How Do You Care For Shiitake Logs?
Once the logs are inoculated with mycelium spore, its time to stack and care for the logs until they begin to fruit. The most important thing a shiitake log needs to fruit is moisture. After spending the money for the shiitake plugs and doing the work required to prepare the logs, a little extra effort to care for the logs is something worth the time. Stack the logs in crisscross fashion on top of the empty logs. Shiitake logs should not come into contact with the ground. Add an extra empty log or two to the top of the stack. Tent the shade cloth or burlap over the top of the stack. Make sure the cloth is 3 to 4 inches away from the top of the shiitake logs. Water the stack once or twice a week for at least ten minutes. If you live in a dry climate, you may have to water every other day. Continue to water until the rainy season or freezing weather arrives. Wait patiently. The shiitake logs will take from 6 to 12 months to colonize. Water the logs once a week if needed to retain moistur
