{"product_id":"tarragon-oyster-log-kit-1","title":"Tarragon Oyster log kit","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eShips each wednesday\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhat’s in the Kit?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul type=\"disc\" style=\"margin-top: 0in;\"\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"mso-list: l6 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePre-colonised shiitake dowels (8mm x 35mm)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"mso-list: l6 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eDrill bit with built-in depth stop\u003c\/b\u003e (to match dowel size perfectly)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"mso-list: l6 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eNatural log-sealing wax\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"mso-list: l6 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eFoam brush\u003c\/b\u003e (for applying wax)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\" align=\"center\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\n\u003chr align=\"center\" width=\"100%\" size=\"2\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhat You'll Need to Provide\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul type=\"disc\" style=\"margin-top: 0in;\"\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eA \u003cb\u003efreshly cut hardwood log\u003c\/b\u003e (oak, beech, alder, hazel or similar)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eA \u003cb\u003epower drill\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eA \u003cb\u003emallet or hammer\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eA heat source (for melting the wax)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eA sheltered space outdoors for incubation (patio, shady garden area)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\" align=\"center\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\n\u003chr align=\"center\" width=\"100%\" size=\"2\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eBefore You Start: Care for the Living Culture\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eKeep the dowel spawn at \u003cb\u003eroom temperature for 2–3 days\u003c\/b\u003e upon arrival to let the mycelium settle. If you’re not ready to plug your logs straight away, store the dowels in the fridge (not freezer!) in their sealed bag. \u003cb\u003eTake them out 24 hours before use\u003c\/b\u003e so they can acclimatise to room temperature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eHandle them gently—the mycelium growing on these dowels is alive, and a little love goes a long way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\" align=\"center\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\n\u003chr align=\"center\" width=\"100%\" size=\"2\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eStep 1: Choosing and Preparing Your Log\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eBest Wood Types:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eLook for recently cut logs from \u003cb\u003ehardwood species\u003c\/b\u003e like oak, beech, alder, or hazel. Softwoods (like pine or fir) aren’t suitable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSize:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eIdeally, the log should be between \u003cb\u003e8–20cm in diameter\u003c\/b\u003e and \u003cb\u003e50–100cm long\u003c\/b\u003e. This keeps it manageable and productive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTiming:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eLogs should be \u003cb\u003ecut fresh\u003c\/b\u003e—ideally within the last 6 weeks—and allowed to rest (or \"season\") for 2 weeks before plugging. This gives the natural antifungal compounds time to fade, improving colonisation success.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eTip: Avoid logs with visible fungal growth, flaking bark, or signs of rot. The fresher the log, the better the yield.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\" align=\"center\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\n\u003chr align=\"center\" width=\"100%\" size=\"2\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eStep 2: Drilling and Plugging\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWith your specialist drill bit, drill holes \u003cb\u003eabout 5–7cm apart in a staggered (diamond) pattern\u003c\/b\u003e around the length of the log. The bit is set to the perfect depth—no guesswork required.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul type=\"disc\" style=\"margin-top: 0in;\"\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"mso-list: l5 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eInsert one dowel into each hole.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"mso-list: l5 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eTap them in gently with a mallet or hammer until they’re flush with the surface.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"mso-list: l5 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eDon’t worry if they don’t sit perfectly flush—what matters is that the mycelium is in contact with the wood.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\" align=\"center\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\n\u003chr align=\"center\" width=\"100%\" size=\"2\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eStep 3: Waxing the Wounds\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eMelt the provided sealing wax using a \u003cb\u003edouble boiler\u003c\/b\u003e or a heat-safe container placed in hot water. Don’t use direct flame—it can damage the wax and be unsafe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eOnce melted:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul type=\"disc\" style=\"margin-top: 0in;\"\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .5in;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eUse the foam brush to dab wax over each plugged hole.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .5in;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAlso seal any cuts, ends, or wounds in the bark to retain moisture and block contaminants.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWaxing locks in moisture—essential for mycelium to thrive—and keeps unwanted moulds and fungi out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\" align=\"center\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\n\u003chr align=\"center\" width=\"100%\" size=\"2\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eStep 4: Incubation (\"The Spawn Run\")\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eNow it’s time to let the mycelium work its magic. Think of it as composting in reverse: the dowels feed the log, and eventually, the log returns gourmet mushrooms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhere to Place Your Log:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul type=\"disc\" style=\"margin-top: 0in;\"\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list .5in;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eShady, sheltered outdoor space\u003c\/b\u003e (like under shrubs, behind a shed, or beneath trees)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list .5in;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAvoid direct sun or wind, which dry the log out\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list .5in;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eRaise it slightly off the ground (bricks, pallet, etc.) to improve airflow\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHow Long?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eColonisation can take \u003cb\u003e6–18 months\u003c\/b\u003e depending on wood species and conditions. Yes, it’s slow—but the results are worth the wait.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eYou’ll know it’s working when white, thread-like mycelium appears at the log’s cut ends. This means the fungi are spreading inside.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\" align=\"center\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\n\u003chr align=\"center\" width=\"100%\" size=\"2\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eStep 5: Fruiting (aka the Fun Bit)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eOnce the log is fully colonised, it will fruit naturally after heavy rain and temperature shifts, often in spring or autumn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eTo encourage fruiting:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col type=\"1\" start=\"1\" style=\"margin-top: 0in;\"\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"mso-list: l0 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list .5in;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eSoak the log in cold water\u003c\/b\u003e (submerged for 24 hours).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"mso-list: l0 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list .5in;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eReturn it to a shady, moist spot.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"mso-list: l0 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list .5in;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWait a few days and—voilà!—mushrooms should begin to form.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\" align=\"center\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\n\u003chr align=\"center\" width=\"100%\" size=\"2\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCaring for Your Log\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul type=\"disc\" style=\"margin-top: 0in;\"\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"mso-list: l4 level1 lfo7; tab-stops: list .5in;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eWater during dry spells\u003c\/b\u003e: If there’s no rain for over a week, give your log a good soak with a hose or watering can.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"mso-list: l4 level1 lfo7; tab-stops: list .5in;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eSoak yearly in summer\u003c\/b\u003e: This \"maintenance soak\" keeps your log hydrated and may trigger extra flushes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"mso-list: l4 level1 lfo7; tab-stops: list .5in;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eAvoid contact with soil\u003c\/b\u003e for shiitake logs—it can introduce competing fungi.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\" align=\"center\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\n\u003chr align=\"center\" width=\"100%\" size=\"2\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHarvesting \u0026amp; Beyond\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eShiitake mushrooms are ready to harvest when the caps are fully expanded but still firm. Twist them gently off the log or cut with a clean knife.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eStore in paper bags in the fridge or dry for long-term use. Home-dried shiitakes are unbeatable for soups and broths.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWith good care, your log can produce \u003cb\u003efor up to 5–7 years\u003c\/b\u003e—all from a single afternoon’s work and a little patience.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Grow Sow Greener","offers":[{"title":"Full Kit","offer_id":55871006343543,"sku":"5060933985527","price":19.25,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Just the Dowels x30 (Plug Spawn)","offer_id":55871006376311,"sku":"5060933985534","price":4.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0536\/4177\/3239\/files\/logtarragonoyster.jpg?v=1760702215","url":"https:\/\/www.growsowgreener.co.uk\/products\/tarragon-oyster-log-kit-1","provider":"Grow Sow Greener","version":"1.0","type":"link"}