When we grew Cues in Straw bales we used to give the bales a very good
soaking over a couple of days, then dose with a high nitrogen feed so that
you get the bale composting, Keep it/them well watered it should get to a
high temp, 110f or more as it rots. As it cools down to around 75f you
plant into it.
If you plant to early then the ammonia being produced by the bale rotting
will kill the plants you put in, also you have to make sure that the straw
was grown without the use of systemic weedkillers

--
David Hill
Abacus Nurseries
www.abacus-nurseries.co.uk