Shiitake dowels (100)

Shiitake Dowel Inoculation Guide 

Materials Needed:
- Shiitake mushroom dowels
- Fresh hardwood logs (10-20 cm in diameter, 90-120 cm long)
- Drill with a 8 mm bit (or bit size matching dowel size)
- Hammer or mallet
- Wax (cheese wax or beeswax)
- Paintbrush (for applying wax)
- Protective gear (gloves, mask)

Steps:

1. Prepare the Logs:
- Choose logs that are 10-20 cm in diameter and 90-120 cm long.
- Cut the logs from healthy trees, ideally in late winter or early spring, and use them within a few weeks to ensure they're still fresh.

2. Drill Holes:
- Use the drill to make holes in the log. Space holes 10-15 cm apart in a diamond pattern. The holes should be about 2.5 cm deep.
- If drilling multiple logs, keep a consistent spacing and depth for uniform inoculation.

3. Insert Dowels:
- Place a shiitake dowel in each drilled hole. Gently tap the dowels in with a hammer or mallet until they are flush with the surface of the log.

4. Seal the Holes:
- Melt the wax in a double boiler or microwave.
- Use a paintbrush to apply melted wax over each hole, sealing it completely to protect the inoculation from contaminants and moisture loss.

5. Store the Logs:
- Place the inoculated logs in a shaded, humid environment. Lean them against a structure or stack them to allow air circulation.
- Keep the logs moist, especially during dry periods. You can occasionally spray them with water to maintain humidity.

6. Wait for Fruiting:
- Shiitake mushrooms generally take 6-12 months to start fruiting, depending on conditions.
- When the logs are ready, you’ll see mushroom pins forming. Once they mature, you can harvest the mushrooms by cutting them at the base.

7. Maintain and Harvest:
- Continue to keep the logs moist and in a suitable environment. Logs can fruit for several years, producing multiple harvests.