Straw Bale Gardening - End Season Funk

By the end of the growing season, the straw or hay bale will be as attractive as before. The bales will have turned into compost causing the whole area to look messy and untidy. In case you have planted large crops such as tomatoes, they may begin to tip over because the bales cannot hold them any longer. In the later situation, extra staking will work just fine for the tall plants and leaving the short ones to sprawl will be a good idea. 

The pros and cons of straw bale farming

Most people that love straw bale farming have many reasons to advocate for this type of farming that allows them to grow plants and flowers in the sunniest parts of their home. However, everything good has its disadvantages too. Here is a look at both sides of the coin when considering straw bale farming. It is important to fully understand what you want to get yourself into before making any decisions.

Straw Bale Gardening - Planting a Crop

Gardeners have a choice between planting seeds or transplants on the bales. When transplanting use hands or planting trowel to make an opening that will serve as planting hole on the bale. You can add a little potting mix around the plant, which you can acquire commercially. Do not be tempted to use soil from your yard. This is important to avoid because soil could spread diseases and weeds into the bales, which is something you are trying to avoid in the first place. When planting make sure the plant is down to its first leaves before closing the crack. The moment the plant begins to grow, boost its fertility and water as necessary. At no point should the bales dry out meaning that you may have to keep watering several times in a day the first times you plant. You will reduce the amount of water with time as the bales continue to decompose and increase their water holding capacity. You can use a soaker hose placed over the plants to gently water the plants.

Straw Bale Gardening - Getting Started

Find a bale of straw whose substitute can be hay or grass. Make sure you do initial weeding because some grass seeds may have been carried along hence easy sprouting. This should not be something to get you worried since all you need to do is pull out the sprouts as soon as they appear. You are advised to start with what is easily available in your area and not stress on getting a specific bale of straws. Furthermore, whatever is readily available in your regions is likely to be cheaper.

Understanding The Concept of Straw Bale Gardening

So, you finally moved from that congested condo you have live in for the last decade and you are really looking forward to the fun of owning your own backyard. After settling into your new house, you walk down to the convenient store and buy a couple of tools determined to convert a part of your backyard into a lavish garden. You no longer want to rely on the grocer or air freshener to either keep your pantry stocked or to keep the entire compound smelling fresh.