How to Plant Spore Plugs in a Tree Stump

Planting spore plugs in a tree stump is an effective way to grow mushrooms in your backyard. If you have a dead tree stump sitting in your yard, instead of removing it, why not turn it into a mushroom garden? Not only is it a sustainable way to grow your own food, but it’s also an interesting and rewarding hobby. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to plant spore plugs in a tree stump.

Step 1: Choose the Right Kind of Mushroom

The first step in planting spore plugs is to choose the type of mushroom you want to grow. There are many different kinds of mushrooms, and they all require different conditions to grow. For example, if you live in a warm and humid climate, you might want to consider growing oyster mushrooms. On the other hand, if you live in a cooler and drier climate, you might want to grow shiitake mushrooms.

Step 2: Purchase Spore Plugs

Once you have chosen the type of mushroom you want to grow, you need to purchase spore plugs. These are small wooden dowels that have been inoculated with mushroom spores. You can buy them online or from a garden store. Make sure you buy enough spore plugs to cover the entire tree stump.

Step 3: Drill Holes in the Tree Stump

The next step is to drill holes in the tree stump to accommodate the spore plugs. Use a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the diameter of the spore plugs. The holes should be spaced about six inches apart and should be at least one inch deep. Make sure you drill the holes in a pattern that covers the entire surface of the stump, including the sides.

Step 4: Insert Spore Plugs into the Holes

Once you have drilled the holes, it’s time to insert the spore plugs. Tap them gently with a hammer until they are flush with the surface of the stump. If there are any gaps around the spore plugs, you can fill them in with wax or putty to prevent moisture loss.

Step 5: Water and Wait

After you have inserted the spore plugs, water the stump thoroughly. The spore plugs need moisture to grow, so make sure you keep the stump moist. Cover the stump with a plastic bag to keep the moisture in. Keep the stump in a shaded area, such as under a tree or in a garage. You should start to see mushrooms growing in a few weeks.

Step 6: Harvest the Mushrooms

When the mushrooms have grown to their full size, you can harvest them. Twist them gently to remove them from the stump. If you wait too long to harvest them, they will start to release spores and the mushrooms won’t be as tasty. You can store the mushrooms in a paper bag in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Conclusion

Planting spore plugs in a tree stump is a fun and easy way to grow your own mushrooms. With a little bit of patience and care, you can turn a dead tree stump into a thriving mushroom garden. So, next time you see a tree stump in your yard, don’t remove it – plant some spore plugs instead!