Manual: Chaga Plug Spawn

What you need:

• Chaga plugs
• Supplied wax
• Living birch log
• Drill with an 8-10 mm wood bit

Step 1: Select a suitable living birch log

Choose a living birch log with roots still in the ground, or a whole birch tree.

Step 2: Drilling holes

Drill holes about 40 mm deep into the birch log with a 9 mm wood bit. The holes should be about 15 cm apart in a diamond pattern. Cover the whole surface of the log with holes.

Step 3: Inoculating and applying wax

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

Step 4: Placing and caring

Put the inoculated birch log back in the ground and make sure the roots are well covered with soil. Place the log in a shady spot and keep the soil around the log moist by watering regularly.

Step 5: Patience and observation

It takes several months before the Chaga mycelium has spread all the way through the log and starts to produce fruiting bodies. During this time, check regularly for signs of growth.

Step 6: Harvesting

Chaga is quite hard. Use a hammer or an axe to harvest the chaga

Step 7: Enjoy the harvest

Chaga is mainly used for its medicinal properties. Make a tea or a tincture from the harvested mushrooms to benefit from its health benefits.

It is important to note that growing Chaga on living trees requires careful attention and care to keep the tree healthy and to ensure a successful harvest.