We have always wanted to grow mushrooms. Brent has tried a few times unsuccessfully.
Our young friend, Lauren, brought the topic up a few days ago and was very eager to give it a try. So she and I got together and made a plan, watched a few utube videos, read articles on how to do it. As luck would have it I had stumbled across a technique that used logs....and what do we have sitting in our yard? A huge stack of them! Problem was we needed someone with a chainsaw....and that's where our awesome neighbor, Tom came in! I made the marks and 20 min later we were in business...woot!
We are trying two techniques. One is with the spawn and the other is with plugs. Because this so late in the season, these were the only ones we could find locally....oyster and white elm oyster. We really wanted to start with Shitake...oh well...
We started with 2 pieces of logs cut approx. the same size and 1 piece only a couple of inches for a cap.
Spread the spawn on top of piece 1. Place the 2nd piece on top and screw together on an angle to secure them. Spread again on top of the 2nd piece and then secure the cap on top with screws.
One pkg did two sets of logs.
With Brent's help, he drilled holes approx 1 1/2 in deep. The drill bit is the same size as the plugs. He spaced them every 2 in. In this size log we used 20 plugs.
Hammer in the plugs and use something that will drive them in another 1/4"
Melt wax, I used tealites removing the metal on the bottom along with the wick. With a foam brush paint the wax over the plugs sealing them in.
Apparently they are not supposed to touch the ground as they could pick up other fungi.
These have been placed in a very shady area up against the house in the garden.
Now we wait....
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