Drill holes, 1 inch deep, into the log in a diamond pattern (716 inch diameter for sawdust spawn, 516 inch for dowel). The first row of holes is drilled down the length of the log, with each hole 4 to 6 inches apart (Figure 4). The second row of holes should be staggered with the first row and 2 inches from it. Continue this pattern around the log (Figure 5).
| Figure 4. Drill down the length of the log. | |
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Figure 5. Close-up of the drilling pattern of a log. |
Inoculate the logs immediately after the holes are drilled. The inoculation tool will fill the holes to the bark level with sawdust spawn (Figure 6). Use a hammer to securely insert dowels into the drilled holes. Spawn can be placed in the holes by hand if you do not have an inoculation tool. This method is time consuming and exposes the spawn to more contaminants.
| Figure 6. Inoculation of log with inoculation tool and sawdust spawn. |  |
Once a log has been inoculated, it should fruit for 2 to 3 years. Reinoculation is not necessary because the mycelium grows throughout the log, like roots in soil. The mushroom develops when the mycelium has accumulated sufficient nutrients and the temperature and moisture requirements are met.
Waxing The Logs
The inoculation sites and the ends of the logs are generally coated with wax. This reduces moisture loss and keeps the spawn or dowels securely in the hole. Logs kept in an indoor, humid (90 percent humidity) environment, will not need their ends waxed. If you use foam plugs to secure the spawn or dowels in the holes and do not want to use wax to seal the log ends, keep the logs in a humid environment or mist the logs daily during warm and hot weather.
Immediately after inoculation, seal sites with wax or place foam plugs in the holes.
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Figure 7. Baste inoculation sites with hot wax. |