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Strawbale Gardening

Miriam Heylin
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Total Posts: 25

I have a small walled in garden and have to rely on containers for most of my growing.  I read some articles about growing with hay bales and might try this this year as it seems like a relatively inexpensive way to grow vegetables.  Just thought I would pass it on…

http://www.carolinacountry.com/cgardens/thismonth/march06guide/straw.html

     
Aaron Jay
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Total Posts: 243

I wouldn’t pour fertilizers into it myself.

If you have containers, go to a stables near you and ask politely if they have any spare manure. It should be free, and far better than 10-10-20 for your and your plants health.

     
Miriam Heylin
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Total Posts: 25

Good point!  I checked out a website on organic straw bale gardening.  They recommend a compost tea for wetting down the bales.

     
Conn
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Total Posts: 308

I read a bit on this last year Miriam and a few tips stick in my mind ... old bales might get you off to a quicker start. Watch out for the twine rotting. I recall that hay v straw are different in terms of what needs to be added. A lot of watering is involved but if you’re already into container growing you’ll be well used to that. An interesting experiment, if you decide to go ahead, good luck with it and I hope you keep us posted on how it works out.