How to Inoculate a Log with Mushroom Spores

Cut your hardwood log in the late winter or early spring. Cut your log from a live tree to ensure freshness. Select a section that measures about 5 to 6 inches in diameter. Cut off a length about 40 inches long. Leave the bark on your log to help hold in moisture and natural sugars.

Drill holes into your cut log. Using a 5/16-inch bit, drill the holes about 1 inch deep. Place the holes evenly around your log, making about 48 holes over the surface of cut log.

Inoculate your logs when daytime temperatures reach about 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully remove your mushroom spawn, often called spores, from their container. Like plant seeds, these spawn can grow to form mature specimens. Insert your spawn into your drilled holes. Use your fingertips or a pencil to press the spawn deep into each of your holes. Place your inoculated log on top of several layers of newspaper spread over a kitchen counter.

Heat your cheese wax slowly in a pot over low heat. Stir frequently until your thermometer reaches 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not allow the heat of your wax to rise above this temperature. Dip your cotton dauber into the melted wax. Drip the wax over the holes that contain the mushroom spawn. Seal each hole completely to seal out contaminants and prevent drying.

Place your log in a shady spot of your yard. Choose a location with average summer temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Mushrooms prefer humid locations and thrive in areas with about 80 to 85 percent relative humidity.

Water your log with a garden hose and sprinkler. Set the sprinkler close to the log and turn the hose on just full enough to produce light sprinkles over the bark. Let the sprinkler slowly soak the log for two to three hours. Soak your log in this manner once each week. Regular soaking will help keep humidity levels high around the inoculated spores.