Straw bale gardening is a unique way to garden if you do not have the space for a large garden, want a different way to garden, or have rocky hard soil.

Before you plant you will need to condition the straw bale, which takes 10-14 days.

Items Needed:

• Bale of Straw
• Access to hose and water
• Fast Release High Nitrogen Fertilizer  such as Urea or Ammonium Nitrate (Do not use slow release or part slow release)

Place straw bale on its side in an area where you want it to stay for the season.

Days:

1-3: Water in straw bale really good.
4-6: Sprinkle 1/2 cup fertilizer on top of bale and water in
7-9: Sprinkle 1/4 cup fertilizer on top of bale and water in
10-14: Water in straw bale really good

Between days 10-14 the straw will cool off and you will then be able to plant it.

After your bales have been conditioned the next step is to plant them.

Tools:

• Garden Claw
• Plants
• Potting Soil

Tips:

• Using a garden claw is the best way to remove some of the straw for making holes for the plants. Other wise it takes awhile to remove the straw by hand.
• Smaller plants work best versus bigger plants.
• Line each of the holes with some potting soil before planting the plants into the bale.
• Keep an eye on plants for watering needs.
• Make sure to fertilize once a week. The straw does not provide any nutrients for the plant.