Growing shiitake on a log
In winter or early spring, fell a hardwood log 10 to 15 cm thick, inoculate it with plug spawn within 3 weeks, seal the holes with wax and let it colonise in the shade. The first shiitake come after 6 months to 2 years.
Ohio State University Extension (Ohioline) · BS-04Ohio State University Extension (Ohioline) · BS-72A log then produces for 3 to 4 years, mainly in spring and autumn. You can trigger fruiting by soaking the log in cold water.
Ohio State University Extension (Ohioline) · BS-04Ohio State University Extension (Ohioline) · BS-72Cornell Small Farms Program · BS-76The wood
Choose a hardwood that suits shiitake. Unsuitable are, among others, black locust, poplar, ash, walnut, fruit trees and conifers. Only use wood from your own garden or with permission.
Ohio State University Extension (Ohioline) · BS-04Cornell Small Farms Program · BS-03Felling and waiting
Fell the logs in winter or early spring, before the buds open: 10–15 cm thick and 90–120 cm long. Inoculate from one day after felling and within 3 weeks at the latest.
Ohio State University Extension (Ohioline) · BS-04Drilling and inoculating
Drill about 50 holes per log in a diamond pattern: 7.5 cm apart in the row and 7.5–10 cm between rows, 2.5–3 cm deep. Tap the plugs in straight away and seal every hole and the cut ends with melted wax. Careful: hot wax can catch fire.
Ohio State University Extension (Ohioline) · BS-04Field & Forest Products (VS) · BS-13Colonisation
Stack the logs in the shade and keep the wood moisture above 35 %.
Ohio State University Extension (Ohioline) · BS-04Forcing
Soak a colonised log for 12 to 24 hours in water as cold as possible; Cornell found no difference between 12 and 24 hours, Ohioline gives 36 to 48 hours. Only do this when nights average above 10 °C. Pins appear after 3 to 5 days. Then let the log rest for 6 to 8 weeks; you can force it 2 to 3 times a year.
Cornell Small Farms Program · BS-76Ohio State University Extension (Ohioline) · BS-72Harvesting and cooking
Shiitake is ripe 2 to 7 days after pinning. Always eat it thoroughly cooked: raw or undercooked it can cause an itchy skin rash.
Ohio State University Extension (Ohioline) · BS-72DermNet (NZ) · BS-57ANSES (FR) · BS-58Voedingscentrum · BO-02Source
- Kan je champignons/paddenstoelen rauw eten? — Voedingscentrum
- Outdoor Production — Cornell Small Farms Program
- Shiitake Mushroom Production: Inoculating Logs with Spawn (F-0040) — Ohio State University Extension (Ohioline)
- How to Grow Nameko Mushrooms on Logs — Field & Forest Products (VS)
- Shiitake flagellate dermatitis — DermNet (NZ)
- Vigil'Anses n°13 — toxicovigilance shiitake (maart 2021) — ANSES (FR)
- Shiitake Mushroom Production: Steps to Cultivation and Considerations for Production (F-0039) — Ohio State University Extension (Ohioline)
- Forcing Bolts (Methods of Commercial Mushroom Cultivation in the Northeastern US, hfst. 5) — Cornell Small Farms Program
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This is general growing information from the sources listed. Always follow the instructions of your kit or supplier. Only eat what demonstrably grows from your own culture of the bought, named species; if in doubt about colour, smell or shape, do not eat it.
Always cook mushrooms thoroughly. This is general public guidance, not personal nutrition or medical advice.
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