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 Risu
Registered: 05/11/07
Posts: 8
Loc: NY
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 Shiitake log growing.
#8429417 - 05/21/08 03:55 PM (6 months, 8 days ago) |
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I am very interested in growing some shiitake mushrooms for the first time, I plan on putting plugs into oak wood, however I need help with a couple of things:
I have read that the wood needs to be cut during the winter, so can I still cut logs and plug them in, or will that just not work at all? Or can I just use a log from the floor?
My other question: is what the best type of oak log to use ? (e.i. Red oak, white oak, etc…) Or perhaps it does not make a difference?...
Any information, links, or tips will very much appreciated.
Thanks in advanced!
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 MycoAu
Registered: 07/18/07
Posts: 648
Last seen: 2 hours, 15 minutes
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 Re: Shiitake log growing. [Re: Risu]
#8430451 - 05/21/08 08:42 PM (6 months, 8 days ago) |
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The -best- time for cutting logs is in the winter. That doesn't mean you can't cut at other times. Just make absolutely sure that you inoculate your logs within two weeks of cutting (I'd recommend less than two or three days for best results.) The "winter" logs are "better" b/c they have higher stored sugar levels and are not actively trying to grow.
The type of oak isn't crucial. Actually quite a few types of oak (or other species entirely) can be used for shitake.
Make sure to cut logs that are between 4-6 inches in diameter and to a length that is easy to manage. 3-5 feet is standard. The diameter is kept larger (near 6 inches) to help prevent the log drying out during growth and kept smaller (near the 4 inch mark) to allow quicker colonization of the log to prevent competition by contaminates. If you are good at taking care of your logs, I'd recommend the smaller diameter logs- just be sure to keep up on watering.
There are several basic guides on the net for this stuff.
Here is just one:
http://osuextra.okstate.edu/pdfs/F-5029web.pdf
Edited by MycoAu (05/21/08 08:44 PM)
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makaveli8x8
Stranger
Registered: 02/28/06
Posts: 6,742
Last seen: 3 days, 19 hours
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Re: Shiitake log growing. [Re: MycoAu]
#8431125 - 05/21/08 11:22 PM (6 months, 8 days ago) |
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thought i heard spring is the best time to cut as the sugar rises to supply the branches with extra energy. in the winter time the sugar has already lowered into the ground for storage? i could be entirely wrong
i also heard you have up to 2 months in inoculate
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MycoAu
Registered: 07/18/07
Posts: 648
Last seen: 2 hours, 15 minutes
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Re: Shiitake log growing. [Re: makaveli8x8]
#8432771 - 05/22/08 12:46 PM (6 months, 7 days ago) |
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It's not an exact science. Cut some logs and inoculate in a short period of time- everything should be fine.
There are things to do that will improve yield, but don't worry about those until you've had a couple of successes in performing the basic procedure.
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MycoAu
Registered: 07/18/07
Posts: 648
Last seen: 2 hours, 15 minutes
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Re: Shiitake log growing. [Re: MycoAu]
#8432817 - 05/22/08 01:01 PM (6 months, 7 days ago) |
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