How to grow Shiitake Mushrooms : A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction (How To Grow Shiitake Mushroom)

Cultivating shiitake mushroom in wooden crates is an efficient and eco-friendly method that allows you to enjoy the freshness of homegrown shiitake mushroom. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of cultivating shiitake mushroom using wooden crate. From the selection of the right wood to managing the growth and off-season care, we’ve got you covered.

Before starting the cultivation of shiitake mushroom there are few key points that you should keep in mind to succeed. Here are some our secret key points:

1 wood Selection Process

To ensure successful shiitake mushroom cultivation, selecting the right type of wood is crucial. Follow these steps for the wood selection process:

• Choose fast-growing trees like alder also called  Alnus nepalensis, Banjhi also called Anogessius Latifolia, Lankuri also called Fraxinus floribunda, Khair also called Artocarpus Heterophyllus, Dale Katus also called Castanopsis tribuloides and others.
• Age and Circumference:  Select trees that are more than 6 years old, and the circumference of the mudha or crate (wood section) should be between 4 to 6 inches.
• Peel and Species: Ensure that the tree’s peel is intact and not injured. Cultivate shiitake mushroom only in wood of the same species as the tree.
• Tree Cutting Timing: Cut trees from October to January for optimal results.
• Length of wooden crates: Prepare wooden crates with a length of 1 meter.

Necessary Materials

After selection of wooden crate of your choice which are easily available in your locality, gather the necessary materials for your shiitake mushroom cultivation project:

• Wooden crate
• Drill Machine for Making Holes in Wood
• White Wax (Paraffin Wax)
• Wax Melting Pot
• Plastic Sheet
• Shiitake Mushroom Sprouts

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Seedlings

After gathering all the necessary material for your shiitake mushroom project, properly preparing the seedlings is a critical step in the cultivation process. Follow these steps to ensure successful seedling implantation:

• Timely Application: Apply seeds within 1 month after cutting the tree.
• Moisture Level: Maintain the wooden crates moisture level at 70%.
• Hole Preparation: Use a drill machine to create a hole approximately 2.5 cm deep.
• Multiple Holes: Drill another hole 10 cm away and a third hole 5 cm from the circle.
• Planting the Seedling: Place a small piece of mushrooms seed in each hole and remember that it should be tightly filled in.
• Wax Sealing: Seal the holes with melted wax to prevent contamination.

Management of Seedlings

Seedlings are most import part of this shiitake mushroom project, only selecting the quality seedlings is not enough. That is why we will discuss, how efficiently managing your seedlings will lead to successful shiitake mushroom growth. Follow these guidelines for seedling management:

• Place the wooden crate close together, ensuring they touch each other.
• Maintain a relative humidity level between 70% to 80%.
• Maintain a temperature of 20 to 25 degrees Celsius on the covered terrace.
• Protect the wooden crate from direct sunlight.
• Water 1 to 2 times in the first month, and from the second month, water 2 to 3 times per week.
• Shiitake Mushroom will eventually spread throughout the wooden wrap.
• After complete colonization, immerse the wooden crate in water for 24-48 hours.

Shiitake Mushroom Growing

Once your shiitake mushroom starts growing, you need to follow these steps for proper cultivation:

• Remove the wooden crate from water and keep it vertically to promote growth.
• Ensure that the wooden crate do not touch each other.
• Water the wooden crate 1 to 2 times daily.
• Shiitake Mushroom will start growing in various places on the wooden crate within 1 to 2 weeks.
• Harvest shiitake mushroom after 4 to 5 days of growth.
• Shiitake Mushroom growth lasts 5 to 6 months in hilly areas and 3 to 4 months in warmer regions.
• Shiitake Mushroom can be cultivated in the shape of a mushrooms for up to 3 years.

Management of Mold After Shiitake Mushroom Growth

Sometimes due to carelessness in sanitation process or hygiene, your shiitake mushroom could clouded with mold. Even after shiitake mushroom growth, proper care is essential to prevent mold. Follow these steps for post-growth management:

• Keep the wrapped wooden crate covered as before.
• Maintain moisture by watering 2 to 3 times a week.
• Rotate the wooden crate every month.
• Continue this care routine for 6 to 7 months.

Shiitake Mushroom Off-Season

From April to August, the shiitake mushroom cultivation process slows down. During this off-season period:

Scale back watering and maintain minimal care.

In the End

Cultivating shiitake mushroom in wooden crates is a rewarding and sustainable endeavor. By following these techniques and guidelines, you’ll be able to successfully grow your own shiitake mushroom and enjoy their delicious flavor in various culinary creations.