Straw Bale Gardening

[Mrs. Crappie Stalker]

Has anybody done it? I've been reading up and it seems like it works really well for some folks and not so much for others. I'm gonna give it a try this year. Phase 1 started today. Approximately 12 -14 days of "conditioning" the bales.

[SeaRay]

I did it for about 5 years worked fine. Mostly tomatoes, cukes and peppers. Got tired of having to get bales every year.

[jusanothajoe]

How does it work ?

[Mrs. Crappie Stalker]

How does it work ?

You condition the bales by keeping them watered down and using a high nitrogen fertilizer. After a couple weeks or so, you plant directly into the bales. Supposed to be weed free and of course, no stooping over and no tilling. When the growing season is over, you've got compost. I got all of my info online and I'm hoping it does well.

[SeaRay]

I bought an auger to help make holes in the straw. When they are new it is hard to dig a hole in it.

[KnightShadow10]

Works great..go by your county extension agent..They will have a bulletin on it. Or go to MSU cares. Com

[Red190]

Dang I thought this was gonna b a big crappie condo at first. Lol

[vic n]

Vonna- it would be great if you could update this every week or so with pics and details of your progress. I know I'm always trying to learn new things.

[RetiredRR]

I purchased a book on this technique for gardening and will be watching how you do. Have gardened with raised beds and it worked very well, but after about 5 years
you do have to replace the boards. Drainage is critical and you can't be afraid of worms in your garden.

[Mrs. Crappie Stalker]

I'm happy to share my progress, good or bad. I've found out quickly that the soaker hose does not work well at this stage. The water was just running off the bales and soaking the yard instead. Switched to using the regular hose and spray nozzle. I'm on day 5 of watering and day 3 of fertilizing. I know the bales are soaking it up because you can't budge them now, but I can't really tell that they're heating up yet.