Our Outdoor Log Growing Kits contain everything you need to grow mushrooms on logs, totems, or stumps! Each starter kit contains a drill bit, sealing wax, a wax applicator, a 100ct bag of plug spawn, and complete instruction guide. If you're gifting the kit or aren't ready to begin your project, you can select a “voucher” instead of plug spawn, which can be redeemed on site at a later date.
See our Log Cultivation FAQ to learn more about growing on logs!
Difficulty: Beginner
Shiitake is a great mushroom for beginners. They colonize quickly and are the most reliable producers of any species. It has a meaty texture when cooked and is also great for drying and reconstituting in soups. It pairs beautifully with tamari, ginger, and garlic and can bring needed umami to many different dishes. Shiitake takes at least 12 months of colonization before producing mushrooms and tends to fruit throughout the summer to fall growing season.
Note: Spawn is living and perishable.
Outdoor Log Growing Kits can be shipped either with mushroom spawn included (for projects that will begin within 3 months of the order date) or shipped with a voucher for receiving spawn at a later date (best for gifting or for projects beyond a 3 month start date). Plug spawn can live unrefrigerated for up to three months, though it is best to keep it refrigerated for long-term storage.
Kit with voucher
Ordering a log kit with a voucher allows you to redeem your plug spawn at a later date. Vouchers make a great gift and are good for projects beyond a 3 month start date.
Kit with spawn
Ordering a kit with live spawn is best for projects that will be done within 3 months of ordering.
Plug spawn is living and perishable. It can live unrefrigerated for up to three months or refrigerated for up to 6 months.
Inoculation
Shiitake works best with the log method. It will take at least 9-12 months of colonization before producing mushrooms and tends to fruit throughout the summer to fall growing season and after rainfalls. Preferred wood species are oak, maple, or beech.
For our complete plug spawn pamphlet, click here.
Storing
If you don't plan to use immediately, you can refrigerate your spawn for up to 6 months.
Cooking
"5 of the Best Shiitake Mushroom Recipes"
Shiitake has a meaty texture when cooked and is good for drying and reconstituting in winter soups. It pairs beautifully with tamari, ginger, and garlic and can bring needed umami to many different dishes. These mushrooms are delicious sauteed and can be used in stir-fries, risottos, ramens, on pizzas, or simply eaten by themselves.
Cautions & considerations
If you’re going to consume home-grown mushrooms, make sure to cook your fresh mushrooms thoroughly with heat. If it is your first time eating this species, it is best to start with a small amount to check for allergies, even if cooked.