MUSHROOM CULTIVATION FROM DOWEL WOOD PLUGS

 Step 1)

Choose freshly cut logs (max 3 weeks) of deciduous trees (trees shedding leaves annually, but not Laburnum), with a diameter of 10 – 50 cm. Older stems are either too dry or may contain undesired moulds.

Step 2)

Drill holes the same size as the mushroom plug (10 mm drill) abou 15 cm apart. A log 50cm long and 10-15 cm diameter will take 10-15 plugs

Step 3)

Insert the mycelium (mushroom) plugs tapping carefully with a hammer.

Step 4)

Wrap the logs in plastic and keep them in the dark, in a garage or shed, or in the garden covered in leaf litter, at -5 to 25 deg C. The logs will be covered with white mycelium after 6 to 10 months, depending on mushroom species, type of wood and log size.

Step 5)

Remover the wrapping and place the logs outside in the garden, protected from direct sunlight and wind. They are frost hardy. In humid periods, when temperatures are between 5 and 20 deg C, mushrooms will appear spontaneously. This may happen 2 to 4 times a year over 3 – 5 years.

For more information on this and other ways of growing mushrooms click here.