How to successfully grow mushrooms outdoors using mushroom spawn plugs

Growing mushrooms outdoors can be a rewarding experience that not only provides a tasty result, but also a connection to nature. By using spawning plugs inoculated with mushroom mycelium, you can easily grow mushrooms in your garden. Here we will focus on how you can grow five popular mushroom types: Lion's Mane, Shiitake, Blue Gray Oyster Mushroom, Reishi, and Turkey Tail.

1. Preparation of materials and equipment

To get started, you need a few important items:

• Spawn plugs : These are small wooden plugs that have been inoculated with fungal mycelium. You can buy them from specialist suppliers.
• Fresh wood : Suitable types of wood include hardwoods such as alder, oak, birch and maple. Avoid wood species with a high resin content such as pine.
• Drilling equipment : To make holes where the spawn plugs are to be inserted.
• Hammer : To drive the plugs into the holes.
• Wax : Sealing the holes with wax can help protect the mycelium from contamination.

2. Choose the right type of wood for each type of mushroom

• Lion's mane : Prefers hardwoods such as alder, birch, beech and oak.
• Shiitake : Thrives best in oak, beech and birch.
• Blue-gray oyster mushroom : Thrives on a variety of woods, but birch and alder are good choices.
• Reishi : Prefers oak and birch.
• Turkey tail : Can grow on many hardwoods, including oak.

3. Inoculation of logs

1. Choose wood : Use recently felled trees or healthy wood that is free from disease.
2. Prepare the logs : Cut the wood into pieces of around one meter in length and 10-15 cm in diameter.
3. Drilling holes : Make holes in a diagonal cube pattern around the entire log with approx. 15 cm distance between each.
4. Insert the spawn plugs : Place a spawn plug in each hole and tap them in gently with a hammer.
5. Seal if necessary : Use wax to cover the holes, especially if the climate is dry, to prevent the mycelium from drying out.

4. Optimal location and maintenance

• Location : Choose a shady, moist area for the logs, such as under a tree or along a north-facing wall.
• Watering and humidity : Keep the logs moist, especially during dry periods. Water them regularly, but avoid direct exposure to rain or excess water.
• Monitoring : Keep an eye out for signs of fungal growth, and be aware of insect damage or competing mold growth.

5. Harvesting the mushrooms

Depending on the mushroom variety, the first fruits can appear from 6 to 36 months after inoculation. Be patient and check the logs regularly. When the mushrooms appear, it is important to harvest them at the right ripeness to ensure good taste and texture.

 

Mushroom cultivation with spawning plugs is an interesting and natural method of gaining access to a wider range of tasty and nutritious mushrooms straight from your own garden. By choosing the right types of wood and paying close attention to the health and development of the logs, you can enjoy a successful harvest of Lion's mane, Shiitake, Blue-gray oyster mushroom, Reishi, and Turkey tail. Happy growing!