Shiitake Log

Grow your own shiitake mushrooms with a pre-inoculated oak log. Our logs are at least 24 inches long, and they come inoculated with certified organic spawn. This year we are using the Night Velvet (Lentinula edodes) strain because it is a strong producer of big, plump mushrooms in Florida climate. It also responds well to 'force fruiting' (see below).

Shiitake mushrooms grown on logs can be highly productive. Good quality logs can fruit for up to 8 years. 

Caring for Your Log

Place your logs in a shaded area; out of direct sun and wind, low (but not on) to the ground (we lay them on pallets or poles), and where they can receive natural rainfall. 

Maintaining moisture during this phase is the most critical step to Shiitake production success. We recommend your logs receive 1˝ of rain per week. If the weather is not cooperating, you may need to sprinkle your logs with a hose.

Logs will begin producing mushrooms when spawn run is close to complete and the conditions for fruiting are ideal. This timing varies, so keep an eye on your logs.

Under ideal conditions, your shiitake logs will be ready to fruit after 6 months.  If the surface area looks dark and mottled, then you know the colony has taken over the log and is ready to fruit., but it’s recommended that you wait at least 9-12 months before force-fruiting. 

Force fruiting Shiitake logs (optional)
Force fruit Shiitake logs by submerging them in water for 12-24 hours, then set them up for fruiting. Mushrooms develop 5-14 days after soaking depending on the temperature. This process can be repeated on an 8-10 week rotation during the growing season.