Growing mushrooms on logs - the ultimate guide

Our Ultimate Guide to Growing Mushrooms on Logs in the UK:

Growing mushrooms on logs is one of the most natural and sustainable ways to produce delicious gourmet mushrooms right in your garden. If you’re looking to grow your own food, add a unique element to your outdoor space, or start a slow, satisfying hobby, this guide is for you.

At Marvellous Mushrooms, we make it easy to get started with mushroom growing—whether you’re new to fungi or looking to expand your setup. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process, from selecting the right logs to harvesting your first flush.

Why Grow Mushrooms on Logs?

Log-grown mushrooms are incredibly rewarding. Here’s why:

• Low Maintenance: Once inoculated, logs require very little attention.

• Long-Term Harvests: A single log can produce mushrooms for up to 7 years.

• Eco-Friendly: You're using natural materials, no plastic or electricity required.

• Delicious & Nutritious: Homegrown mushrooms are fresher and more flavourful than shop-bought alternatives.

Best Mushrooms to Grow on Logs

At Marvellous Mushrooms, we supply UK-grown plug spawn for the most popular log-grown varieties:

🍄 Shiitake

• Rich, umami flavour—perfect for stir-fries.

• Grows best on oak, beech or sweet chestnut.

• Takes 9–18 months to fruit, then produces for years.

🍄 Oyster Mushrooms

• Fast-growing and great for beginners.

• Suitable for many hardwoods (beech, birch, alder).

• Fruiting can begin in just 6 months.

🍄 Lion’s Mane

• Mild seafood-like taste, known for its health benefits.

• Thrives on beech or elm.

• Slightly slower to fruit, but worth the wait!

We offer all three varieties in our Mushroom Plug Spawn Packs—perfect for log inoculation.

Choosing and Preparing Logs- What Kind of Logs Should I Use?

• Hardwoods are best: Oak, beech, alder, birch, and sweet chestnut are ideal.

• Freshly cut: Use logs cut within the last 6–8 weeks.

• Size: 10–25cm in diameter and about 1 metre long.

💡 Top Tip: Let freshly cut logs rest for 2 weeks before inoculating. This allows natural antifungal compounds in the wood to fade.

Inoculating Your Logs: What You'll Need

• Plug spawn(available from Marvellous Mushrooms)

• Drill with an 8mm bit

• Hammer or mallet

• Wax (beeswax or soy wax)to seal the holes

• Brush for wax application

How to Inoculate

1. Drill Holes: Space them 15cm apart in rows along the log, alternating rows to make a diamond pattern.

2. Insert Plug Spawn: Tap the dowels into the holes with a hammer until flush with the surface.

3. Seal with Wax: Brush melted wax over each plug and any exposed ends of the log.

That’s it! Your logs are now “planted” with mushroom mycelium.

Incubation: Let Nature Work and Where to Store Your Logs

• Keep logs outdoors in a shady, sheltered spot like under a tree or near a hedge.

• Stack in a loose crisscross formation to allow airflow.

• Raise off the ground slightly with bricks or pallets.

Moisture Matters

• Logs must stay damp for the mycelium to grow.
• In dry spells (especially in summer), soak logs or water them with a hose once a week.
• Patience is required: Logs will take 6–18 months to fully colonise, depending on the species.

Fruiting: Time for Mushrooms!

• Once your logs are colonised, they’ll start fruiting
• This is often after a seasonal change or heavy rainfall.

Encourage Fruiting

• Soak logs in cold water for 24 hours to “shock” them into fruiting.

• Do this every 6–8 weeks during the growing season (spring to autumn).

Harvesting Tips

• Pick mushrooms when they’re fully grown but still firm.

• Use a sharp knife to avoid damaging the mycelium.

• After harvest, let logs rest before triggering the next flush.

Caring for Your Logs Long-Term

• Logs can fruit for 3–7 years.

• Keep them moist and shaded.

• Remove any unwanted fungi or pests promptly.

• Rotate logs occasionally for even exposure to air and moisture.

When to Start in the UK

• The best time to inoculate logs in the UK is late winter to early spring (February to April). This gives the mycelium the warm months to establish itself before winter returns.
• Inoculating in the colder months will still work but may take a bit longer.
• Inoculating in summer is ok too but please be more mindful to not let your logs dry out.

Ready to Get Started?

At Marvellous Mushrooms, we stock everything you need:

• Mushroom Plug Spawn: Choose from Shiitake, Oyster, or Lion’s Mane—UK-grown and reliable.
• Log Growing Kits: Our all-in-one kits include spawn, drill bit, wax, and instructions.
• Nationwide Delivery: Fast, eco-conscious shipping across the UK.

Final Thoughts

Growing mushrooms on logs is a rewarding, low-effort way to enjoy fresh, gourmet mushrooms for years to come. With a little patience and care, you’ll be harvesting delicious fungi season after season. If you’re looking for premium plug spawn and friendly advice, Marvellous Mushrooms are here to help you grow with confidence.

Shop our Mushroom Log Kits & Plug Spawn today