Lions mane - Log kit

Why Choose Lion's Mane Mushrooms?

1. Cognitive Enhancement: Lion's Mane mushrooms are renowned for their potential cognitive benefits. Studies suggest that these mushrooms may support brain health and cognitive function, including memory, focus, and concentration. Incorporating Lion's Mane mushrooms into your diet may contribute to mental clarity and overall cognitive well-being.

2. Unique Flavor and Texture: Lion's Mane mushrooms offer a unique culinary experience with their delicate, seafood-like flavor and a texture resembling crab or lobster. Their tender, fibrous strands make them an intriguing addition to various dishes, including stir-fries, soups, and vegetarian alternatives.

3. Potential Health Benefits: Lion's Mane mushrooms are rich in bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides and hericenones, which are believed to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These mushrooms may have potential benefits for the immune system, gut health, and overall well-being.

Why Choose Our Lion's Mane Mushroom Log Kits?

1. User-Friendly and Convenient: Our Lion's Mane mushroom grow kits are designed to make mushroom cultivation accessible and enjoyable. With comprehensive instructions and all the necessary materials included, you can easily embark on your growing journey. No prior experience or specialized equipment required!

2. Superior Quality and Reliable Results: We take pride in delivering premium Lion's Mane mushroom grow kits that consistently yield impressive harvests. Our kits are carefully prepared with top-quality ingredients to ensure optimal growth and a successful harvest of fresh and flavorful Lion's Mane mushrooms.

3. Sustainable and Eco-Conscious: By choosing our Lion's Mane mushroom grow kits, you actively participate in sustainable living. Cultivating mushrooms at home reduces food waste and promotes eco-friendly practices. Enjoy the satisfaction of growing your own food while minimizing your carbon footprint.

4. Engaging and Educational: Growing Lion's Mane mushrooms is not only rewarding but also a valuable learning experience for individuals of all ages. Witness the fascinating transformation from mycelium to mushrooms and gain a deeper understanding of the natural processes behind mushroom cultivation. It's an engaging, hands-on activity that connects you with nature and promotes self-sufficiency.

Log kit instruction 

Whats in this Kit:

• 30 Shiitake spawn dowels
• 60g soya wax
• 1 wax brush

What you will need:

• Fresh hardwood log (see suitable tree species below) - about 50-70cm long and 10cm - 15cm in diameter
• Drill with 8mm wood bit
• Hammer or mallet
• Drill stop collar (optional but helpful)
• Plastic bag or tarp to cover the log

Log Selection:

Selecting an appropriate log is crucial to the success of this kit. Choose a healthy log 50-70cm long and 10-15cm in diameter from a hardwood tree: Oak, Beech, Alder or Hornbeam are ideal, but Birch, Poplar and Willow will also work well. For help in identifying different tree species check out The Woodland Trust website or their handy Tree IDing app.

The age of the log is important too: The log must be freshly cut 2 – 6 weeks prior to inoculation. In the 2 weeks after cutting, the tree’s natural fungicides dissipate. 6 weeks after cutting, there is a higher chance that the log has already been exposed to other fungi, reducing the chance for successful cultivation.

Log Preparation:

After choosing a suitable log, prepare it for inoculation by removing any loose bark or debris from the log's surface but keep as much of the natural outer layer of the log as possible to promote the moisture retention.

Mark out the drill holes on the log where the dowels will be inserted. Space the holes 10-15cm apart in a diamond pattern. Drill 30 holes for each 50 – 70cm length of log. Using the drill with an 8 mm drill bit, drill the holes to a depth of approximately 5cm.

Inoculation:

Using clean hands take the dowel plugs and insert one into each hole. Use a hammer or mallet to tap the plugs gently until they are snugly inserted into the holes.

Place the soya wax in a heat proof bowl over a pan of hot water. Once melted, use the small foam brush to seal the dowels in the holes with wax. The wax seals the spawn in the log and prevents contamination from other fungi or pests. Use any remaining wax by applying a thin coat to seal each cut end of the log.

Growing Position:

Find a home for the log in a shady, sheltered and moist area. Raise the log off the ground and cover loosely with a plastic bag or tarp to create a moist and dark environment whilst also allowing some airflow. If doing more than one log you can stack them in a grid-like shape – two logs in each layer.

Be patient and observe: Mushroom cultivation takes time. It may take several months for the fungi to colonize the log. In 3 – 6 months, the colonisation can be observed as white rings on the cut ends of the log.

Mushroom Fruiting & Harvest:

Mushrooms typically appear naturally within 6 to 12 months. If colonisation can be seen at the ends of the log, it is possible to force the mushrooms to fruit by soaking the log in water overnight, draining and then stacking again. Keep an eye on the log and be patient with the process.

Once the mushrooms start to appear, they will take up to a week to reach full maturity, shitake mushrooms should be harvested before the caps flatten.  Harvest by cutting them from the log close to the surface. After harvesting, replace the log back in its shady and sheltered position for future crops.