Making a Mushroom Log

This is my first time growing mushrooms.  It's a fair amount of work up front but the payoff will be exciting!

Research what kind of wood you will need (Hard or Soft) as it depends on what mushrooms you are growing.  Finding the wood was the most challenging step until I spoke with a tree trimmer and it was a couple of weeks.  I am growing Shiitake mushrooms so I chose Oak.  (I bought my mushroom plugs from http://www.easygrowmushrooms.com/ )



Materials---



1 Tree limb, 4-6 inches in diameter

30-50 Mushroom Plugs

Electric Screwdrivier

5/16 Drill bit

Rubber Mallet

Masking tape

Sharpie

Organic Beeswax

Disposable Paintbrush

Camp stove (to melt wax outside)

Something to rest logs on to make easier to work on

I used two ladders to hold the logs up to work on them.

If your log has any lichen or anything on it please clean it.  Any fungus will compete with the mushrooms so clean well. 

Look at the end of the log and calculate the depth of the plus plus the thickness of the bark.  Mark the drill bit with masking tape as a guide for how deep to drill each hole.

Space the plugs approximately 6inches apart in row and offset each row

Using the rubber mallet hammer in each plug until fully inserted.  Plug can be level or slightly sunken in

Melt the beeswax.  I used the double boiler method to melt the wax and keep it from burning the plugs.  Use a disposable paintbrush to cover each plug.  This helps keep moisture out and protect the plug. 

You are now finished. Store in a damp shady spot and wait. You can also cover with canvas and water to help with moisture. Enjoy!