Conditions for Growing Shiitake Mushrooms

What conditions are necessary for growing Shiitake mushrooms in a sawdust block?

Shiitake mushroom blocks require temperatures between 16-18 degrees Celsius (50-70 degrees Fahrenheit) and relative humidity between 60-80%. They need light supplied by a bright window. These conditions will give you up to 4 cycles of harvests lasting 2-3 weeks each for up to 12 weeks. The blocks do best in controlled conditions of an indoor environment, but it is possible to put blocks outdoors during the summer months when conditions are favourable.
For more information on growing mushrooms such as shiitake consult Paul Stamets' excellent book, Growing Gourmet & Medicinal Mushrooms (available from Richters). This book devotes 18 pages to growing and using shiitake mushrooms.