Organic Shiitake Mushroom Outdoor Log Kit
Organic Shiitake Mushroom Outdoor Log Kit
SKU:LGL-LOG-LE3-100
Organic Shiitake Mushroom Outdoor Log Kit
Our Outdoor Log Growing Kits contain everything you need to grow mushrooms on logs, totems, or stumps! Each starter kit contains a drill bit, sealing wax, a wax applicator, a 100 count bag of plug spawn, and complete instruction guide. It's a perfect way to get started and requires the least amount of upfront investment. If you're gifting the kit or aren't ready to begin your project, you can select a “voucher” instead of plug spawn, which can be redeemed on site at a later date.
What's Included:
- A drill bit
- Log sealing wax
- A wax applicator
- 100 ct plug spawn or voucher
- Instruction guide
Shiitake is a great mushroom for beginners. They colonize quickly and are the most reliable producers of any species. It has a meaty texture when cooked and is also great for drying and reconstituting in soups. It pairs beautifully with tamari, ginger, and garlic and can bring needed umami to many different dishes. Shiitake takes at least 12 months of colonization before producing mushrooms and tends to fruit throughout the summer to fall growing season.
Product Details
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Product Category
Edibles
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Product Subcategory:
Mushrooms
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Botanical Name:
Lentinula edodes
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Does Not Ship To:
AZ
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Mature Height:
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Mature Width:
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Growing Zone:
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Indoor Growing:
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Sunlight:
Shade
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Growth Rate:
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Harvest Time:
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Bloom Time:
Planting Directions
<h2>How to Plant and Care for Organic Shiitake Mushrooms on Logs</h2> <h2>Materials Needed:</h2> <ul> <li>Hardwood logs (oak, maple, beech – freshly cut, 3-8 inches in diameter, 3-4 feet long)</li> <li>Drill with 5/16" bit</li> <li>Hammer or rubber mallet</li> <li>Plug spawn (refrigerate up to 6 months if not using right away)</li> <li>Food-grade wax (cheese wax or beeswax) and brush or dauber</li> <li>Heat source to melt wax</li> </ul> <h2>Step-by-Step Instructions:</h2> <ul> <li><strong>1. Prepare Logs:</strong> Use freshly cut hardwood logs (ideally within 1 month of cutting). Keep them off the ground in a shaded, moist location until ready to inoculate.</li> <li><strong>2. Drill Holes:</strong> Drill 1-inch deep holes about 6 inches apart in rows, spacing rows 2 inches apart in a diamond pattern around the log.</li> <li><strong>3. Insert Plug Spawn:</strong> Tap plug spawn into each hole with a hammer until flush with the log surface.</li> <li><strong>4. Seal Holes:</strong> Melt wax and dab over each plug and any exposed cut surfaces to retain moisture and block contamination.</li> <li><strong>5. Incubate Logs:</strong> Stack logs in a shady, moist outdoor spot with indirect rain (under trees or a tarp). Lean logs in a log cabin or teepee style for airflow.</li> </ul> <h2>Care & Fruiting:</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Moisture:</strong> Logs must stay moist. If no rainfall for 2 weeks, soak logs in cold water for 12–24 hours.</li> <li><strong>Colonization:</strong> Takes 6–12 months. White mycelium may appear—this is normal.</li> <li><strong>Fruiting:</strong> Triggered by cold shock or soaking. After colonization, soak logs to encourage mushroom growth.</li> <li><strong>Harvest:</strong> Twist or cut mushrooms when caps are fully open but still firm.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Note:</strong> Always cook shiitake before eating. Try a small amount first to test for allergies.</p>
FAQs
<h2>Frequently Asked Questions: Organic Shiitake Mushroom Outdoor Log Kit</h2> <ul> <li> <strong>1. How long does it take to grow shiitake mushrooms with this kit?</strong><br> Shiitake mushrooms take about 12 months to colonize the log before producing any mushrooms. Once colonized, they typically fruit during the warmer months—summer through fall—giving you fresh harvests for years to come. </li> <li> <strong>2. What kind of wood should I use for the logs?</strong><br> The best logs for shiitake cultivation are freshly cut hardwoods like oak, sugar maple, or beech. Avoid softwoods and logs that are more than 6 weeks old, as they may already harbor competing fungi. </li> <li> <strong>3. Can I grow these mushrooms indoors or in containers?</strong><br> This kit is specifically designed for outdoor growing on logs, stumps, or totems. While you can soak and fruit colonized logs indoors temporarily, they need outdoor conditions—shade, airflow, and natural moisture—for proper colonization and long-term health. </li> <li> <strong>4. How much maintenance is required after inoculating the logs?</strong><br> Once you've drilled, plugged, and sealed your logs, maintenance is low. Keep the logs in a shaded, humid area, and water them during dry spells. After the initial colonization period, they may fruit naturally or after soaking. </li> <li> <strong>5. What’s the benefit of using plug spawn, and how does the voucher work?</strong><br> Plug spawn is easy to use and ideal for beginners—it gives your logs a head start with live shiitake mycelium. If you’re not ready to begin, you can choose a voucher instead, which lets you redeem fresh plug spawn later on your schedule. </li> </ul>