Growing mushrooms in logs is one of those projects that might seem intimidating at first, but once you get started, it’s surprisingly simple—and incredibly rewarding.
I still remember the excitement of inoculating my first logs and seeing mushrooms sprout from them months later.
If you love the idea of cultivating mushrooms in a natural, outdoor environment, growing them in logs is a fantastic way to get started. Let’s walk through how you can do this yourself.
Why Grow Mushrooms in Logs?
For me, growing mushrooms in logs felt like the most “authentic” way to grow them.
There’s something about using natural materials, like hardwood logs, that connects you to the traditional methods of mushroom cultivation.
Plus, logs provide mushrooms with a steady source of nutrients, and the whole setup can last for years with the right care. If you’re the patient type, this method pays off in the long run.
Another reason I chose this method is the variety of mushrooms you can grow this way.
Shiitake, oyster, and even Lion’s Mane mushrooms all thrive in logs. Plus, once the logs are inoculated, they require minimal upkeep—just a little water and patience!
What You’ll Need to Get Started
Before we get into the process, here’s a quick rundown of the tools you’ll need.
Having everything ready before you start will save you time and effort. Trust me, the last thing you want is to be halfway through the project and realize you’re missing something crucial!
- Hardwood logs (I used oak and maple, but beech and alder work too)
- Mushroom spawn (either dowels or sawdust spawn, depending on the mushroom type)
- Drill and drill bit (to create holes for the spawn)
- Wax (beeswax or cheese wax to seal the holes)
- Hammer (to tap the spawn plugs into place)
- Shade cloth or tarp (to protect the logs from direct sunlight)
Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Mushrooms in Logs
Step 1: Choosing the Right Logs
The first step in growing mushrooms in logs is selecting the right wood.
The logs should be hardwood, freshly cut (within the last month or two), and free of rot.
I made the mistake once of using older logs, and the mushroom growth was much slower.
You want logs about 3-4 feet long and 4-6 inches in diameter.
I personally found that oak logs work great for shiitake mushrooms, while maple and beech logs are ideal for oyster mushrooms.
Step 2: Inoculating the Logs
Now comes the fun part—introducing the mushroom spawn to the logs.
First, you’ll need to drill holes into the logs, about 6 inches apart, and stagger them in a diamond pattern around the log. The holes should be about 1 inch deep.
Once the holes are drilled, insert the mushroom spawn plugs (or sawdust spawn, depending on what you’re using) and tap them into place with a hammer.
Make sure they’re snug but not too tight.
One trick I’ve learned is to soak the logs in water overnight before inoculating. It helps kickstart the process by ensuring the logs are damp enough for the mushroom spawn to take hold.
Step 3: Sealing the Holes
After inoculating the logs, it’s important to seal the holes with wax to keep the spawn protected and the moisture locked in.
I like using beeswax because it’s natural and easy to work with.
Melt the wax and brush it over the holes—it might seem like a small step, but it makes a big difference in keeping out unwanted fungi and bugs.
Step 4: Placing the Logs in the Right Location
Where you place your logs is crucial for success.
Mushrooms love shady, moist environments, so I found that a spot under some trees worked perfectly.
If you don’t have natural shade, you can use a shade cloth or tarp to protect the logs from direct sunlight.
Make sure the logs are placed on the ground, where they can absorb moisture from the soil.
You can stack them in a criss-cross pattern to allow airflow between the logs, which helps prevent mold.
Step 5: Watering and Maintaining the Logs
Here’s the part that requires patience—waiting for the mushrooms to start fruiting.
In the meantime, make sure the logs stay moist. I usually water mine once a week if there hasn’t been rain, just enough to keep the logs damp but not soaked.
It can take anywhere from 6 months to a year for the mushrooms to start fruiting, but once they do, you’ll have a continuous harvest for several years!
I still get excited every time I see the first sign of mushrooms forming on the logs—it never gets old.
Harvesting Mushrooms from Logs
When the mushrooms finally start to appear, harvesting is as simple as gently twisting or cutting them off at the base.
The great thing about growing mushrooms in logs is that they’ll keep coming back year after year if you care for the logs properly.
I like to harvest shiitake mushrooms when their caps are still slightly curled under—this is when they’re at their peak flavor.
Oyster mushrooms can be harvested when the caps are fully opened but still firm.
Each type of mushroom has its own “sweet spot” for harvesting, so experiment a little to find out what works best for you.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
One challenge I faced when starting out was keeping the logs moist enough.
If you live in a dry climate like I do, you might need to water the logs more frequently, especially during hot summer months.
Another issue can be pests—slugs and insects love mushrooms just as much as we do. I used diatomaceous earth around the base of the logs to keep slugs at bay, and it worked wonders.
Mold is another potential problem, especially if the logs are too wet or stacked too closely together. Proper spacing and airflow are key to preventing this.
My Final Thoughts
Growing mushrooms in logs is one of the most rewarding projects I’ve ever taken on.
Sure, it takes some time and patience, but the payoff is huge.
There’s something deeply satisfying about harvesting mushrooms that you cultivated from a simple log.
Have you ever thought about growing mushrooms this way? If not, I highly recommend giving it a try.
Once you see those first mushrooms start to sprout, you’ll be hooked—just like I was.