I used dowel plugs instead of sawdust as first attempt so a bit slower but easier to avoid contamination from what I read. Also depends on the size of the logs, weather conditions, how heavily you inoculate, etc. Have a winter season here where the shiitakes are likely to go dormant. Might see something earlier than that but if I don't see anything by winter 2027 will assume it has likely failed. If it goes well should have a number of years of production though.