Not being content with growing a single type of mushroom, Ron decided that he wanted to grow red wine cap mushrooms too. They of course are grown in a totally different method. And I thought getting the Shiitake logs set up was hard work. We had to create beds for them, 8 x 4 foot and get our hands on both wood chips and saw dust. Both of which also had to be hard wood. Pine would be too acidic.

First Ron had to find the right type of logs to use as the mushroom beds. More time spent on Craigslist and searching the web for info. Of course, he found a guy and made the deal. On May 13 he went to Sherburne NY to meet Wayne Law and pick up 42 Tamerack poles. Jo went with him and then the three of us unloaded the trailer when they got home. Blasted things were heavy. And prickly. Work gloves and long sleeve shirts for all.

Ryan, our mushroom bolt guy suggested Ron call Ballie Lumber Saw Mill in Boonville NY for the sawdust but they only sell by the pickup load. More than we needed, but they recommended Ron try another place. He gave them a call, but they don’t mill all the time. They had an order for hardwood in a couple of weeks and they would give Ron a call.

In the meantime, Ron started building the beds. Oh, how we could have used a chainsaw artist. We had to cut one log in half for each bed and then chisel off the ends enough so he had a pretty flat surface that he then used to connect the short logs to the longer ones. Large bolts were used to hold them all together. Predrilled, of course. On May 16th, while he was working out front, he heard a wood chipper going down the street. Jumped into his Transit and went to investigate. He came home with a promise that they would deliver the wood chips to our house when they were done. Free of charge too. That’s my guy. He is a wheeler dealer and loves to get other people involved in his projects. He has met and talked with so many people over the course of his gardening and now his farm.

Of course now we had to shovel the woodchips into garbage bags so we could get them out to Tiny House Farm (THF). We didn’t need all of it, but also did not want a huge pile sitting under the trees. I lost count of the number of bags we filled, but Ron finally decided we had enough. The rest of the woodchips I wheel barrowed out to the backyard garden, more mulch is always a good thing. Though it is not doing much for killing off the bind weed that is taking over back there. If only there was some wonderful use for it. I have googled it, but all they recommend is using it to tie up other plants, your cucumbers or tomatoes. Our entire neighborhood would have enough ties if I cut it all up and handed it out.

On May 22 we had 4 beds done and ready to take out to THF. We actually bit off more than we could chew that day. We had to load them onto the trailer and then when we got to Tiny House Farm we had to get them onto the wagon so we could use the 4 wheeler to haul them to their final resting place. In order to get this done, we had a couple of 2 x 4 boards, the chainsaw, tie down straps, and a wrench to take off the wagon side rails. This was in addition to the usual collection of tools and supplies – water, snacks, camera, helmet, gloves, boots, bug spray, and shovels.

It took some time and head scratching but we did it. Those beds were securely on the wagon and we were ready to go. Jo and I walked behind the 4 wheeler so we could keep an eye open for trouble. It was more than a bit nerve wracking. This was no easy smooth ride. I have decided that the route we take would make a great cross country run. The first part is relatively smooth, but then we head down to the stream and the place we enter from really could use some work. Getting out is a bit easier but then we have another gully to get over. We have been tossing rocks, which we have in abundance into that area to fill it in. Every big rain storm washes some out and we start again. For a few minutes it is an easier drive, just have to make sure the wagon doesn’t swing too far on one side and hit one our many trees. There would be no backing up on this run. The path took us down again and then we headed out to maple forest section of the property. We have not yet figured out where the water comes from that results in our muddy path but that was the worst part of our day. Not only was the mud very deep and slippery but there was a hill too. For a few minutes there, I was sure we were going to have to unload at least two of the beds in order for Ron to get the other up over the hill. No way were Jo and I going to push from behind. Ron gunned the engine and our lovely 4 wheeler lurched, jumped and clawed its way through the muck. Hallelujah. Deep breaths all around as the hardest part was over. A few more close calls regarding tree bashing but we got out to the other end of THF in one piece. Water break for us all and brief rest before we unstrapped the beds and got them set in place. The walk back was a welcome relief. Then we headed home. Another job well done.

On June 12th we did a second run but this time we only did two beds. So much easier. We knew what we were doing and with the small load, much less stress on the nerves. Now that the beds were ready, Ron had to get his hands on the saw dust. He was still waiting for the second company to call him back. After playing phone tag for a few more days, he decided to call Ballies back. Turns out we should have gone with them in the first place. $18 for a pickup load. For that low cost we could afford to get more than we needed. So, we put tarps in the trailer and he headed up there after work on June 18th. More shoveling into garbage bags. This stuff had to all go out to THF. No need for sawdust in the backyard.

Now we just had to get the last couple of beds made and hauled out. This project got me a seriously good workout.

Ron ordered the new mushroom spawn and when it arrived he headed out to get the beds set up. Brother Don and nephew Jesse came out to help and made the job go quickly. Now the only thing we have do it is keep them damp enough and wait for nature to take its course.

Ron is a recycler from way back. These crates were left behind by previous owner and they make a great measuring tool.