I've grown fruit and veg, and I've handled plenty of straw
bales in stables. So the prospect of combining them sounds
useful and fun. Craig Lehoulier explains the hows and whys
in this handy book GROWING VEGETABLES IN STRAW BALES. Straw
is a good mulch as it keeps in warmth and moisture, breaks
down into usable fibre and can provide some soil nutrients.
Using the whole square bale as a growing medium apparently
works a treat.
Heirloom tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, squash, and cucumbers
were among the plants Craig had success with during the
first summer. This reduced the need for both pots and
potting compost. Leeks, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and
carrots were included in his next year's list; these did
not grow well in his garden soil. Craig describes his
methods in detail, which include a high-nitrogen feed,
planting medium, a digital thermometer and water, but no
digging. The bale is a higher surface than the ground, and
clean of interloper plants, so there is less stooping and
weeding.
Craig mentions that organic gardeners may be more fussy
about the origin of the straw. Watering frequently is
important as the straw drains well. Tall-growing plants
like tomatoes will need a trellis. Hay bales can also be
used, he adds, but they contain grass and flower seeds
which may sprout. He warns of fertilisers not suitable for
use in this case. (Also of snakes.) He provides sensible
advice on placing the bales since they can be put on hard
surfaces, and will look dilapidated at the end of the
season. Craig gives the benefit of his own experiments and
suggests keeping day-to-day notes so you can do better next
year.
I especially like the line drawings with options such as
placement or supports for plants. We can see how the
simplest planting works and how this can be made more
elaborate in further growing seasons, to minimise work and
increase crops once a gardener decides they enjoy bale
gardens. Everything from basil to beans, beetroot to
garlic, sweet peppers and potatoes, does well in this
system. Each type is discussed and the optimum conditions
described; seeding versus seedlings, for instance.
Succession planting, following one crop with another in the
same year, makes best use of the bale. And after GROWING
VEGETABLES IN STRAW BALES you are left with perfect mulch.
Sounds ideal!
Straw bale gardening is an inexpensive, low-maintenance way
to
grow a bounty of food in a small space. All you need is a
bale
of straw, some fertilizer, and your favorite vegetable
seeds!
Craig LeHoullier's step-by-step instructions show you how
to do
everything from sourcing the straw and setting up your bale
to
planting, dealing with weeds and pests, and harvesting.
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