How to Grow Lion's Mane Mushrooms

Growing mushrooms can be a time-consuming task, but very rewarding. Hericium americanum, also known as the lion’s mane mushroom, is an edible mushroom that is commonly sought after by chefs because of its strong flavor resemblance to lobster meat. Lion’s mane mushrooms can be identified by their snowy-white, pom-pom-like resemblance hanging from logs and rock faces in very damp locations. By following these few steps, you can grow lion’s mane mushrooms in your backyard with a few simple materials.

Things You'll Need

3- to 4-foot-long log
Chain saw
5/16-inch drill bit
Power drill

Mushroom spawn plug(s)
Rubber mallet
Beeswax
Foam craft brush

Instructions

- 1
  Cut a log that is between 12 and 16 inches in diameter. You can cut more than one log, depending on the amount of mushrooms you want to grow. Complete this process using your chain saw.
- 2
  Use your power drill and 5/16-inch drill bit to drill holes into your log(s). Drill the holes between two and four inches in depth and three to five inches apart, and they should be placed in an oval shape. Complete this process as many times as possible on the upward face and sides of the log(s), but not on the bottom, which will be resting against the ground.
- 3
  Insert the mushroom spawn plug(s) into each of the holes using your rubber mallet. Do not use a regular hammer. The metal hammer could cause damage to the mushroom spawn plugs. You can purchase these mushroom spawn plugs from a garden specialty store or an online mushroom supplier.
- 4
  Melt the beeswax to a liquid consistency. Using your foam craft brush, brush the melted beeswax over each inserted mushroom spawn plug. This wax coating will protect the mushroom spawn plug(s) from insects, parasites and the weather.
- 5
  Place the logs that you have prepared with the mushroom spawn plugs and wax coating in a shady, damp area. This will allow the mushrooms to sprout and grow in their natural environment.

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