Log and Stump Cultivation
One of the easiest and most rewarding ways to grow mushrooms is to start a log garden. Many species of delicious mushrooms use wood as their food source. All you need to start is a drill, a drill bit, hammer, and a little bit of melted wax.
First, the wood has to be freshly cut (usually within 2 months is okay ) oak, maple, sweet gum, poplar, or other deciduous softwoods. Pines, cedars, firs, and other conifers will not work with the exception of Cauliflower Mushrooms.
Second, you need to order plug spawn of the species that is best for your wood type. Our spawn page lists the best wood to use and special techniques for every strain.
Logs and stumps can be drilled, the holes filled with wooden plugs that are colonized with the fungus of your choice. After the plugs are in, you can wax the surface to seal them in and protect them from drying out. Once plugged, all you have to do is wait! When the mushroom’s root system has threaded itself throughout the log or stump, it will want to start fruiting. Fruiting can be seasonal, depending on temperature, and last several years. All Mushroom Mountain spawn comes with instructions. Good Luck!
Wood Chip Beds
Recycling wood chips by mushroom cultivation is one of the best things you can do for your garden. Wood requires a great deal of nitrogen to break down, which deprives plants from essential supplements. Adding mushroom spawn to your mulch and wood chips can greatly improve your garden’s yields! Mushroom Mountain has several species to choose from to get you started.
First, try calling around to locate some fresh chips. Local tree and utility companies are constantly trying to get rid of their daily trimmings to free up space on their shredders. By befriending local industries who toss perfectly recyclable material, you can create some great allies and do your immediate environment some good.
Wood chips mixed with sawdust spawn can be placed in filtered light to shady areas throughout the environment. It takes some time for the mushrooms to make a home there, but keep checking the area when the season is right for fruiting.