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Straw bales are the perfect way to create extra growing space and raise amazing crops, weed free.
Do you struggle with poor quality soil? Wage a never-ending war with weeds? Or do you simply want an instant, fuss-free vegetable bed?
In this video, Ben demonstrates the essential techniques required to grow successfully in straw bales, including a look at the plants he grew in straw bales last season.
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https://gardenplanner.motherearthnews.com
and many more…
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You mentioned that it can keep ponds clear. Do you just sprinkle it on the whole pond? Or just throw it around the edges and it migrates? Does this keep algae from growing in the pond?
You are a bloody genius.
Np i can't wait for your next video i usually watch 5-10 videos a day
The ONLY reason I won't want dandelions to grow in my property is because of gopher. I use grass clippings and dandelions as fertilizers to grow vegetables and fruit trees with huge success. LOL
I planted 9 bales for the first time about a month ago everything is growing fantastic.
I know it’s likely a mistake but I over planted as I just couldn’t stop myself. Since it’s my first time I figured I can always remove plants but later on maybe I can’t add any.
I also did something I haven’t seen on other videos. The question was how to plant seeds into the sides. Seedlings plant fine but what about seeds. I took several seeds along with compost and made a ball using a paper towel. Stuck this seed/compost ball into the side and watered. So far the paper towels haven’t decomposed but neither have the seeds sprouted through yet. :):)
Would straw mulch around my planted tomatoes help protect them from the heat of summer in North Carolina?
Question, please. Would epsom salt and blood meal work as a fertilizer?
Can they be reused after the first planting? Or do we have to break them down?
Amazing idea! Thank you for sharing
I absolutely love this growing method. I did it for 4 years strait because my ground was hard, compacted, and had no life in it. This year the soil is beautiful, and dark because of the composted straw bales. You can also plant into 2nd year bales. I also had great success with a 3rd year bale, though I wouldn't normally expect them to last that long. If you are starting a new garden, or looking to enrich your garden soil, definitely give this a try. Awesome content! Thank you GrowVeg!
1:27 I wouldn't imagine him driving anything less…hehe
My mum stuffs things that size in her little Mazda. I've been known to transport sheep and goats in a small kia
this looks handy if maybe the plants needed moving around some. i may try this with a couple of smaller bales later this week, im going to grow my tomatoes in them to start and see how it works for me from there. we are still getting frost and snow so my plants are starting off inside. just got a bad ice storm last night and about a week ago it was a foot and a half of snow! i dont have a proper greenhouse yet, i did however build a teensy cold box like you showed in a previous video and its working pretty well. my grandma used to throw sheets over her flowers against frost but i didnt want to risk the ground until i knew for sure a sheet would be enough. i hope my already sprouting few will survive, ive been worried maybe i started too early (got really motivated to get started watching your videos!) but i think they will be alright in these little planters to be moved outside to the ground later.
Can you replant the same bales in subsequent years?
Thanks
Yes, interested in straw bale Gardening.
Place areas where growing veggies is poor.
Oh yes I will try this I am so filled with joy and will keep you updated
I;m giving it a try . starting with six bales
1:36 Pro Tip: use a large leaf bag and bag the bale, or even an old sheet or a tarp to protect you car's carpeting from the hay. It can be a real bugger to rid the car of straw pieces.
This looks awesome! I'm so excited. I went a bit overboard with my seeds this year and have more plants than gardening beds so I'm going to try my squash and some peppers in a few bales. Thanks so much. You've inspired me. 🙂
PS
On another note, any suggestions how to stop little critters from chewing my sprouting beans off at the stem?
Does the straw descays if raining a lot? Or watering it
This is my third year using straw bales in concert with my raised beds. One of the best things about this method is the ease in harvesting. No bending over. I also plant vining flowers like Black-eyed Susan vine or nasturtium in the bales to add a decorative touch. Garden on!
ok i'm getting a bit of a late start but i'm going to try this method this year. thanks for including the chart, that helps me know how much blood meal to purchase <3
I’ve started using straw as a veg mulch in my garden. Initially to stop critters nibbling my crops as they develop. We’re about to have a dry month and all my water storage will be exhausted so spreading more straw to inhibit water loss. Next year I’ll try growing toms in straw. Great idea. Thank you.
them bales would probably have been good for another year
I have a bale of hay. Would this be ok instead of straw?
Omg I could even easily put sticks in for making a frame or netting °°