How do I Grow Shiitake Mushrooms in Florida?

Preparing the Log

• 1

  Gather 10 to 15 oak logs for the shiitake mushrooms to grow. Water oak, laurel oak and sycamore are examples of trees that will cultivate the shiitake mushroom in Florida. Avoid pines and red oaks. Make sure the logs chosen are fresh and have not been affected with disease and fungi.

• 2

  Cut the logs 4 feet long and 3 to 8 inches in diameter in late fall, late winter or early spring, as recommended by the University of Florida Extension, because carbohydrates needed for growth is at a maximum high during these seasons.

• 3

  Clean the log with a wire brush to remove any dirt or moss attached to the log.

• 4

  Drill holes 3/8 inch in diameter and 1 inch deep into the logs, spacing them 6 to 10 inches apart down the log. For additional rows, space 2 to 3 inches apart around the log.

Planting the Shiitake Mushrooms

• 5

  Place one shiitake mushroom spawn into each of the drilled holes and seal with melted wax. This should be done in the spring after the last frost.

• 6

  Place the logs in a location that is 75 percent shaded to protect them from the Florida sun, spacing them 2 inches apart on pallets or cinder blocks at each end.

• 7

  Water the logs with a sprinkler for two to eight hours to keep the logs moist, but no more than once or twice a month. During Florida's tropical storms or hurricanes, cover with tarp. Heavy rain can cause damage to the mushrooms.

• 8

  Harvest in nine to 12 months after placing spawns in the logs. You can force the mushrooms to fruit earlier by placing the entire log in cold water for 24 hours. Mushrooms will appear in about a week.