Last winter Teresa asked me if I had ever heard of growing vegetables in straw bales.
"In what?"
"Straw bales. You know, wheat straw. The stuff people put over their lawns after they plant grass seed. You buy it out the back of a big truck..."
"I know what wheat straw is. But how are you going to grow vegetables in it? Last time I checked, plants needed dirt to grow. They've got these things called roots, and they're sort of important."
"Here, read this." She handed me a sheaf of printouts from various websites.
"Well. I stand corrected. If it's on the Internet, it must be true."
"Look. You buy the bales in winter and let them sit out for several months. They start to break down and get all soft, then you make a hole in the bale, put in some dirt, and plant your vegetables."
"I don't know, Teresa. It sounds sorta gimmicky to me."
"It might work. It's sort of like planting stuff in your compost pile. Remember that pumpkin that came up last year?"
"I remember the pumpkin."
"I want to try it."
I was gratified that for once, Teresa wanted to begin a project that did not require any tool more complicated than a trowel, so I was more than happy to get the straw bales. They sat behind the butterfly garden all spring, soaking up rain (yes, it's actually rained!) and getting nice and soft. The other day I plunged my hand into the center of a bale and found that the consistency was similar to that of rich compost. I could maybe envision a plant growing here.
We went to the farmer's market last week and came home with squash, zucchini, beans, peas, and asparagus. (The asparagus went in the ground, since it's a perennial.) Yesterday, Teresa spaded some dirt into the bales and planted her crops. She said they would need to be watered more frequently than a regular vegetable garden--I volunteered to water in the mornings if that meant I didn't have to make up the bed. (The latter seems such a waste of time--I'm going to get right back in it at night...)
So we'll see what happens. Stay tuned...
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
33 comments:
david - i love this idea! just one thing, why didnt you tell us about this a long time ago so we could have our straw bales out composting??
In the variant that I read, you soak the bales in a solution of fertilizer to provide additional nutrients. Also, as the straw decomposes, the heat generated helps the plants grow better.
You ever think about doing something stupid and you decide not to tell anybody about it unless it works...well, that's why. Notice I took great pains to point out that this was Teresa's idea. I wanted to build raised beds like yours, Gina, but that involved tools that are not trowels!
This straw bale idea might be a good beginning to a raised bed. You could set your bales where you want your raised bed and after you have several break down you would have nice composted soil for the raised bed already in place. Then get those peculiar tools, those which aren't trowels, and put boards around the lovely new soil. Voila a raised bed.
If you wrap the bales with plastic wrap or garbage bags the moisture and nutrients stay in much, much longer. Ask me how I know this...
I love the way one idea leads to more information and refinements and more inspiration for all of us, those who use trowels - and even other tools. However, straw farms must have heard about this and seen the advantage because the cost of straw, around here in Western Mass anyway, is soaring. Thanks for the posting.
I have heard of this method but worried that it might require an inordinate amt. of water to keep the bales from drying out. I'm glad someone I know is trying this. Can't wait to hear about the results!
David says: "You ever think about doing something stupid and you decide not to tell anybody about it unless it works"
Totally. I almost didn't blog about the clover lawn until I knew if it would work. Thank the gods it's working or I'd have pie in my eye! I'll be watching this straw bale experiment in hopes of copying you next season.
Good idea, Lisa. I'll see if I can get Gina over here and she and Teresa can build the bed thingys.
And how DO you know this, Tina? I hadn't thought of that, but it sounds reasonable.
Wonder if that's the cause of the price increase. Did y'all have a bad drought last year like we did, Pat?
I'll keep you updated, Carla.
hello
I like your information I was looking information like that but I find it today and I feel very happy.
thanks
I like your information I was looking information like that but I find it today and I feel very happy.
First off all I would like to thank you for that great post. It's very interesting to read your posts. As I can see, a lot of people here knows much about ED treatment maybe they can help me. For a log time I can't decide what is better: to buy viagra online, to buy cialis online or to buy levitra online? I found this online pharmacy to buy all this things, so can somebody help me to make a decision? IMHO I should buy generic viagra
Vimax Pills is a powerful natural herbal male enhancement that increases penis length and girth, sexual desire, sexual health and helps to achieve stronger erections, Buy Vimax Pills best penis enlargement pills
about author:
best penis enlargement penis enlargement pills improve sexual performance and stamina
best penis enlargement pills VigRx Plus Vimax Pills ProSolution Pills clinicaly proven for enlarge your penis up to 3-4 inches in 3 month 100% money back guarantee FDA APPROVED
http://www.orderpenisenlargement.com
http://www.vimaxpenispills.com
Really like this website, this really helps and very useful.
Hey great stuff, thank you for sharing this useful information and i will let know my friends as well.
karalopplok
vimax ::
vimax pills
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I think I will leave my first comment.
I don’t know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog.
I will keep visiting this blog very often.
By the way,
Blogger how when you visit my blog,
My Blog have been created for the satisfaction of consumer of all.
I keep listening to the news speak about getting free online grant applications so I have been looking around for the best site to get one.:)
You made some good points there. I did a search on the topic and found most people will agree with your blog.
www.vigrxplusworks.com
Dear friends,Cheap Sale Louboutin online.All shoes elegant shoes is one of masterpiece from Christian Louboutin Evenings. When you buy yourself a pair of Christian Louboutin Pumps shoes you allow yourself to benefit from the vast experience and expertise that this brand has collected over the years.Christian Louboutin Slingbacks shoes is the personification of women,is their direct orgin of racial pride.Christian Louboutin Peep Toe shoes is the personification of women,is their direct orgin of racial pride.Welcome to our Louboutin 2011 stoer.http://www.sale-louboutin-shoes.us
Christian Louboutin Outlet Online Store offer 2011 new-style Christian Louboutin Sale Outlet online store.We will provide you with all kinds of CL.The Christian Louboutin Ankle Boots serve different functions and keep your feet stylish and warm,Christian Louboutin High Heels can always show our body in the best charming way, making her legs look as long as possible.Christian Louboutin New Style are the best choice for you to choose the brand, especially you want to keep steps to the fashion world.Christian Louboutin Peep Toes that are considered as classic due to the fact they are comfortable.Buy cheap Louboutin Outlet shoes, get your favorite.
http://www.christianlouboutinoutletonline.org
Please one more post about that.I wonder how you got so good. This is really a fascinating blog, lots of stuff that I can get into. One thing I just want to say is that your Blog is so perfect
Welcome to the Christian Louboutin Outlet Online store. CL is the world's most famous high-heeled shoes. Women who wear it do not feel the same. Our Christian Louboutin Outlet stores offer a variety of CL. For example: 2011 Christian Louboutin, Christian Louboutin Ankle Boots, Christian Louboutin Heels, Christian Louboutin New Sandals, Christian Louboutin Peep-Toe, Christian Louboutin Pumps, Christian Louboutin Tall Boots. We will save you 80% of the money, thank you patronize hristian Christian Louboutin Outlet Online Store.
This does work for a select few people, it does not work for everyone. Myself being one of them. It was worth a shot though!
Hey it is very interesting post.I like your blog.Thanks for sharing such kind of blog.
You must be smart to choose products especially for the satisfaction of your partner ... please click my web www.buybuyvimaxpills.com
I wonder how you got so good. This is really a fascinating blog, lots of stuff that I can Get into. One thing I just want to say is that your Blog is so perfect!
Free calls from Mobile
I really liked your article. Keep up the good work.
Vimax Pills
Vimax Pills Expert
Vimax Online
Vimax singapore
Vigrx Plus
Penis Enlargement
vimax review
digital camera slr review
tablets.review
good post..
It’s a great site to see. That will help for improvisation of me. Will definitely marked as Bookmark.
business phone deals
very interesting!
blogs are very helpful, thank you for enlightenment.
I have bookmark your site.
thanks
visit now..
vimax pills
vimax extender
vimax system
Post a Comment