Birch weather fungus - Chaga - Plugs

Supplies:

• Birch weevil plugs
• Supplied wax
• Living birch trunk
• Drill with an 8-10 mm wood drill bit

Step 1: Select a suitable live birch trunk

Choose a living birch trunk with roots still in the ground or an entire birch tree.

Step 2: Drilling holes

Drill holes approximately 40 mm deep in the birch trunk with a 9 mm wood drill. The holes should be spaced about 6 inches apart in a diamond pattern. Cover the entire surface of the trunk with holes.

Step 3: Inoculate and apply wax

Push the birch plugs into the drilled holes until they are flush with the surface of the wood. Cover the plugs with pieces of kneadable wax or melt the supplied wax in a bain-marie or in a wax melter. Use a brush to gently apply the melted wax over the plugs and drilled holes.

Step 4: Placement and care

Place the inoculated birch trunk back into the soil, making sure the roots are well covered with soil. Place the trunk in a shady area and keep the soil around the trunk moist by watering regularly.

Step 5: Patience and observation

It takes several months before the Birch weevil mycelium has spread completely through the trunk and begins to produce fruiting bodies. During this time, check regularly for signs of growth.

Step 6: Harvesting

Chaga is quite hard. Use a hammer or ax to harvest the birch fungus

Step 7: Enjoy the harvest

Birch weed fungus is mainly used for its medicinal properties. Make a tea or tincture from the harvested mushrooms to reap the health benefits.

It is important to note that cultivating Birch weed fungus on living trees requires careful attention and care to maintain the health of the tree and ensure a successful harvest.