Name: Mushroom Log Inoculation Calculator | Plugs, Sawdust Spawn & Wax Needed
Author: ShroomSpy

Products

Select Species

Lentinula edodes

Spawn Type

Wood Type

Log Length · ftRecommended 3–4 ft

Log Diameter · inRecommended 3–10 in

# of Logs

I already have spawn — how many logs can I do?

240Total plugs

6Holes per row

8Rows around

48Holes per log

Wax to seal7.9 oz – 1.0 lb

Timeline: 1–2 years to first fruiting (sawdust spawn fruits faster than plugs), then 2–3× per year for up to 7 years in a warm, wet climate.

Based on holes 6 in apart along each row, rows 2–3 in apart (staggered), 2 in left bare at each end, 5/16 in (8 mm) bit.
Bore each hole slightly deeper than your plug length (≈ 1 in for standard plugs).
Seal each hole with: Cheese wax · Soy wax · Beeswax · Wheatpaste
Cut logs in late winter / early spring while the tree is dormant and the bark is tight — shiitake needs the bark intact to fruit.
Inoculate as soon as possible. Logs can rest up to ~2 months after felling; longer risks competitor fungi establishing first.