A compact, freestanding log-stacking method for shiitake cultivation.
Tonogodhime is a shiitake mushroom log-stacking method used in small-scale cultivation. It arranges hardwood logs in 2×2 pairs with each layer rotated 90 degrees, creating a compact, freestanding structure that resembles a small log cabin. The stack uses no wire, posts, frames, or hardware, and the logs sit directly on the ground rather than being elevated.
The method is valued for its balance of airflow, simplicity, and harvest access rather than maximum density or vertical height.
A tonogodhime stack is formed by placing two logs side-by-side, then placing the next two logs across them at a right angle. This alternating orientation continues upward in short layers. The crossed layers create a square footprint with open sides, allowing air to pass through the stack.
Because each layer rests across the one below, the stack is self-supporting. The weight distribution locks the corners in place once the logs settle, and ground contact helps prevent sliding.
Construction is straightforward and does not require tools beyond those used for inoculation.
Logs should be similar in diameter within each layer to keep the stack level. The stack is typically kept low to reduce shifting and preserve airflow.
Tonogodhime is common in backyard or small woodland settings where growers want a low-tech, flexible stack. It is often used for short runs of inoculated logs where easy access and maintenance matter more than tight packing. The method is also favored in sites where a freestanding stack is needed because walls or supports are not available.
The method is not optimized for maximum density. It uses more ground area than very tight crib or lean-to stacks. Common issues include stacking too high, which can reduce airflow and stability, and placing the stack in full sun, which can dry logs too quickly.
Another frequent mistake is elevating the stack on pallets or barriers. This reduces ground friction and changes moisture behavior, often making the stack less stable and less consistent in hydration.
Compared to lean-to stacks, tonogodhime is freestanding and accessible from all sides. Lean-to stacks rely on an external support and can trap moisture on the supported side. Compared to crib stacking, tonogodhime maintains more deliberate spacing and open sides, prioritizing airflow and harvest access over tight packing.
Compared to A-frame or rack-based systems, tonogodhime requires less construction but provides less vertical capacity.
Tonogodhime performs best in partial shade or under canopy where moisture remains steady. Direct ground contact is part of the method and helps buffer humidity while keeping the base anchored. In wetter climates, site selection is important; a slightly elevated, well-drained area is preferable to low, waterlogged ground.
Clearing thick leaf mats around the ends of logs can reduce smothering and allow end grain to breathe.
Some growers adjust stack height or footprint based on log size and available space. Shorter stacks improve stability and access, while multiple small stacks can replace a single tall one. Minor variations include widening the square footprint for larger-diameter logs or clustering multiple stacks with consistent spacing for airflow.
Adaptations that add supports or elevate the stack are generally considered departures from the method and may change its moisture and stability characteristics.