Mushroom log inoculation is a wonderful way to grow edible and medicinal mushrooms out of your agroforestry system and it fits well within forest improvement practices.
In this workshop, you will learn the process used to inoculate logs with mycelium plug spawn(made from 1/4” hardwood dowel pins). We will cover wood selection, log preparations, spawn handling, inoculation, sealing, log storage and care. Join us and learn about the many mushrooms that can become part of your system through this method.
This will be a hands on workshop and you will get to participate in the different steps involved in inoculating the logs. At the end, everybody takes an inoculated log home. Participants should be prepared to operate a drill, mallet, and carry their 2 foot long log to each table during class. We also ask that you bring a cordless drill and a 5/16” drill bit. In this workshop we will provide you with one log to take home.
Exact location will be sent out the Thursday before class.
FAQ
How long will it take my log to fruit and how long will it last?
Expect to see your first fruitings within 5-8 months of class. Logs should fruit for about 1 year for every inch of diameter in the log (3-7 years depending on conditions and wood). Often, logs give several fruits each season.
What kind of environment do I need to grow my logs successfully at home?
Their ideal environment will be shady with good circulation and near a water source, such as under a tree or on the south facing side of a house. We have had class participants successfully fruit logs on apartment balconies, in their home garden, and in their woods. Logs are know to be very low maintenance! In class we will talk about strategies to make sure your log gets the light, air, and moisture it needs to successfully fruit.
Do I need a large vehicle to transport my log home?
You may consider bringing a trashbag to keep your vehicle clean during transport. Logs are about 2 feet long, and 3 to 6 inches in diameter. They should transport well in even the smallest car trunk.