Hi Rich, I got some shiitake logs off Craigs list early last spring. Some questions: If I remember correctly, you do shiitake logs? What do you soak yours in? Do they eventually stop producing? Is there a time of the year where they produce the most? Can you reinoculate the same holes? Alternatively to answering all these, do you have a favorite shiitake log source? Thank you! Jessa

Rich said: Hi Jessa - it seems you're talking about purchasing logs already inoculated with shiitake spawn? If that is the case, I have actually never done that. What I have done a number of times (and need to do again - ah the issue of having enough time!!) is to inoculate my own logs with shiitake spawn I have purchased. I have bought spawn most recently from Field and Forest in Wisconsin - not endorsing them but I have been happy with it all. I preferably use oak logs though I have used maple with success, though they rot more quickly than oak logs. I am laissez-faire as I am not producing for business or income so I only water or soak them in a drought - otherwise they are on their own! Shiitake tend to produce more in cool weather - spring and fall but it depends also on the strain. In terms of re-inoculating the same holes - not sure what you mean, but if a log is "spent" it is now compost for the earth and you have to move on to a new, fresh log!