Territorial Seed Company Shiitake Mushroom Plug Spawn

You need fresh-cut hardwood logs, preferably oak, alder, or sugar maple. Avoid softwoods like pine or cedar, as their natural resins inhibit fungal growth.

Patience is key with mushroom cultivation. While the mycelium colonizes the log relatively quickly, you should expect your first significant harvest one to two years after inoculation.

Yes, you will need a drill with a 5/16-inch drill bit to create the holes for the dowels. A rubber mallet is also helpful for tapping the plugs securely into the wood before sealing them with the included wax.

These plugs are specifically designed for outdoor cultivation on logs. They require the natural humidity and temperature fluctuations found in a shaded outdoor environment to fruit successfully.

A standard pack of 100 plugs is typically enough to inoculate about 3 to 5 logs, depending on the length and diameter of the wood you are using. Space your holes about 6 inches apart in rows spaced 6 inches apart for optimal colonization.

The wax acts as a protective seal for the inoculation site. It prevents the mycelium from drying out and stops competing fungi or pests from entering the hole while the shiitake mycelium establishes itself.