How to Grow a Straw Bale Garden

Buy straw bales., Lay your bales out side by side., Water the bales heavily for 5 to 7 days until they are cool., Use a trowel to dig a hole in the top of the bale for each plant., Fill the holes with composting soil or potting soil. , Water the...

9 Steps 1 min read Medium

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Buy straw bales.

    Bales are readily available at nurseries or farms.

    Each is about 2 by 3 feet.They typically cost 2 to 7 dollars.

    Plan on planting 3 to 4 large plants or 6 to 8 small plants in each bale; buy an appropriate number.
  2. Step 2: Lay your bales out side by side.

    Put your bales in an area with good access to sun.

    Options include patios, balconies, backyards, or driveways.

    If you are concerned about dirt or debris, put a sheet or a tarp (not black) under the bales. , Straw bales naturally decompose, leading their temperature to rise past what is healthy for growing conditions.

    Water them several times a day so as to keep them damp.

    Within a week you should be able to stick your hand inside the bales and note that they are cooler than your body temperature: this means they are ready for plants. , The holes should be 6 in. wide, 6 in. long, and 8 in. deep (15 by 15 by 20 cm). ,,,,, Straw bales will often contain grass or weed seeds when you purchase them.

    Try to pick out the seeds if possible; otherwise, be sure to weed regularly.
  3. Step 3: Water the bales heavily for 5 to 7 days until they are cool.

  4. Step 4: Use a trowel to dig a hole in the top of the bale for each plant.

  5. Step 5: Fill the holes with composting soil or potting soil.

  6. Step 6: Water the bales so that the soil settles.

  7. Step 7: Plant the seeds and re-cover with soil.

  8. Step 8: Water the straw bales regularly so that they are never completely dry.

  9. Step 9: Remove grass and weeds from the bales.

Detailed Guide

Bales are readily available at nurseries or farms.

Each is about 2 by 3 feet.They typically cost 2 to 7 dollars.

Plan on planting 3 to 4 large plants or 6 to 8 small plants in each bale; buy an appropriate number.

Put your bales in an area with good access to sun.

Options include patios, balconies, backyards, or driveways.

If you are concerned about dirt or debris, put a sheet or a tarp (not black) under the bales. , Straw bales naturally decompose, leading their temperature to rise past what is healthy for growing conditions.

Water them several times a day so as to keep them damp.

Within a week you should be able to stick your hand inside the bales and note that they are cooler than your body temperature: this means they are ready for plants. , The holes should be 6 in. wide, 6 in. long, and 8 in. deep (15 by 15 by 20 cm). ,,,,, Straw bales will often contain grass or weed seeds when you purchase them.

Try to pick out the seeds if possible; otherwise, be sure to weed regularly.

About the Author

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Sophia Sullivan

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