Great ideas. Can't wait for spring! We have about 1 inch of top soil and then clay. Root vegetables just aren't even attempted unless I use raised beds. However, with this system I will try growing my root vegetables in the bales for the next couple of years while composting the used-up bales. Hopefully this will be used to condition my soil in hopes of having a real garden to grow my beets, carrots, etc. in. With the prices of straw bales around here... upwards of $4-6 per bale, it's not that affordable. But when considering the price of sand, peat moss, lime, etc to build up soil quality I can do this a couple of years. My neighbor has all the horse & cow manure I want for free. The book arrived faster than expected & the condition was as if it were a new book. Very pleased! Thank you!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Until I came across this book, I had not heard about straw bale gardening. This is a very well-written guidebook that inspired me to get started immediately! Once I started reading the book, I could not put it down! Within days of reading the book, I had already set up my straw bale garden for winter crops and have planned my spring and summer straw bale garden layout. The book gives excellent guidance and anticipates the reader's questions. The photos and diagrams are clear and easily understandable. I highly recommend this book and have already encouraged my fellow gardeners to try straw bale gardening.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
I wish I had read this years ago! I've been "killing" myself with traditional gardening methods. I've moved to a new place and been trying to garden here for 3 years, with very frustrating result (we have clay!). I've done the usual "soil amendments" as much as I can afford, which isn't enough. So...straw bale gardening may just be the answer I need. Don't know...haven't tried it...just picked up my extra bales today. Gonna get crackin'!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Due to back issues, I was afraid my gardening days were limited. A friend of mine who is a Master Gardener sent me a You Tube video on straw bake gardening. The subject matter intrigued me. I did additional research on the subject and wanted step by step written material to help me with the conditioning of the bales, placement of plants, etc. This book is my bible. I highly recommend it.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I grew up on a farm so noticing that the best 'weeds' grew on the spoiled bales of straw was endemic for all of us. Now that I'm handicapped by a leg injury, I have great difficulty getting down to garden, so was thinking of various alternatives to building raised beds when I came across this book in -- a local building supply (!). I got a copy and have 14 bales stacked on a pallet now with 1 more holding up a Hallowe'en display - then it will grow garlic (or at least, harbor cloves over winter)& the 14 will join it come spring. The book is good overall - worth your while if you have any difficulty with soil or space - & the medium (straw bales) lends itself well to diminishing 'city effects' & enabling modern people to regain a toehold on interacting with nature instead of styrofoam & plastic & supermarkets. Thank you, Joel.Read full review
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