Growing Vegetables in Straw Bales: Easy Planting, Less Weeding, Early Harvests

by Craig Lehoullier

This innovative technique is an inexpensive, low-maintenance way to grow a bounty of food in a small space. All you need is a bale of straw, some fertilizer, and your favorite vegetable seeds! Craig LeHoullier's step-by-step instructions show you how to do everything from sourcing the straw and setting up your bale to planting, dealing with weeds and pests, and harvesting.

Genres: Gardening, Nonfiction

96 pages, Paperback

First published December 29, 2015

Reviews

[Clare O'Beara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find this a clear, helpful concise look at planting and growing vegetables in the medium of straw bales, with ideal mulch left at the end of the year. Craig Lehoullier tried this out and kept a diary so we get the benefit of his experience, and he went on to grow a better crop the second year after using the lessons he had learned. Organic farmers are catered for with advice on finding organic farmed straw.

I love the drawings which show everything from the basics to how to arrange the bales, and the cheerful crops. You will need the advice on nitrate levels and taking the bale temperature, and you'll appreciate having a hose as straw drains well. The author tells us he grew a variety from tomatoes to beans and later went on to potatoes, carrots and more. One advantage is of course that there is no digging. Another is minimal weed growth, and a raised work surface. Snakes can be a disadvantage, if you live anywhere that snakes inhabit. But otherwise read this and say, why not!

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say that this is a short and very informative little book. Lehoullier seems pretty certain of his advice and augments it with drawings... I am going to use some of the drawings to construct a pea rack.. so will let you know about his advice then.

Up until then, it all seems pretty good.

Happy Reading.

[Tammie · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are just interested in finding out what straw bale gardening is all about, this 91 page pocket resource is a good option. It leads you through the basics and gives you tips and tricks for different types of plants and planting. That being said, if you are sure you'll be trying this or you are already a straw bale gardener, but were looking for another resource, maybe spend a bit more money and get something else that will go more in depth and have better pictures. For the price or borrowing from a library this is a nice little book.

[Lady Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A copy of this book has been provided by Netgalley via the publisher in exchange for an honest review"

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little book is FILLED with basic information about straw bale gardening and was so helpful and practical. We can 't wait to start our new project. Living on the side of a mountain in the high dessert presets many gardening challenges and straw bale gardening just might be the anser.
Thank you.

[Rachel Sides · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is short and to the point. Very informative.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Handy! Short!

[Peter Li · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clear, concise, and helpful, but doesn't go into as much depth as other titles. Does not address any possible methods to conserve water or reduce fertilizer run-off.

[Cara Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I cannot wait to try growing a few veggies in straw bales this summer!

[Matthew · Rating 3 out of 5]

quick guidance for the method but just beginner level.

[Elizabeth Tewes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kinda wanna add this technique to my gardening repertoire next season..

[Laura Jelenkovich · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't understand the enthusiastic reviews. The book is pretty useless, it says the same thing many times: water the straw, feed the straw. It's superficial, for someone who knows nothing about growing vegetables. And the urine thing was disgusting, come on man, be serious. Wasted money and time

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy from netgalley for review;

When gardening guru Craig LeHoullier comes out with a new book, there is great anticipation and high expectations. I am happy to see that he has met those expectations.

Gardening in straw bales has become very popular in the last few years because elderly, disabled, children, urban gardeners, and people who can only garden on a driveway or patio would like to start gardening. Gardening is now possible for these groups of people.

I have a few must haves for How-to books, crafting books, cookbooks, or gardening books. First, talk to me like an Idiot. I must have detailed and explicit instructions, without any missing steps. I really hate it when I invest time and money in a project, and then fail because an author assumed I was more knowledgeable. Each of the steps, in preparing the bales for planting, is clearly stated, and the pictures show exactly what I need to do.

My second must have is that the book must have information for both the beginner, and the experienced gardener. This book covers ground for the beginner, but has plenty of tips for even the most experienced gardener.

He clearly states the pros and cons of gardening with bales. I need to know if this is something that I want to do, and whether it is worth the expense and time.

I have been curious about straw bale gardening, and will be adding the straw bales to my regular garden.

This book should be part of every passionate gardener's library. Especially those with disabilities (no bending and easily reached from a wheelchair), children, elderly, urban gardeners (only a driveway or a tiny concrete backyard), and patio gardeners (you haven't lived till you have carried giant bags of dirt up two flights of stairs to a third floor for an earthbox),

This book is a Must Have for my gardening library.

[Polly Krize · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The ultimate raised bed! Informative and well-planned book detailing the pros and cons of gardening with straw bales. Something to try this summer definitely. The only drawback I can see is the initial cost of the straw bale, but this would be applied back against the value of the vegetables obtained.

[Gena DeBardelaben · Rating 5 out of 5]

eARC: Netgalley

The ultimate raised garden made incredibly simple!

Someone recently mentioned growing potatoes in straw to me so I was excited to learn the method works for so much more. I can't wait to give this a go with my Fall garden.

[Annette McIntyre · Rating 3 out of 5]

So you've heard about using bales to grow your garden in. This book is for you as it gives the pros and cons of doing this. As well as plenty of hints, tips and suggestions to make sure you get a good to excellent crop using this method.

[Tiny Octopus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming quick little read, very informative, has me excited to try something new with my garden come spring! :)