How to Grow Oyster Mushrooms on Logs

Growing oyster mushrooms can be a very rewarding experience. Fresh, organically grown mushrooms are very expensive and sometimes hard to find, making growing your own oyster mushrooms an economical choice. You can grow oyster mushrooms on straw or sawdust, but one of the best ways to grow oyster mushrooms is on cut logs. You can purchase the oyster mushroom plug spawn needed for growing the mushrooms on the Internet. The best time to start the process is in early spring after the last frost.

Things You'll Need

Hardwood logs
Electric drill
Oyster mushroom plug spawn (colonized by pure mushroom mycelium)

Rubber mallet
Burlap, straw or other porous material

Instructions

- 1
  Choose an appropriate log that is 3 to 4 feet long and a maximum of 14 inches in diameter. Pine or cedar logs are not recommended, but most hardwoods are a good selection. In winter or spring, find and cut a log with some small cracks in it to help propagate the mushroom mycelium. Allow the log to age for at least three months before plugging.
- 2
  Drill holes in the log about 2 inches deep and 4 inches apart in a diamond pattern. Insert the oyster mushroom plug spawn fully into the holes, tapping them into the log using a rubber mallet. Plug the full length and circumference of the log. On the ends of the log, insert some plugs under the bark all around the circumference.
- 3
  Place the logs where they will be exposed to rain. During a very dry period, water the logs every three or four days.
- 4
  Cover your logs with burlap, straw or other porous material to protect them in freezing weather. Make sure water vapor is able to escape. You can also move the logs inside a shed or garage in extremely cold areas.
- 5
  Pick your mushrooms after a period of nine to 12 months. When established, a log can produce for four to five years and will “fruit” from spring to early fall.

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