If you’re looking for a rewarding outdoor project, growing Lion’s Mane mushrooms might just be the adventure you’ve been waiting for.
I remember the first time I decided to grow them outdoors—what a learning curve, but one that was totally worth it!
Let me walk you through how to do it yourself, from finding the perfect spot to harvesting those fascinating white pom-poms of fungi.
Why Grow Lion’s Mane Outdoors?
I first got into growing Lion’s Mane mushrooms because I love their unique taste and medicinal benefits.
You might already know this, but Lion’s Mane mushrooms are known for boosting brain health and even helping with memory.
Not to mention, they have this incredible crab-like texture when cooked. Growing them outdoors adds a layer of authenticity and control that you just don’t get from indoor kits.
Plus, outdoor cultivation allows the mushrooms to take full advantage of natural conditions, like seasonal temperature changes, which they seem to love. It’s also an exciting way to bring nature a bit closer to home.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
Before we dive into the process, here’s a list of essentials. I made the mistake of starting without a couple of these my first time around—don’t be like me and run back and forth to the store!
- Hardwood logs (I used oak, but maple or beech work too)
- Lion’s Mane mushroom spawn (grain spawn or sawdust spawn)
- Drill and drill bit (for making holes in your logs)
- Wax (beeswax or cheese wax to seal the holes)
- Hammer (to gently tap in the plugs)
- Shade cloth or tarp (to protect the logs from too much direct sunlight)
Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Lion’s Mane Outdoors
Step 1: Finding the Right Logs
Lion’s Mane mushrooms grow best on hardwood, and after some trial and error, I found that oak logs work exceptionally well.
The logs should be freshly cut (within the last few weeks) and about 4-6 inches in diameter. I learned that older, dry logs won’t hold enough moisture for the mushrooms to grow properly, so freshness is key here.
Step 2: Inoculating the Logs
This is where things get fun. First, you’ll need to drill holes into the logs—about 6 inches apart along the length of the log.
The holes should be just deep enough to fit your Lion’s Mane spawn plugs. I spaced mine out in a diamond pattern, but you can get creative with it.
Once the holes are drilled, insert the spawn plugs and gently hammer them into place. One little trick I picked up was to dip the plugs in water for a few minutes before inserting them—it seemed to help the spawn settle more easily into the log.
Step 3: Sealing the Holes
To protect your precious mushroom spawn from drying out or getting contaminated, you’ll need to seal each hole with wax.
I used beeswax because it’s all-natural and easy to work with.
Just melt the wax and dab it over each plug with a brush. It might feel like an extra step, but trust me, it’s worth it for keeping out unwanted fungi and critters.
Step 4: Choosing the Perfect Location
This part is crucial—Lion’s Mane mushrooms thrive in shady, damp environments.
I placed my logs in a shaded spot under some trees in my backyard where they would get indirect sunlight.
If you don’t have a naturally shaded area, you can cover the logs with a shade cloth or even prop up a tarp to keep them from drying out.
Step 5: Watering and Monitoring
Here’s where patience comes in.
Growing Lion’s Mane mushrooms outdoors is a slow but rewarding process.
It can take anywhere from 6 months to a year for the mushrooms to fully colonize the logs.
During this time, make sure the logs stay moist. I watered mine once a week during dry spells and relied on rain for the rest.
It’s important to keep the logs damp but not soaked—too much water can lead to mold. Checking on the logs regularly helped me catch any issues early.
Step 6: Harvesting
After months of waiting and watching, you’ll start to see small, white “pom-poms” forming on the logs.
This is when the magic happens!
Once the Lion’s Mane mushrooms reach about the size of a baseball and develop those signature spines, they’re ready to harvest.
I remember the first time I harvested mine—it felt like such an achievement!
They were tender, beautiful, and just begging to be sautéed in butter. Simply twist them off the log gently, and they’ll keep growing back year after year if you care for your logs properly.
Common Challenges and Solutions
You might be wondering, “What if my mushrooms aren’t growing?” That was my biggest fear, too.
The most common issue I faced was not enough moisture, especially in the dry summer months.
If your logs dry out, the spawn can die before it even has a chance to fruit.
Keep those logs damp, and you’ll be fine.
Another challenge could be pests, like insects or slugs. I used a simple ring of diatomaceous earth around the base of the logs to keep them away, and it worked like a charm.
My Final Thoughts
Growing Lion’s Mane mushrooms outdoors has become a favorite hobby of mine.
It’s a bit of a waiting game, but the reward is absolutely worth it.
There’s nothing quite like harvesting mushrooms from logs you inoculated yourself months ago, and the taste—don’t even get me started!
If you’ve been thinking about trying your hand at outdoor mushroom cultivation, I say go for it.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, there’s something deeply satisfying about growing your own Lion’s Mane.
Have you ever thought about trying it? Trust me, you’ll be hooked once you see those first mushrooms start to grow.