What to do with last year\'s straw bales

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
cjst Silver Spring, MD Mar 10, 2016

Hello. I am CJ from Maryland zone 7. I have done raised bed vegetable gardening for several years. Last year I quadrupled my garden space by adding 4 4x8' 12-inch raised beds in a new area in my yard. Once I got them all built, placed, leveled and fenced (we have many deer roaming the neighborhood), I realized that filling them was going to far exceed my budget. So I filled 3 of them with strawbales, conditioned them and grew tomatoes, peppers and green beans in them successfully. My thought was that as the straw decomposed, it would make excellent soil for my new beds. Well, now in year 2, it's only about half decomposed and I'm not sure quite what to do with it. I fear that the large heirloom tomatoes I grow won't get the root support they need in the fluffy loose straw. I've turned them over and added a bit of compost. Someone suggested I plant root vegetables and lightweight greens this year which I will do in at least one of the beds, but really want the space for tomatoes. Any suggestions?
CJ

Post #10206852
Quote
Chillybean (Zone 5a) Mar 29, 2016

Welcome to Dave's Garden. This forum doesn't get very active as you can see. I know nothing about straw bale/raised bed gardening, but tried searching and didn't find much about what to do with the old straw.

There might be more activity in these forums you can ask your question in:
Ask a Dave's Gardener:
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/f/questions/all/
Beginner Gardening:
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/f/b_gardentalk/all/

If you have not already found your answer, I hope you get some help. :)

Post #10213220
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More Welcome Mat Threads

Go to all Welcome Mat threads
BACK TO TOP