How to grow mushrooms on logs and select ideal trees in Australia?

Maitakes are a bit different, we suggest to grow them only on oaks and to treat the log by either boiling or steaming before inoculation.

The colonization process typically takes between 6 months to 2 years, depending on the mushroom species and environmental conditions. Fruiting occurs when the logs are fully colonized and environmental factors such as temperature and humidity are favorable.

Hardwoods, such as oak, beech, birch, maple, and alder, are generally preferred for mushroom cultivation due to their high lignin content, which provides essential nutrients for mushroom growth. However, some softwoods like poplar and willow can also be used, particularly for species like oyster mushrooms.

For a log that is 10-15 cm in diameter and 100 cm in length, you will need about 50 dowels.

It's best to use freshly cut logs (within 2 weeks of felling) for inoculation. Older logs can still be used, but they may have dried out or become inhabited by competing fungi, which could affect the success of the inoculation.

Keep the logs consistently moist by watering them regularly. You can also soak them periodically to maintain moisture levels. Ensure the logs are placed in a shaded area to protect them from direct sunlight and drying out.

Unused plug spawns should be stored in the refrigerator and are viable for 2-3 months. For optimal results, it's best to use them within 2 months. Note that pink oyster and wood ear varieties are cold-sensitive and should be used immediately instead of being stored in the refrigerator.If you do, however, choose to store them in the fridge, do so above 10°C.

Harvest mushrooms when their caps are slightly flattened; this is when they are at their best texture and flavour. If the caps have started to upturn, the mushrooms are likely overripe, which can affect their quality. They will also sporulate a soon as the cap turns upwards.

Yes, you can inoculate logs at any time of the year, but generally speaking, you will inoculate them when you chop down a tree, which is often in spring.

Ensure you follow safety guidelines when handling tools and melted wax, as it is flammable. Also, be mindful of maintaining a clean environment to avoid contamination by unwanted fungi.

Lion's Mane mushrooms (Hericium erinaceus) grow best on certain hardwoods like oak, beech, and maple. They can also thrive on chestnut, hornbeam, sweetgum, sycamore, walnut, and birch for several reasons:

- Nutrient Content: These hardwoods provide the right balance of lignin and cellulose, which are essential for the mushrooms to grow. The breakdown of these components supports the mushroom's development.
- Natural Habitat Mimicry: In the wild, Lion's Mane mushrooms naturally grow on hardwood trees like oak, beech, and maple. Using these woods for cultivation helps replicate their natural environment, promoting successful growth.
- Durability and Decomposition Rate: Hardwoods like oak and maple decompose at a rate that matches the growth cycle of Lion's Mane. This slow decomposition provides a steady release of nutrients, supporting multiple batches of mushrooms over time.
- Resistance to Contaminants: These hardwoods are less likely to harbor contaminants compared to softer woods, reducing the risk of competing fungi and bacteria that could hinder mushroom growth.

Yes, willow is technically a hardwood because it comes from a broadleaf, deciduous tree. However, willow is lightweight and relatively soft. It has low strength properties and is often softer than many other hardwoods and even some softwoods. Despite being classified as hardwood, willow is less durable than other hardwoods. While willow can support the growth of mushrooms like oyster and shiitake, there are better options.

Why is willow considered a soft hardwood when cricket bats, which are so strong, are made from it?

Cricket bats are traditionally made from willow wood, specifically from a type known as cricket bat willow (Salix alba var. caerulea). Willow is chosen for cricket bats because of several key properties:

- Lightweight: Willow is relatively lightweight, allowing players to swing the bat with speed and control, which is important for both defensive and offensive play in cricket.
- Strength and Flexibility: Willow combines strength with flexibility, helping absorb the impact of the ball while maintaining the bat's structure. This balance allows for powerful shots without the bat breaking easily.
- Springiness: Willow is known for its "springy" nature, which contributes to a better "sweet spot" on the bat. This quality enhances performance by providing a good rebound effect when the ball strikes it.
- Durability: Despite being softer than many other hardwoods, willow is resilient to repeated impacts from a cricket ball, which is essential for the bat's longevity.

When considering woods that are unsuitable for mushroom cultivation, particularly in Australia, it is important to note that certain types of wood are generally not recommended due to their natural properties. Here are ten varieties of wood that are typically avoided for mushroom growing:
1. Pine (Pinus spp.): Pine is often avoided because it is too resinous and can inhibit mushroom growth
1. Cedar (Cedrus spp.): Known for its aromatic oils, cedar is generally not used for mushroom cultivation as these oils can be antifungal.
2. Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens): Similar to cedar, redwood contains natural chemicals that can inhibit fungal growth.
3. Cypress (Cupressus spp.): Cypress wood is naturally resistant to decay and can be too dense and resinous for mushrooms.
4. Spruce (Picea spp.): Like pine, spruce is a softwood that is generally not suitable for mushroom cultivation due to its resin content.
5. Fir (Abies spp.): Fir wood is another softwood with resinous properties that can inhibit mushroom growth.
6. Hemlock (Tsuga spp.): Hemlock is typically avoided because it shares similar properties with other resinous softwoods.
7. Teak (Tectona grandis): Although durable, teak is oily and dense, making it unsuitable for most mushroom cultivation.
8. Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia): This wood is very dense and rot-resistant, which can make it difficult for mushrooms to colonize.

These woods are generally avoided in mushroom cultivation due to their natural resistance to decay, high resin or oil content, and other properties that inhibit fungal growth:
• Cypress Pine (Callitris columellaris): This species, also known as White Cypress Pine, is widespread in Australia, particularly in drier inland regions.
• Jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata): Jarrah is native to the southwest of Western Australia and is well-known for its durability and resistance to decay.
• Spotted Gum (Corymbia maculata): This tree is native to eastern Australia.
• Ironbark, particularly Australian species like Eucalyptus sideroxylon (Red Ironbark), Eucalyptus paniculata (Grey Ironbark), Eucalyptus crebra (Narrow-leaved Ironbark), Eucalyptus tricarpa (Red Ironbark), Eucalyptus drepanophylla (Grey Ironbark), and Eucalyptus taurina (Helidon Ironbark).
• Tallowwood (Eucalyptus microcorys): Found along the coastal regions of New South Wales and Queensland.
• Blackbutt (Eucalyptus pilularis): Native to eastern Australia.
• Red Mahogany (Eucalyptus resinifera): This species is found in coastal areas of eastern Australia.
• Grey Box (Eucalyptus moluccana): This hardwood is native to Australia.
• Turpentine (Syncarpia glomulifera): Found along the east coast of Australia.
• Forest Red Gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis): This species is widespread in eastern Australia.

• Mountain Ash: Eucalyptus regnans
• Tasmanian Blue Gum: Eucalyptus globulus
• Grey Gum: Eucalyptus major or Eucalyptus propinqua
• Snow Gum: Eucalyptus pauciflorMessmate: Eucalyptus obliqua
• Yellow Box: Eucalyptus melliodora
• Rose Gum: Eucalyptus grandis (also known as Flooded Gum)
• Shining Gum: Eucalyptus nitens

To protect mushroom logs from termites, focus on strategies like elevating the logs using pallets or rocks to reduce soil contact, which is a common entry point for termites. Place the logs in a shaded area with good airflow to discourage termites, as they thrive in dark, damp environments. Use physical barriers such as mesh or netting to prevent termites and other pests from accessing the logs. Regularly inspect the logs for signs of termite activity, such as mud tubes or wood damage, and maintain dry conditions around the logs to prevent moisture accumulation, which attracts termites. There are some biological and chemical pest control methods as well.

Most cultivated mushrooms, like Oysters, are saprophytic, meaning they feed on dead wood rather than living trees.

Mushroom logs can indeed be grown in various parts of Australia, including tropical and dry regions, with some considerations. The success of growing mushrooms on logs largely depends on the species of mushroom grown. In tropical regions, heat-tolerant species like pink and yellow oyster mushrooms, Reishi, and other tropical ecotypes can thrive, provided they have sufficient shade. In dry regions, maintaining moisture is crucial, so placing logs in shaded, cool areas and ensuring they are well-watered is important for successful cultivation. If the logs are watered well and have shade, most species can thrive. It is advisable to seal the end of the logs with wax in a dry region to minimize moisture loss and use thick and long logs as they can retain moisture for the longest without drying out. If your tree has bark, do not remove it as it can also aid in preventing moisture loss in dry regions.

The paperbark tree, belonging to the genus Melaleuca, is native to Australia. It is characterized by its distinctive papery bark. While there is evidence of mushrooms growing on paperbark, it is not commonly listed as a preferred variety. Oyster species are best suited to grow as they are quite versatile and tolerant of various kinds of woods. Paperbark is considered a softwood.

Most mushrooms suitable for log cultivation prefer hardwoods such as oak, maple, beech, and sweet gum. These woods provide the dense structure and nutrients that mushrooms need to thrive. Bottlebrush (Callistemon) trees, however, are not typically classified as hardwoods, making them less ideal for mushroom growth.

When logs are stored outdoors under a tree, natural rainfall is often sufficient to maintain adequate moisture in some regions. However, in areas with intense sunlight and hot summers, logs may dry out more quickly and require more frequent watering. Periodic deep watering is generally more effective than frequent light watering. You can soak the logs in water for a day or hose them down for 10-15 minutes weekly or every few weeks. If you notice the logs starting to shrivel, it's a clear sign they need more moisture to prevent further drying. Perfecting the watering balance comes with experience and practice. Fortunately, most mushroom species are forgiving; if you forget to water, simply do so when you notice they have shriveled. Logs will only absorb as much water as they need, so overwatering isn't a major concern. However, it's crucial not to keep the surrounding area constantly moist or waterlogged, as excessive moisture can hinder mushroom growth.

Shiitake mushrooms are recommended for growth on eucalyptus logs primarily because eucalyptus provides a suitable substrate for the fungi without significant negative effects from the wood's natural oils, although it will support all mushroom varieties. Eating mushrooms grown on eucalyptus logs can have some specific effects, particularly related to the sensory qualities of the mushrooms, but generally does not pose significant health risks. Here are some key points regarding the effects:

Flavor and Texture: Mushrooms grown on eucalyptus substrates may exhibit changes in flavor, becoming more "mushroomy" with a slightly altered texture. Studies have shown that the use of eucalyptus mulch can affect the sensory qualities of mushrooms, such as taste and texture, making them more spongy and potentially more acidic.
Color: There may be slight changes in the color of the mushrooms grown on eucalyptus, often resulting in a more intense brown hue.

Health and Safety Considerations:

Oil Content: While eucalyptus wood contains natural oils, these do not typically transfer to the mushrooms in significant amounts that would cause health concerns. Shiitake mushrooms, in particular, are known to grow well on eucalyptus logs without absorbing harmful levels of these oils.
Potential Allergic Reactions: As with any food product, individuals with specific allergies or sensitivities should exercise caution. However, there is no specific evidence to suggest that mushrooms grown on eucalyptus logs pose additional allergy risks compared to those grown on other hardwoods.

The log will soak up the water, leaving the mycelium without an immediate energy source to expand and grow, as breaking down the logs for energy is a time-consuming process. Additionally, the liquid might leak out, even if sealed with wax, leading to likely failure. Achieving even distribution of mycelium within the log is difficult with liquid culture. Traditional methods, such as using plug spawn or sawdust spawn, offer a more controlled and effective approach to introducing mycelium into the log, providing a solid medium that better supports mycelial growth.

When selecting mushroom species for stump decomposition, consider your priorities: rapid colonization or thorough breakdown. Oyster mushrooms are an excellent choice for quick growth and decomposition. For comprehensive breakdown of both heartwood and softwood, Hen of the Woods and Reishi are highly effective options. Turkey tail mushrooms are also particularly recommended for several reasons:

Benefits of Turkey Tail Mushrooms

1. Tertiary decomposers: In nature they grow on logs already partially decomposed by other fungi, ensuring complete stump breakdown over time.
2. Extended decomposition cycle: Unlike oyster mushrooms, which grow and die within a week if not harvested, turkey tails offer a longer-lasting mushrooms that will last for months.
3. Edible and medicinal: While not particularly palatable due to their woody texture, turkey tails can be dried and consumed in hot tea.
4. Well-researched: Turkey tail mushrooms are among the most studied mushroom species in the world.

Chicken of the Woods is also effective for stump decomposition but is currently not legal to import into Australia.

Grain spawn is generally not recommended for inoculating logs for mushroom cultivation, although it is not impossible to use. The success rate tends to be lower and sometimes not fruitful enough for several reasons:

Vulnerability to Contamination: Grain spawn is more susceptible to contamination by molds and bacteria when exposed to the outdoor environment. The grains provide a rich nutrient source that can easily support unwanted microorganisms if not fully colonized by the desired mycelium.
Moisture Retention: Grain spawn can dry out more quickly than sawdust or plug spawn when used on logs, which can impede mycelial growth. Maintaining adequate moisture levels is crucial for successful colonization and fruiting.
Physical Stability: Grain spawn does not adhere well to the surface of logs and can easily fall out of drilled holes or slots, leaving the inoculation points exposed to pests and environmental factors.
Attraction to Wildlife: Grains are extremely attractive to birds, which may peck through the wax seal to eat the grains before they have time to colonize the wooden log. Additionally, grains can attract other insects and ants, leading to further challenges in maintaining a clean and effective inoculation environment.
Lag Period: Dowels and sawdust spawn are made from wood, so when mycelium grows from dowels to actual logs or from sawdust spawn to logs, it is already familiar with the food source. However, when mycelium is transferred from grain spawn to logs, there is an unnecessary delay as the mycelium adjusts to the new food source, which can slow down colonization.
Labor Intensity: Using grain spawn requires more preparation and maintenance, such as creating larger holes or slots in the logs and ensuring they are adequately sealed to prevent contamination and moisture loss.

Ironbark, particularly Australian species like Eucalyptus sideroxylon (Red Ironbark), Eucalyptus paniculata (Grey Ironbark), Eucalyptus crebra (Narrow-leaved Ironbark), Eucalyptus tricarpa (Red Ironbark), Eucalyptus drepanophylla (Grey Ironbark), and Eucalyptus taurina (Helidon Ironbark), are not recommended for mushroom cultivation due to their inherent properties:

Density and Hardness: Ironbark is extremely hard and dense, making it difficult for mushroom mycelium to penetrate and colonize the wood. Mushrooms generally prefer softer woods that they can decompose more easily to access nutrients.
Resistance to Decay: Ironbark's natural resistance to rot and decay is beneficial for many uses but not for mushroom growth. Mushrooms rely on the decomposition process to break down wood and extract necessary nutrients.
Chemical Composition: Ironbark's chemical makeup contributes to its durability and resistance to fungal attack, which can inhibit mushroom growth. The wood's chemistry is designed to resist fungus, making it unsuitable for mushroom cultivation.

Camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphora) is not recommended for growing mushrooms primarily due to its toxic properties and the presence of camphor oil, which can inhibit fungal growth and potentially make the mushrooms unsafe for consumption.

We need to wait for eucalyptus trees to shed their bark before being used for mushroom production, primarily to reduce the risk of contamination and improve the suitability. The shedding of bark is a natural process for some eucalyptus trees, which helps in removing mosses, lichens, fungi, and parasites that might inhabit the outer bark layers. This process ensures that the log is cleaner and less likely to harbor unwanted organisms that could compete with or harm the growing mushrooms. Additionally, the exfoliation of bark can help remove accumulated toxins and oils that might be present on the bark. These substances could inhibit the growth of mushrooms or affect their quality.

Oak is the most popular tree shiitake grows on; "shi" means oak and "take" means mushroom. Beech, maple, sweetgum, and hornbeam also support shiitake, along with eucalyptus and certain acacia species.

Contact an arborist. Arborists are people who chop down trees for a living. They can provide you with access to logs suitable for mushroom cultivation.

No, the Banana tree is a giant herb; they don't have hardwood or softwood.

Yucca is a very soft wood. It's best designed for other purposes, like starting a fire, as it has the lowest kindling point of any wood. However, it's not good for growing mushrooms; it can't provide a lot of nutrition to support growth.