It starts with how damp the wood remains. We often feel tempted to let logs dry out. That makes the surface hard. Too dry, and the spawn will struggle. Too wet, and unwanted molds can move in. Finding the right balance keeps things alive. We check moisture by touching the log. A gentle squeeze feels just right. Not soaking and not bone dry. That little test tells us all we need to know.
Choosing the Right Storage Spot
Logs need a calm space. Direct sun can scorch them. Wind can steal moisture too fast. We look for a shaded patch for the Oyster mushroom logs. Perhaps under a lattice or tall shrubs. It feels cool there. Dampness lingers just enough. It also feels safe from heavy rains. We want gentle showers, not a downpour. We rotate logs occasionally. That keeps moisture even throughout.
Monitoring Temperature and Humidity
Temperature matters more than many realize. Spawn prefers a mild zone. If it heats too much, growth slows. If it freezes, the log could die. We keep a small thermometer nearby. It helps us track daily swings. Night and day shifts do happen. Humidity tells its own story. Low humidity can harden the Oyster mushroom logs. High humidity can drown them. We use a simple hygrometer. It gives quick readings. That guides us in taking action.
Regular Inspection and Care
A glance each day keeps problems small. We walk past the stack of logs. We look for odd spots. Maybe a dark patch of mold. Perhaps small cracks in the bark. Tiny pests do wander in. We smell the surface sometimes. A sweet scent means good health. A sour note rings alarm bells. We brush away light debris. We remove stray leaves. Loose bark comes off gently. That lets air reach the spawn. It also spotlights trouble areas.
Handling with Care
Logs aren’t toys. Rough moves bruise the spawn. Bruising slows mushroom growth. We lift each log with both hands. WE keep our grip firm but soft. Logs stay intact that way. We never drop one down. We never drag it harshly. Scratches invite infections. Our gloves stay clean. Dirty gloves spread spores of unwanted fungi. We rinse them after each use. That protects our precious culture.
Watering Correctly
One might think pouring buckets helps. It often does more harm. Heavy floods drown the spawn. We choose a gentle spray. A garden mister works best. We mist the surface lightly. The bark glistens with fine droplets. Moisture sinks in slowly. The log still breathes that way. We water early in the morning. That gives logs tius to dry before evening. That routine reduces mold risk. We avoid watering at night when dew falls anyway.
Encouraging Airflow
Mushroom logs breathe through tiny pores. Stagnant air chokes those openings. We space logs apart. A few inches can make a difference. We set them in a crisscross stack. Air flows from all angles then. We avoid piling too high. That can trap heat and moisture. A low and loose stack feels just right. We position logs so breeze moves through. Even gentle drafts help.
