Commercial shiitake kit got mold on second flush, so I buried it in a raised bed. Nothing happened for a couple weeks, so I stopped checking it regularly, but then found a HUGE (unfortunately old) mushroom (and a few normal sized ones) growing from that spot about a month later. I think burying after first flush might be the best way to go - soil manages moisture and gas exchange needs pretty well already.

Excited to try growing stropharia wine caps soon! PNW is great climate for having a bunch of wood chips on top of garden beds anyways :D

True. If going the outdoor route, shiitake logs can be a good option too. Depends on how much space one has and the options for sourcing the logs.

Careful with invasive species. - also, sounds awesome - if you document your process maybe post a show HN