Mushroom logs need shade. The best shade is underneath an evergreen tree or shrub but a good second choice is under a tree surrounded by more trees. A beech forest for example, just like my Edible Wood Farm. But… it is easy to forget that deciduous trees lose their leaves and are bare for multiple months of the year. Of course there is less need for shade during the winter months but sufficiënt shade is absolutely necessary from quite early onwards in spring. The combination of longer daylight hours, extensive cloudless blue skies and warmer temperatures can be harmful to logs without sufficient protection. Add a persistant breeze and then it is not unusual that the bark can dry out and crack, the underlying mycelium loses moisture and that’s it. No more viable mycelium, no future mushrooms.
An easy way to compensate this unwelcome damage is to use a shade cloth. All sorts of cloth can be used from professional and new to secondhand and remodelled. The most important requirements are that moisture and air can move through the cloth (and not trap birds). Repurposed agricultural coverings are handy but so are old (sport) banners. Just about almost anything can be used but just avoid material with big holes. Once the trees are basking in all their leaves then the shade cloth can be removed. Time to enjoy the first flush of the season!
Note: This photo will be replaced with a better photo later this week when my camera is working again!
