You simply drill holes into a fresh cut hardwood log and tap the plugs into the holes. Place the log in the shade and water a few times a week. Log will be fruiting in 6-9 months, depending on amount of plugs used. Logs will produce for 3-4 years. You can use soft woods as well, but production will be a bit less but will fruit faster on softer woods. Use 30 - 50 plugs per 4" dia.x 5' log, No pines or cedar can be used. 

                                       

Hericium erinaceus prefers hardwoods, particularly oaks, elms, poplars and maples. Stumps or partially buried logs are recommended sites for inoculation. Lion’s Manes are beautiful mushrooms, and are some of the best of the edible fungi, imparting a lobster-like flavor when cooked with butter and onions.