By Blake Jackson
University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein introduces straw bale gardening as a practical solution for those with poor soil or limited space, combining the advantages of container and raised-bed gardening.
This method allows for the cultivation of various vegetables, fruits, and flowers, even cool-season varieties as early as mid-March with proper protection.
Trinklein emphasizes using straw bales, not hay, due to hay's weed seeds and dense composition. Choose tightly bound bales, avoiding those treated with herbicides. Farmers and farm supply stores are recommended sources.
Select a location with six to eight hours of direct sunlight, as watered bales become heavy and difficult to move. Trinklein suggests placing bales on newspaper layers to control weeds and arranging them in single rows for optimal access, air circulation, and sun exposure.
Conditioning the bales is crucial, involving daily soaking for 12 days and adding nitrogen to initiate decomposition. "Successful straw bale gardening begins with conditioning the bales," Trinklein notes. "This involves adding water and nitrogen to help bales partially decompose. Conditioning helps prevent nutrient tie-up once plants are added."
On days 1, 3, and 5, add ½ cup of high-nitrogen fertilizer, avoiding “weed and feed” types. On days 7 and 9, use ¼ cup, and on day 11, add 1 cup of 12-12-12 fertilizer. Check for coolness before planting.
Planting involves creating pockets in the straw, filling them with soilless medium, and covering roots. For seeds, add a layer of sterile potting media.
Regular feeding with water-soluble fertilizer is necessary, but avoid over-fertilizing, especially vining crops like cucumbers and melons, to prevent pollen abortion and excessive vegetative growth. "Too much nitrogen causes pollen abortion, and flowers fall off," Trinklein warns.
Maintain consistent watering, using drip lines or soaker hoses if possible. Straw bales promote good root growth and minimize weeds, though mushrooms may appear.
Earthworms thrive in these bales, enhancing plant growth, and pest issues are typically reduced compared to traditional gardens.
Trinklein recommends salad greens, tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants for straw bale gardening, offering harvests throughout the growing season and even after frost with protection.
"Salad greens are a perfect choice for straw bale gardening," Trinklein says. "You can enjoy greens up to frost, and even after frost with protection." This method provides a versatile and efficient way to grow a variety of crops in limited spaces.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-johnbraid
Categories: Missouri, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables