How to Grow Shitake Mushrooms in Sawdust

Shitake mushroom generally are grown on oak logs for backyard farming of the fungus. An inoculated log is purchased and the grower needs to follow instructions to harvest several flushes of fungi. While this is the simplest method, shitakes also be can grown in sawdust beds if proper care is given as the spore establishes itself. Shitakes should be started in early spring.

Things You'll Need

Oak 1x12 inch boards - 4-foot long
8 corner brackets
16 wood screws, 1 inch long
Oak sawdust

Shitake mushroom spores
Rake
Garden hose
Clear greenhouse plastic

Instructions

- 1
  Build an oak raised bed by making a square using 4-foot long 1x12 boards. Secure them in place with two corner brackets per corner and two screws per corner bracket. Place the bin in a shaded area.
- 2
  Fill the bed with oak sawdust. Add up to 1/4 part oak wood shavings to the mix.
- 3
  Distribute the shitake mushroom spores evenly over the surface of the sawdust.
- 4
  Rake the spores into the sawdust, ensuring that they are buried by at least 1 inch of sawdust. Add more sawdust if necessary to accomplish this.
- 5
  Water the bed until the sawdust is thoroughly wet.
- 6
  Cover the bed with clear, greenhouse plastic. Allow the bed to sit for two to four weeks.
- 7
  Remove the plastic. Keep the sawdust moist to the touch. As warmer weather continues, the spores will begin to produce mushrooms.
- 8
  Harvest the mushrooms as they reach the desired size.

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