature my experience here.
Also, if you wish to go the simple route and use an easy grow kit, you might want to consider this product:The Shiitake Mushroom Patch - Growing Kit
