Fungus Among Us

Last week a friend and I knocked out some work that has been in the works for a few months now. We inoculated approximately 40 logs each with Shiitake mushroom spawn.

From Shiitake Logs

Here is part of the collection in the bed of my truck. I purchased 4 different strains from Field and Forest. Some warm weather and some wide range varieties to help spread the harvest throughout the year.

From Shiitake Logs

WW44 aka Warm Weather 44

From Shiitake Logs

Sawdust spawn using a palm style inoculation tool is the most economic long term method.

From Shiitake Logs

We used wax from our beehives to seal the inoculated holes.

From Shiitake Logs

From Shiitake Logs

Another specialty piece of equipment that helped with efficiency. This stops the drill bit at one inch depth. It is essential because each log has about 50 holes in it. Next time I think I will opt for the angle grinder drill bit conversion to speed up the process.

From Shiitake Logs

Now we wait. The hard part is done. The logs will rest for 3-6 months and then get repositioned to start the fruiting process. Right now they are stacked log cabin style and will get moved to "A-frame" stacks to allow for easier access to the fruits.

Next project is to use the spent coffee grounds from the New Moon Cafe
to grow some Oyster mushrooms off of.