Ordering a log kit with a voucher allows you to redeem your plug spawn at a later date. Vouchers make a great gift and are good for projects beyond a 3 month start date.

Ordering a kit with live spawn is best for projects that will be done within 3 months of ordering.

Plug spawn is living and perishable. It can live unrefrigerated for up to three months or refrigerated for up to 6 months.

Chicken of the woods does best in oak logs. After colonization period in filter patch bags above ground, logs should be partially buried under 2 inches of top soil.  The mushrooms will fruit from logs and emerge out of the soil.

It should be noted that chicken of the woods is prone to being out competed by other fungi and is not a reliable producer without first treating your logs. To limit variables we strongly suggest you sterilize 8" by 8" segments of oak log in a pressure cooking or steam sterilizer before inoculation and incubate your log segments for a few months in sealed filter patch bags until they are completely colonized. Remove them from the bag and partially burying them in a shady location. (You can sterilize your log segments in a 22 qt or larger pressure cooker such as an All-American.)

For our complete plug spawn pamphlet, click here.

If you don't plan to use immediately, you can refrigerate your spawn for up to 6 months.

Be sure to harvest chicken of the woods mushrooms when young to avoid a brittle texture. When cooked, they have a meaty, slightly lemony, flavor with a texture similar to chicken. The tougher outer pieces are best dried and used in soups or risottos or ground down to make rubs. The more tender, center pieces are delicious when sauteed with garlic, onions, salt, and olive oil. (A splash of white wine is nice, too!)

If you’re going to consume home-grown mushrooms, make sure to cook your fresh mushrooms thoroughly with heat. If it is your first time eating this species, it is best to start with a small amount to check for allergies, even if cooked.

Plug Spawn FAQ

Log Cultivation FAQ