Plug Spawn Inoculation Methods

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Plug Spawn Inoculation 

Log Method 

Logs should be 3’’ to 8’’ in diameter and can be as long as you would prefer, though they are easiest to relocate when they are 30’’ to 50’’ long. 

1. Use a 5/16’’ bit and drill 1’’ holes in a diamond pattern all over the perimeter of the log, omitting either end.
2. Place plugs into your holes, using a hammer if the fit is snug.
3. Brush melted paraffin or beeswax over each plugged hole. We use a crockpot to melt the wax and a paint brush or wax dauber to apply it! The wax keeps other organisms from utilizing your drilled holes to colonize the log.

For initial log colonization wood can be stacked like firewood in a shady area of forest. At this stage, stacks should be kept low to the ground where it is more humid, yet out of direct contact with the forest floor. A pallet or pieces of scrap wood work well for this. After colonization period is finished, re-stack the logs in a log-cabin fashion for easy harvesting and airflow. Do not let your logs dry out! Place in a shady part of your garden or in the woods. If there is a prolonged dry spell during the summer it is best to spray logs with a hose.

Stump Method 

Any size stumps can be inoculated but they should be located in a shady environment. Make sure you know what species of tree the stump came from!  

1. Use a 5/16’’ bit and drill 1’’ holes all over the top, sides, and exposed roots of the stump.
2. Place plugs into your holes, using a hammer if the fit is snug.
3. Brush melted paraffin or beeswax over each plugged hole. We use a crockpot to melt the wax and a paint brush to apply it!