What Is a Straw Bale Garden?
Straw bale gardening is not only suitable for growing herbs and vegetables but also for ornamental plants.
It’s economical, easier on your back, and great for people with mobility issues.
The Spruce / Steven Merkel
Consider the pros and cons to determine if straw bale gardening is right for you.
Look for organically grown straw bales.
Like straw, though, it is popular as mulch because it is lightweight yet remains stable and cohesive.
The Spruce / Steven Merkel
Arrange the bales in whatever configuration is convenient for your style of gardening.
Some gardeners fill these spaces with additional compost/soil mixture as they appear.
Condition the Bales
Prepping straw bales (sometimes calledconditioning) involves starting the decomposition process before planting.
The Spruce / Steven Merkel
Proper prepping requires a week to 12 days.
Water in the fertilizer, making sure to saturate every bale, every day for several days.
Add more fertilizer every couple of days, spreading it generously, then soak the bales each time.
The Spruce / Steven Merkel
When placed over straw that has begun to decompose, this is the only growing medium you need.
As usual, verify to plant seedlings no deeper than they sit in their nursery pot.
Plant seeds directly into the soil/compost layer, then water.
The Spruce / Steven Merkel
see to it to keep the soil constantly moist until the seeds have sprouted and are well established.
Strawberries and potatoes are especially effective when planted this way.
Herbs such ascilantro,basil,andparsleydo well in this bang out of garden bed.
The Spruce / Steven Merkel
Use the sides of the bale to plant ornamental flowers, such asmarigoldsorpetunias.
A straw bale garden lasts for one entire growing season.
Spring and fall are the best times for starting a straw bale garden.
During the warmer months, your straw bale garden will need to be watered at least once per day.
In cooler months, two to three times per week is usually sufficient.
Straw Bale Gardening.University of Illinois Extension.
