Fan - Split Gill - Plugs

Supplies:

Fan plugs
Wax included
A fresh, untreated hardwood log or block
Drill with an 8-10 mm wood drill bit

Step 1: Prepare the trunk or log

Use a healthy oak, beech or chestnut log, without signs of disease or other fungal growth. The wood should be fresh, preferably within 2-4 weeks of felling. The log or log should be about 50-100 cm long and have a diameter of 20-40 cm. You can also use a stump from a felled oak, beech or chestnut tree.

Step 2: Drilling holes

Drill holes approximately 35-40mm deep into the trunk or log with an 8-10mm wood drill bit. The holes should be spaced approximately 15cm apart in a diamond pattern. Cover the entire surface of the trunk or log with holes.

Step 3: Inoculate and apply wax

Push the Fan 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 carefully apply the melted wax over the plugs and the drilled holes.

Step 4: Placement and care

Place the inoculated log or block in a shady area. Keep the wood moist by spraying it with water during dry periods.

Step 5: Patience and observation

It takes several months for the Fan mycelium to spread completely through the wood and start producing fruiting bodies. During this time, check regularly for signs of growth