Mushrooming Together

A Peek Underneath
Written by Laura

Our shiitake logs have been laying indoors since Thanksgiving. It has been well over a month, and we are pleased with what we are seeing beneath the plastic sheets. What exactly are we seeing? Mycelium! We often get calls with concerns when this white substance makes its way to the surface. Some mistake it for mold or some other unwanted invader organism. Rest assured, it's mycelium.

The mycelium on these logs coincide with spawn placement.

This log, inoculated with West Wind, is showing a tremendous amount of growth.

These logs have been dead stacked (like stacking firewood) and covered with cardboard and plastic. On average, the room they are in has maintained temperatures between 62 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideally temperatures should be closer to 77 degrees, this allows for optimal spawn run. Our logs are forced to share a room with our mushroom bearing sawdust blocks, so temps are cooler to induce fruiting. The logs themselves will not be fruited indoors. Come spring they will be moved out into our laying yard to enjoy the fresh air and natural elements.