Straw Bale Gardening

[MiHale]

[CrispyQ]

1. My friend's husband tried this a few years ago & has stuck with it.

The first year was a challenge, but he's got it down now, looking at last fall's pics of their harvest.

[MiHale]

5. 👍

[flying_wahini]

2. I love to use it as a ground cover and a cold weather blanket for my tender plants.

It sweetens the soil nicely as it breaks down. Wonderful stuff.
A couple of bales works very well for me.

[MiHale]

6. Our garden has a straw addiction...

The winter mulch gets used in spring as the “core” in the bed adding to last years which is 98% broken down. We usually go through about 6-7 bales a year.

This is new for us those darn bugs last year just irritated the crap outta me.

[we can do it]

3. Had ok results a few years back, while still in Ohio.

Neighbor opened deer fence and stole a ton of tomatos. Between that and damn deer trampling/eating everything I got discouraged.

[rampartc]

4. i'be already planted by tomatoes, squash etc

but i might try this with some eggplants and peppers and perhaps a second crop of green beans. .

[MiHale]

7. This to me is all an experiment...

So my mind is in active gardenpower mode, Im thinking to companion plant something with the squash like snow peas may a bush bean. Thought was I could put t-posts at the corners of the bale to.#1 keep it in place, #2 for use as a trellis.

[rampartc]

8. good idea.

i never stop experimenting. every year i learn something new and try new things.

our spring was very early this year and i have a great head start on the hornworms, the leaf footed bugs etc.

[Donkees]

9. I gave up this idea after reading about persistent herbicide residues in straw bales and the compost

[MiHale]

10. Lucky enuf to get organic...

or as close as possible. After over wintering withe the bales raised on wire fencing for drainage the small amounts of nastiness is hopefully rinsed out. Source is not organic but mindful, small local supplier. Absolutely cannot be certified as organic but as close as possible. Then with reconditioning…nailed.

Problem is it takes time and as with photography location. I know you can relate to that.

[Donkees]

11. I've read that it can take several years to decompose those particular herbicides in the soil ...

I have been growing organic for decades, and that herbicide risk changed my mind

[MiHale]

12. You are absolutely correct...

but if those chemicals were never applied it doesn’t apply…haha. We cannot account for airborne contamination or runoff from adjacent farms. So once again it’s the source, can’t go blindly, gotta have it around (location). Amish heavy area.