Straw bale raised beds

[Logunner]

I’ve been doing a bit of reading about this, but , it’s always good to get some advice from others that have experience. So has anyone on here given it a go?

The big plot I got last summer has had no organic matter for years ( approx 8 ) so the soil is a little ‘empty’. I’ve got 2 tonne of manure and plenty of coffee grounds but this won’t sort the whole plot, and theoretically this method will provide good organic matter at the end of the process.

Happy for any opinions.

[Starch]

I would think using straw bales for raised beds would be a bit cosy and you would end up with mice and voles setting up home and eating your veg.

[Logunner]

I would think using straw bales for raised beds would be a bit cosy and you would end up with mice and voles setting up home and eating your veg.

The process requires some conditioning of the bales so that they heat up, hoping this is too much for the rodents.

[Guest]

I’ve been doing a bit of reading about this, but , it’s always good to get some advice from others that have experience. So has anyone on here given it a go?

The big plot I got last summer has had no organic matter for years ( approx 8 ) so the soil is a little ‘empty’. I’ve got 2 tonne of manure and plenty of coffee grounds but this won’t sort the whole plot, and theoretically this method will provide good organic matter at the end of the process.

Happy for any opinions.

I suspect weeds have been growing on your plot, which would indicate nutrients in the ground and also weeds die and in turn feed the soil. Depending on the types of weed would indicate just how fertile (annuals need very little nutrients) the soil is . Now that I have finished being pedantic but the point being us gardeners do so worry about added organic matter and giving ourselves work when mother nature does a ruddy good job.

I quite like the idea of the odd straw bale bed and you can turn them into hotbeds as well if you put a frame on adding to the length of your growing season, but it is more work if you are just thinking it is a solution for lack of organic matter.

[Logunner]

I suspect weeds have been growing on your plot, which would indicate nutrients in the ground and also weeds die and in turn feed the soil. Depending on the types of weed would indicate just how fertile (annuals need very little nutrients) the soil is . Now that I have finished being pedantic but the point being us gardeners do so worry about added organic matter and giving ourselves work when mother nature does a ruddy good job.

I quite like the idea of the odd straw bale bed and you can turn them into hotbeds as well if you put a frame on adding to the length of your growing season, but it is more work if you are just thinking it is a solution for lack of organic matter.

Weeds were mainly couch grass and bindweed at the top end, and a few annual weeds on the rest. One side of the plot is already converted to fixed beds which are no dig ( cardboard central before making beds ). The straw will make hotbeds but not looking to extend, just looking for a way to make the most of the little manure I have ( coffee I have plenty of )

[penny]

Hi I made a bale garden last year but used hay bales as I had some. I conditioned them with some blood, fish and bone, put a little home made compost on and they grew Cucumbers, cabbages and beans very well.

[Logunner]

Hi I made a bale garden last year but used hay bales as I had some. I conditioned them with some blood, fish and bone, put a little home made compost on and they grew Cucumbers, cabbages and beans very well.

Good news.

How long did they take to condition? What state were they in at the end of the season?

[Mark_Riga]

I would think that sourcing the bales could be a problem. All the farmers round here make great big round bales of straw.

[bario1]

Google your local equestrian store for cheap rectangular bales, I get them here for £3 each.

[greenishfing]

One of my local farmers sells rectangular bales of straw ( just fit in the car boot) for under £3. I buy one every year. Same farmer delivers massive mountain of cow manure for £15. (More than enough for me and my two neighbours). Manure is free he's just charging for delivery.

[Logunner]

Bales are easy to come by, local feed store does the, at £2.30. Already have 5 laid out as a barrier/bench between my fruit area and raised beds.

Looking to use this new set up on the other side of my plot.

[Logunner]

12 bales ordered and if the weather holds on Saturday then I’ll be building 2 beds.

Will probably also plant up the barrier/bench once the time is right..

[Logunner]

Here is a couple of pics of the barrier I’m planning on planting up..

[Right Shed Fred]

I once had an offer of free bales from a place that used them for outdoor weddings. Sitting on straw bales at parties is a trend... For them, they are only good for one season, so they just want shot of them. Pick up was a problem for me so it didn't work out, but I just wanted to add this to encourage people to look for bales in slightly odd places!

[Right Shed Fred]

Forgot to add that the trend is for sitting on rectangular bales not round ones...