Plug Spawn Directions

Using mushroom plug spawn is easy.

Plugs can be hammered into logs for growing many woodland mushrooms. Logs cut from healthy live dormant trees work best. Cut 3 to 8 inch wide logs to manageable lengths. Drill 5/16" holes about 1¼" deep in a diamond pattern into the log. Space holes about 6-8 in. along the length of the log and about 1.5-2 in. around the diameter. Hammer mushroom spawn plugs into the holes and cover holes with wax.

Select a shady, humid spot. Place oyster, reishi, and lion’s mane logs directly on the ground where they will not dry out. You can push mulch against the logs about half the diameter deep to help retain moisture. Place shiitake logs slightly above the ground, so the bark is not damaged or rotted.

Maintaining log moisture is the most important job for the next 6-12 months. Water if the weather is dry for extended periods. Seal and store unused plugs for a few weeks in the refrigerator.