HylaBrook's Blog

More on Straw Bale Gardening
Apr 10, 2008 | 10:41 AM PST
Tags: straw bale gardening , raised beds , wheat straw , rain barrels

After starting the straw bale gardens and setting up my rain barrels, I found that keeping the soil on top of the straw moist was a challenge, and watering with only the gravity pressure in the water from the barrels took FOREVER.  I tried to mulch with damp shredded newspaper, and that helped.  Before long, the roots of plants invaded the straw massively and it was easier to keep them watered properly. I also installed soaker hoses on most of the beds.  These were attached to overflow ports on the rain barrels.  When it rained too much, excess water would just run out onto the beds.  

 Straw bales worked very well for onions, greens, beans and peas, all of the brassicas, tomatoes, peppers, and squash. Pretty much anything but root crops which need deeper soil, and corn which needs more support than is provided by the bales.

  In my photo gallery you can see one straw bed at the base of the ancient T-bar swing set.  Scooter put that thing in so much cement it is going nowhere, so I am putting it to use as a plant support.  Last year it supported cucumbers.  I did not get a picture, but in July the swing set was not visible.  This year,  pole beans and peas .  Next year, Melons and gourds. 

By season's end, I found that much of the oat straw had broken down.  A few bales of wheat straw I added later fared much better.  I will this year buy wheat straw bales, though they are 50% higher in price, they should last a full two years, so that will be a better value.

 I also bought a little transfer pump to move more water from the rain barrels more quickly.

 We learn as we go!