Posted by Leif Riddervold on October 9th, 2008
You may remember a posting from March 6, 2008 titled: “Let there be Fungi” Our hard work is paying off! The first significant flush of Shitake Mushrooms were picked earlier today. The harvest was not huge, as it usually isn’t in the first fall after inoculation. However, there was enough for us to sauté up a few for dinner, and plenty more for Grady Lewis, our founding steward who helped us inoculate the oak logs.
Filed under: Agriculture, Education and Inspiration, General, Nature/Environment, Project Updates
Hi,
I was looking to purchase a shitake log for home cultivation. Do you know of any vendors in the Charlottesville area? When’s the best time to start up a new log?
Thank you,
Pamela Tetro
I would recommend you give a call to Leif Riddervold, Bundoran Farm’s Natural Resource Manager. He spearheaded the shitake mushroom project for us and is very knowledgable about things like this. Best way to reach him is his e-mail — lriddervold@bundoranfarm.com.
Pamela, Edible Landscaping in Afton is a good souce for mushroom logs, as is Sharondale farm (http://www.sharondalefarm.com/about.html). I believe Sharondale also does workshops on making your own logs.
Leif, et al, It was a pretty bad morel season for us. We only got about three smaller ones. I’d hoped that all the rain would have helped, but i think it was too cold, and now it’s too hot. I’ve heard some folks in Batesville usually have a whole lot. If you guys know of anyone that has “extra” then I’ll trade plants for them. (I actually think it’d be cool to get people selling stuff like that through the Batesville store)
Lonnie,
I also experienced the worst Morel year in a long time. Found a total of a few dozen small to medium size in locations I usually find lots. I wonder if last year’s drought may also have taken a tole on the mycelium. Hopefully the Chanterelles will be more productive this year!
Leif