How to Raise Truffles

Choose a location to plant an inoculated tree that is 20 feet from other trees and 5 feet from other plants. Remove weeds, grass and other vegetation, if necessary.

Prepare the soil in the fall or early winter prior to planting. Dig up, turn and till the soil deeply, mixing in 10 percent compost. Test the soil pH, using a soil test kit, to ensure that the pH level is appropriate for the type of truffle. In general, black and white truffles are most successful in soil with a high pH of around 7.9 or 8.0. Amend the soil in accordance with the test results, if necessary. Add hydrated lime to raise the pH.

Plant the inoculated sapling in early spring. Dig a hole the same depth and slightly wider than the root ball. If planting more than one tree, space trees 6 feet apart in rows spaced 12 feet apart. Insert the trees into the holes. Fill the empty space around the root ball with soil and water thoroughly.

Water the trees enough to keep the soil moist, but not soggy.

Remove weeds from the area regularly.

Begin fertilizing the soil once or twice a year with organic fertilizer or compost, starting one year after planting. Fertilizer won't directly affect truffles, but will benefit the host tree.

Look for bulges appearing in the ground for an indication of truffle growth. Truffles grow underground, among the roots of the host trees. Truffles take several years to start growing, depending on the type of truffles. Black truffles, for example, take 4 to 6 years. Harvest truffles during the time of year required by the type of truffle being grown. The harvest period for black truffles is between November and March, and for white truffles between September and January.

Dig up truffles by carefully scoring the ground around them, using a sharp, stiff stick. Dogs or hogs can also be used to sniff out truffles. Dig very gently using a blunt trowel and lift the truffle out carefully with your fingers.