Inoculation Please wash your hands and arms thoroughly before you touch the spawn. For one bale of straw (27 cm x 20 cm x 40 cm) we recommend using 1 litre of spawn. To assure a consistent population, form one 5-10 cm (2–4 inch) deep hole on each side. Use a clean stick to drill the holes. Divide the 1 litre spawn evenly on the 6 holes. To keep the spawn in the bale and ensure that it grows through it, close the inoculated holes with straw from the outside. Now wrap the bale in the jute fleece and tie the string around it. 
Several mushroom species are straw-inhabitants. You can use wheat-, rye- or barley straw. The cultivation of these species on straw bales in gardens is one of the most effective methods. Because the quality of the fruiting substrate always has a significant impact on the crop yield, only use dry, high-quality straw bales. The straw’s health is indicated by its golden yellow color and nearly tear-proof blades. Additionally, the straw should have a fresh scent; if it doesn’t, don’t use it. A musty odor usually indicates that the bale is already overrun with mold or other fungi. Musty bales are not suitable for mushroom cultivation! Recommended equipment:
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LOCATION
This should be put in a wind- and wind-protected area that is close to your garden hose in a shady area.
I have a large crop of mushrooms growing in the straw bales even though I haven’t planted anything there yet. One of the bales is where the mushrooms are growing, and some of the other bales are where a smaller crop of grass is emerging. Both of these are anticipated occurrences, but it is still unexpected to see mushrooms growing in straw bales. The mushrooms are “inky cap mushrooms,” which disintegrate into a black goo after a day or two. I noticed the goo covering one of the bales quite heavily.
Cornell University’s mushroom blog has an interesting post on inky caps and their tendency to destroy themselves. In addition to sprouting mushrooms and grass, the bales are definitely heating up and I expect to be planting them out within a week or so.