Have you decided to grow your shiitake mushrooms? This can be a highly rewarding experience that will pay you dividends with time. These productive toadstools grown on logs can fruit for eight years. The log inoculation process is straightforward. Maintenance of logs requires patience, and the utmost focus has to be placed on moisture management.
Consideration of several steps
You should have access to good-quality logs if you want to have an enriching growing experience. In the following guide, we will walk you through the steps you need to know to grow top-quality umbrella-shaped fungi. Growing Shiitake Mushroom becomes simpler under the able guidance of a professional team.
Preparation phase
Why is the shiitake referred to as a wood-decaying mushroom? They are known as decomposer mushrooms. This is because they grow well on decomposed plant matter. These toadstools can grow on various substrates and in diverse growing conditions. However, other commonly cultivated species, such as the oyster mushroom, are more versatile. You need to exercise a careful approach to minimize the presence of any other fungi in the growing environment. In general, shiitake mushrooms are cultivated on logs. In commercial setups, nutrient-rich sawdust blocks are used. Growing Shiitake Mushrooms is easy but needs a longer incubation time.
Can be cultivated indoors or outdoors
You have to figure out where you intend to cultivate your mushrooms. In commercial setups, cultivation takes place indoors. Large growing bags have a sawdust substrate plus a fruiting chamber. An indoor facility relies on advanced temperature controls and ventilation systems. This step helps in attaining the optimal growing environment. All these steps need substantial monetary resources. Many first-time growers find it easier to start cultivating with the help of a shiitake log. You may face difficulty in getting logs in the area where you reside. Under such circumstances, get straw pellets or sawdust in a heat-resistant bag.
Proper choice of substrate
Where does mycelium develop? They develop on the mushroom substrate. This growing medium acts as a nutritional supplement and is a platform for supporting the hyphae network and the fruiting bodies. Compared to commonly grown varieties of toadstools, the substrate selection process for this type of mushroom is restrictive. Decomposer fungi, such as oyster type, can develop on any kind of organic matter, such as coffee grounds, straw, and logs.
Store-bought kit
Novices starting this journey of growing shiitake mushrooms can begin their project with a growing kit. These kits have relevant accessories and materials necessary to inoculate growing logs. The accessories generally included are a plug spawn, drill attachments, wax for sealing, and several other assembly items. The kits will help you have a stress-free growing experience because you are not developing anything from scratch. In this way, maximize your chances of success.
Making a sensible call
Use the online platform to conduct intensive research about companies involved in the supply of mushroom substrates. You should always set aside adequate time to read the reviews of past clients. The feedback will assist you in the decision-making process.
