Step 1: Preparing the Substrate

This was probably the part I was most excited about.

I decided to use hardwood logs because it felt more “authentic.” Oak logs were my choice because shiitake mushrooms thrive on them.

If you’re using sawdust blocks, though, they work just as well—just a bit less hands-on than logs.

Step 2: Inoculating the Logs

This is where the fun begin! After drilling holes all over the logs (about an inch deep), I inserted shiitake-inoculated dowel plugs into each hole.

I was surprised at how easy this part was. The hardest part? Finding the right drill bit size.

Pro Tip from my experience: If the plugs don’t fit snugly into the holes, they can get contaminated, so make sure to measure twice before drilling!

Step 3: Sealing the Holes

Sealing the holes with wax was one of my favorite steps.

It felt like putting the finishing touches on a little project I’d made myself.

I used beeswax, but cheese wax works well too. It prevents contamination and keeps the moisture in, which is critical for growth.

Step 4: Setting Up the Environment

Shiitake mushrooms need a cool, damp environment. I set up my growing area in the basement, where it stayed around 18°C (65°F) with the help of a small humidifier to keep moisture levels up.

If you don’t have a basement, any place with stable temperature and humidity will work.

Have you thought about where you’ll set yours up? A spare room or even a closet can work with a little creativity!

Step 5: Watching for Growth

This was the most exciting part for me—waiting for those first signs of growth.

After a few weeks of carefully maintaining the environment, I noticed small mushroom pins starting to form on the logs.

It felt like magic seeing something I’d nurtured actually grow! Within a few more weeks, I had full-grown shiitake mushrooms ready to harvest.

Lessons Learned from My First Harvest

I’ll be honest, my first attempt wasn’t perfect. I had some issues with low humidity at first, which slowed down the mushroom growth.

But once I got that humidifier working properly, things improved fast. The mushrooms grew beautifully, and I learned just how critical moisture is for shiitake.

Another thing I learned the hard way was keeping the logs away from direct sunlight. It dried out the logs too quickly and delayed the mushroom growth. Lesson learned: Shiitake loves shade!

Common Challenges You Might Face

One of the most common issues people face, including me, is contamination. The first time I grew mushrooms, a little bit of mold started showing up because I hadn’t sealed the plugs properly.

Don’t skip the wax—it’s an important step to avoid this problem!

And if you’re worried about your mushrooms not growing as quickly as you hoped, don’t get discouraged. Like any plant, they take time. As long as you keep the environment humid and cool, you’ll see results.

Final Thoughts

Growing shiitake mushrooms indoors has become a hobby I absolutely love.

There’s something so satisfying about being able to harvest mushrooms I grew myself and use them in a homemade dish.

Have you ever tasted fresh shiitake mushrooms, picked right from your own log? If not, trust me, you’re in for a treat.

If you’re thinking about trying this at home, go for it!

Whether you use logs or blocks, growing shiitake mushrooms indoors is simpler than it seems.

And who knows, maybe you’ll end up like me, constantly thinking of new ways to use your fresh mushrooms in the kitchen.