All about the
Tower Method
Towers (aka pillars or totems) are a simple, dependable, low-maintenance way to grow mushrooms outdoors on logs.
Every method has advantages and challenges, but towers are our favorite technique for eco-friendly outdoor cultivation.
Materials Needed:
Hardwood logs
Logs should have as much intact bark as possible and be cut into chunks roughly as long as the trunk is wide for stability and quick colonization. Find more information about species and season in the section below about tree selection.
No land, no chainsaw? No problem - We purchased the logs pictured here pre-cut from Trees to Dreams in Canaan, NH. Buying pre-cut wood is a nice worry free option that can get you started right away. That said, there are many sources of suitable wood throughout New England and some of them are free!
Sawdust spawn
The amount of spawn needed varies greatly with log size. Our spawn can vary in density based on the wood products we have available. Per 3" to 6" diameter 3-segment tower, we typically use 1/4 to 1/2 lb. spawn. Large towers over 12" diameter take 1 lb. or more of spawn each.
Grain spawn is not the best choice for towers. Sawdust spawn is less likely to attract pests or become moldy pressed between logs. Grain spawn can still work in a pinch.
Brown Paper Bags or 5 Gallon Buckets
Important: Do NOT incubate mushroom logs in paper bags directly on any wooden surface
Paper: Use lawn and leaf bags for large logs, brown paper grocery bags for smaller logs. After testing, we prefer to avoid plastic bags. Brown paper can be used as a biodegradable barrier after unwrapping and helps to form a humid microclimate for the log rather than being thrown away or decaying into microplastics.
Bucket method: Use a clean 5 gallon bucket for smaller logs less than 14 inches long. Use breathable fabric, brown paper, or a recycled plastic bag with plenty of ventilation holes to cover the bucket. Use twine or a bungee cord to secure the cover.
Corrugated Cardboard & Staple Gun
Cardboard cut to the approximate size of the log end is layered to make end caps and keep spawn in place.
As an abundant biodegradable waste product, cardboard is perfect for eco-friendly mushroom growing and can also be substituted for bags or buckets if needed.
A staple gun with long enough staples to secure 2 layers of corrugated cardboard to the log is optional but very helpful to keep spawn from moving around & to make tidy looking towers.
Labels
Materials for labels - Aluminum can, shears, ball point pen, wire nails, hammer
We cut aluminum drink cans into strips for free eco-friendly labels - they emboss easily with a ball point pen. Nail the label directly onto the top cardboard end cap to hold it on. Use your own imagination and scraps on hand, but make sure labels are weather resistant and permanent as logs can last for years.
Selecting logs for towers
Wood species
Wood species
Wood species
Our handcrafted NH spawn can grow on a variety of substrates. There are many detailed guides available on wood species, but to keep it simple: Freshly cut specimens of the above 4 common trees are perfect for our spawn.
Wait, no birch? Although technically viable, we have avoided birch due to highly competitive saprobes like hoof fungus and birch polypore. Inspect a few years-dead birch trees on your next walk and see what we mean! We are testing a few yellow birch logs right now to see how it actually goes!
Got a tree that's not listed here? Sources about less common wood types are not always consistent, so we recommend doing some research Table of wood substrates
Season
Wood species
Wood species
Simply, trees felled in dormancy have the most energy available for mushrooms. The tree's cambium layer is also strongest in winter, resulting in better bark adherence and a longer lasting mushroom log.
In New England, late October through March is best!
Store wood for at least 2 weeks prior to inoculation, off the ground with protection from wind and sun. If wood begins to dry (radial cracks will form on cut surfaces), soak for a few hours up to a day, depending on log size, prior to inoculation.
The right
Habitat for towers
Incubate towers made in fall indoors
Incubate towers made in spring outdoors
Choose a home for fully incubated logs that has:
- Protection from sun and wind
- Filtered sunlight
- Leaves or other ground debris for humidity
- Easy accessibility to monitor, water and harvest
Supplies
Supplies: Hardwood logs cut to length, sawdust spawn, brown paper bags, corrugated cardboard, staple gun with long staples, labeling materials.
Stack your logs and try to ensure they line up just like the original tree *before* adding spawn. If cutting your own logs, draw a line down the trunk with chalk or marker to make re-stacking easier.
Workspace
The best
Set up incubation bag or bucket
Set up incubation bag or bucket
Open up a paper lawn & leaf bag or doubled up kraft grocery bag the correct size for your log - or - a clean 5 gallon bucket for smaller logs.
Cut 4 squares of corrugated cardboard per tower, slightly larger than the diameter of the cut log ends.
Add spawn, stack & label
Wrap it up - but let it breathe
Set up incubation bag or bucket
Make a 1/4" thick patty of spawn on top of 2 cardboard squares. Place the bottom log section on top of the spawn. Using the staple gun, secure
Repeat with remaining log sections, adding a patty of spawn between each.
Add a final 1/4" inch thick patty of spawn to the topmost cut face of the log. Apply the remaining cardboard squares to keep spawn in place. If using our labeling method, nail labels directly to the cardboard surface. Eventually, as the cardboard decays, the nails may need to be tapped in to tighten.
Wrap it up - but let it breathe
Wrap it up - but let it breathe
Wrap it up - but let it breathe
If using a tall lawn and leaf bag, wrap the top down over the cardboard topper to close. Ensure a little bit of air exposure to allow the mycelium to breathe.
If using paper grocery bags, use a second double bag with a few small slits for air upside down over the top.
If using a 5 gallon bucket, apply lid with drilled vent holes. If log is too tall for a lid, cover with plastic bag or sheeting with a few holes punched for air. Secure plastic with twine or a bungee cord.
Incubate & Wait
Wrap it up - but let it breathe
Wrap it up - but let it breathe
Incubate for 4-12 months depending on species in an undisturbed area. In fall and winter, incubate indoors. The log sections will fuse together firmly. Mycelium may colonize the cardboard and paper .
If incubating indoors, DO NOT STORE ON WOODEN SURFACES without a substantial barrier! We place paper wrapped incubating logs on cinder blocks, plastic pallets, or into heavy duty totes.
Fruiting and Harvest
- Unwrap colonized towers in a shaded, sheltered, humid outdoor space. Place paper bags (if using) under the log as a barrier.
- Towers can stand upright or lay down
- Pay attention to weather and season. Check daily during fruiting season, especially after rainy, humid weather. Water logs during very dry spells.
- Harvest mushrooms with a knife, making sure to keep bark intact whenever possible.
- Trim or wipe away any debris from mushrooms before storing or eating.