How to Grow Shiitake Mushrooms on a Log

Shiitake mushrooms are from Asia but have become popular menu items around the world. Cultivation in the U.S. didn't start until 1977 but it has increased exponentially in the intervening years. The mushrooms are delicious in many recipes either fresh, sauteed or dried. The word Shiitake comes from the Japanese words "shi," which means oak, and "take," which means mushroom. It should come as no surprise that traditional cultivation is done on a fresh oak log.

Things You'll Need

Freshly cut oak limb approximately 8 inches in diameter
Chainsaw
Tape measure
Drill

3/4-inch drill bit
Shiitake dowel spawn
Sealing wax or beeswax
Garbage can or large tub

Instructions

- 1
  Place your log on the ground with the flattest side down. Cut the log into 4-inch lengths.
- 2
  Drill holes every 2 inches down the log pieces using a 3/4-inch drill bit. Fit as many as you can on the log but don't overcrowd them.
- 3
  Push the spawn firmly into the holes. Get the plugs in as far as you can and fill all the holes.
- 4
  Seal the holes using melted wax. Seal them well to prevent moisture from leaching out, causing the spawn to dry out.
- 5
  Fill a garbage can or large tub with water. Soak the logs for at least 10 hours until they are quite waterlogged.
- 6
  Pile your logs up in a shady, semi-sheltered place such as under a canopy of trees. The logs should start fruiting in a few weeks

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