The fungus also grows best when the moisture content of the logs is between 35 and 45 percent. When moisture content becomes low the logs should be soaked or continuously watered for 48 hours. Following watering, good air circulation is needed to keep the surface of logs dry in order to prevent contamination. The optimum situation is when the bark remains dry, but the inside remains moist. Stacking logs under a canopy of trees or shade cloth which provides 60 - 70 percent shade helps to maintain moisture content while preventing the logs from becoming to too warm.
Logs usually produce mushrooms in both the spring and fall.
Once logs begin to fruit, they normally produce mushrooms one to several time a year for up to six years. However, if logs develop a green or blue surface fungi they must be discarded. If you like mushrooms, and have some hardwoods that need to be thinned out, then you may want to try growing Shiitake mushrooms.