Lisa at Greenbow requested some photos to show how the straw bales were holding up, and you know that I live to serve, so here you are, Lisa!
An early lesson that we learned is to get bales that are tightly bound. This was the first one we bought, back in January, and it was not wrapped very tightly. It also had the heaviest plant, a zucchini, and you can see that it is collapsing like the Tar Heels in last year's Final Four.
The bottom picture, in contrast, was tighter, we put it out in April, and it has green beans, which are much lighter. It's holding up well. If you click the photo for a closer look, you can see the copper scouring pads which deter the slugs.
6 comments:
What good service at your blog David. I do appreciate seeing the whole operation. It was difficult for me to imagine. I am gonna have to try those scouring pads around some of my hostas that are beginning to be eaten by the new crop of slugs.
What will you do with the bales after planting season? Will you use them for mulch or compost them first??
I had read about this method and was interested in trying it. Do the plants in the bales require a ton of water?
Hi Lisa, I'm going to use the straw for mulch on my back bed.
Surprisingly, Connie, they don't seem to need a lot of water--no more so than a regular vegetable garden. We usually water with a watering can once a day in hot, dry weather, but it doesn't hurt to skip a day or so.
Hi David,
First I have heard about the scouring pads. Do they keep slugs away? If so, I am going to use them.
Thanks
Irene
Hi Irene,
They do indeed! Give 'em a try.
I have never heard of this idea before. Wow. Neat. Great blog. Going to read some more. Thanks!
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