Straw Bale Gardening

Who would plant a garden in a straw bale and what is the purpose?  When is straw bale gardening a good idea and where would you do it, anyway?  And most importantly, why would you start and how do you begin?  Well, if you have gotten this far, let's see if straw bale gardening makes sense for you.

So, who would plant a garden in a straw bale?  Lots of people!  Do you live in an area that doesn't allow you a large space for a garden?  Do you have no idea if your soil is good for gardening and you don't want to do the work to find out?  Have you unsuccessfully tried to plant a garden, only to spend a lot of money and get very little return?  Those are only a few of the reasons that gardeners love straw bales.  Let me introduce you to this phenomenal gardening process.

Straw bale gardening is simple.  You follow a simple plan that anyone can do and you reap the rewards of your efforts.  If you can follow a plan, you will have success because bales take the guesswork out of gardening.  No longer will you be worried about the soil content, because you are able to fertilize the bales and you know your plants will thrive.  There are multiple ways to fertilize your bale, so you can choose fertilizers in the bag, or more natural ways to fertilize.  It all depends on your preferences.

If you live in a house with very little space for gardening, this is for you.  A single bale can be used to get you started or a small 6x6 plot can afford you enough space to grow a variety of plants.  It's up to you how big or small you want to go.  It's even great for condo living if you have a very small area or patio that gets some sun.  I've seen bales used at community gardens with great success, as well.

Let's talk about my favorite benefit to gardening in bales:  minimal to no weeds.  Using bales and laying down weed barriers, landscape fabric or even cardboard is going to save your back.  No getting down on your hands and knees to pull weeds, not to mention your plants are also raised, so those of us with bad backs love straw bale gardening.

If this has piqued your interest, come back next week and I will get you started.  Everything you need to get started can be found at Gebo's.  A 50 lb. straw bale sells for $14.49 and is certified noxious weed free.  

See you next week to talk about preparing your new straw bale garden for the next growing season in Texas!

By: Kristen Scott