Edible Wood Farm Journal: 2026(6)
In June we had a heat wave in the Netherlands with temperatures above 35C. Under the beech trees in the Edible Wood Farm it was definitely cooler but still warm and humid. Fortunately rainfall earlier in the week had resulted in moist soil and there was no need to turn on the sprinkler.
To my surprise a few of the logs that had been inoculated in the spring of 2025 began to produce shiitake mushrooms. Not only were they a couple of months too early but also they were not (theoretically) supposed to fruit (flower) above 28C.
It was very interesting to observe the effect of the combination of extreme high temperature with high humidity and favourable wind direction. An unusual situation with unexpected results. Time to rethink the parameters that are needed for a succesful harvest of shiitake mushrooms on edible wood.
