I am so looking forward to straw bale gardening in 2021. I know from my correspondence that there are a lot of people trying the method for the first time. Here are a few pointers that might help you. Order your straw bales early, there are plenty of outlets all over the country. Visit your local farm, farm shops, pet stores and Google. Decide what you are going to grow. Think about the space you have available. I have five straw bales that were left out last year, I have not “matured” them, ( this is the process of getting the bales ready to grow in). I intend to make a block of them and grow runner beans and marrows in them. I have earmarked a large space that will give me all round access to them. You can fit a straw bale garden into most most spaces, be it soil, grass or concrete. You can grow most vegetables in straw bales, my TOP 10 are, onions, runner beans, marrows, potatoes, lettuce, cabbage, tomatoes, peas, pumpkin and beetroot. Believe me, whatever space you have, be it a concrete backyard or a corner of grass, you can create your own straw bale vegetable patch. You will be the envy of your neighbours because a bale garden looks great. Do not be afraid to experiment. I will give you an example. When I first started out strawbale gardening, I was told growing sweetcorn was a big no no. That was like a red rag to a bull. So, the following year I grew a tray of GOLDEN HIND sweetcorn inside, and then over a period of ten days acclimatised them to the outdoor temperatures. Following that I planted them in some well “matured” straw bales. They thrived. So don’t be afraid to try something different. Flowers thrive in straw bales, so companion planting works as well. If you can afford a small investment may I suggest you purchase my new e-book here which will guide you to success. Happy, happy growing in 2021 Strawbale Simon.
