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Growing plants in straw bales
is not a common practice. Straw bale culture is a form of soilless
cultivation or hydroponics. The technique is quite effective
at growing healthy plants and can grow tomatoes, peppers or even
cucumbers to list a few. Root vegetables like turnips or carrots
are not ideal for straw culture. Certain herbs like cilantro,
basil and parsley should do well when grown this way.
In general, plants grown in straw
bales appear to require less water than when grown in soil. Another
benefit to using straw bale culture is the garden bed will turn
into compost offering some additional nutrients to your vegetables
and herbs. The constantly composing environment warms up to provide
gentle heat to the roots of plants and for your greenhouse. After
some preparation and processing the compost will also begin to
generate Co2 which will help to boost your plant's growth rate.
Instructions:
Wheat straw bales are a good
choice for cultivating plants. You should try to remove any weeds
that may sprout, then follow the instructions below to get started
growing your vegetable crops "Straw Culture" style.
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Construct Garden Area
The straws should be tied and
in a vertical position. Build a (plastic) barrier/fence around
your garden area to hold the bales in place. If you do build
a barrier around your garden, make sure the bales are packed
in well. The barrier should be made of plastic or other synthetic
material and not consist of wood or other biodegradable substance. |
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Place a sheet of plastic on the
bottom of your grow area to help the straw retain moisture. Tightly
pack in the tied straw bales until the entire area of your garden
is filled in. Soak the entire garden with water and place another
sheet of plastic on top. Each bale will require approximately
1-gallon of water daily. For example, if you used 10 bales, you
will need 10-gallons of water. Place another sheet of plastic
on top of the bales after watering. The plastic should remain
on between feedings until the processing period is over.
Preparing Bale (Processing)
The straw bale will require 3-4
weeks of processing before it is ready to grow plants. After
the 3-4 weeks processing time, the bale will begin to decompose
and form compost. This is when you will add fertilizers and top
with a dressing of bagged compost or manure about 4 inches high.
Do not use soil.
Adding Fertilizer:
Once you've topped with compost/manure
it's time to add the fertilizer. Spread the dry (soluble) fertilizer
over the surface of the bales and then water according to manufacturers
directions. After you add fertilizer, the rate of bacterial action
in the decomposing straw will increase, raising the bed's internal
heat. Cover with plastic and let it sit for an additional week.
After a week, the bales should be cool enough to start planting
your seeds - just drop em' in to sprout. |
