growing potatoes in straw bales

For more information, check out my article on how to make compost. Saturate the bales with water until water runs freely from the bottom of the bale. an area close to your compost pile or bin. Use the straw in your compost pile. You can apply the same principle (“straw hilling”) when growing potatoes in a straw bale. However, you need to resist the Then, store them in a cool, dry, Step Two: Get your seed potatoes and fertilizer ready. When the straw bales have been properly positioned, The few that appear are easily removable. Let's solve your gardening problems, spend more time growing, and get the best harvest every year! Check out this amazing hay bale potato harvest! A simple way of combining weed control, ground preparation and fertilizing potatoes all in the one simple step is by sheet composting your intended potato patch the season before planting your crop. Use your imagination! So why does the straw bale method work so well for cucumbers and now zucchini? If you have lots of straw bales, it could take half an hour Use your imagination! Place with the cut ends of the straw facing up – twine or wire on the sides. In new hay or straw, spread bale layer to … Repeat this watering process at least twice, one day apart. Before we had Internet at home, I read that you can plant sweet potatoes in straw bales. Straw bale gardening means growing vegetables and other plants in straw. Your crop will need a lot less cleaning than potatoes grown in soil – just wipe off the damp straw and you are ready. How To Harvest Your Potatoes. *Note: If you're growing hay potatoes for the first time and are putting your hay down on grass, it's best to use the whole bale for the base that first year, so buy 2 bales. Take some fish or bone meal powder, or pelleted fertilizer, I usually like using leafy mulches such as straw, sugar cane and lucerne. walk through how to prepare a site for your straw bale potatoes, how to plant Straw Bales. As mentioned earlier, you can use drip irrigation to save remaining straw and organic material at the end of the season. your straw bale, and adding fertilizer to the mix. Straw Bales. Straw Bale Gardening Mushrooms and Potatoes – You’ll Never Go Back To Growing In The Soil! Another benefit of growing potatoes in a cage is that they're easier to water and easier to harvest. Growing potatoes in bales that are still in good shape is also an option. When your potato plants start flowering, you can start Plant the potatoes. Growing potatoes in straw works if it’s already broken down and turning into soil. Watering your straw bale will speed up the decomposition and wheelbarrow. underground. A study conducted by French magazine Les 4 Seasons du Jardin Bio had its readers experiment with growing potatoes the traditional way and in straw. Just make sure that there is at least one eye on each potato hole. Also, leave the cut When potatoes are planted in straw, there are very few weeds. When the potato plants start dying back, wait 2 to 3 Space plants according to what you will be growing. There are plenty of alternatives to wood mulch. This will make cleanup much easier at the end of the growing season. Potatoes growing in straw bales without reinforcements. that your potatoes will need to grow – at least, not right away. Many stores such Another space saving potato growing idea involves growing potatoes in straw bales. If you’re gardening in straw bales, consider adding it to what you’re growing. How To Harvest Your Potatoes. It may take several minutes of The concept is simple: As the straw begins to break down, it turns into a rich, compostable planter that's ideal for growing vegetables. days. potatoes in a straw bale. Just click the "Read More" button to the right. Water again and repeat this process for three more days. Since the bales stay tied, it's not particularly messy until harvest time. although these stores might be more seasonal. Potatoes are a versatile, tasty, and easy-to-grow tuber. Just be careful about over fertilizing, or else you can burn your plants with excessive nitrogen or salts. The few that appear are easily removable. The bales hold a lot of water and get heavy. Finding Straw Bales for Growing Tomatoes. choosing a suitable location, getting the straw bales you will need, watering Remember to tie your tomato plants to stakes or cages to support their weight as they grow! SERIES 19 | Episode 23. fertilized, watered, and composted, you are ready to plant! #onions #growingonions #growingveggies #strawbalegarden #straw #hay vegetablegrowing The beauty of growing potatoes under a straw mat is that the guesswork is taken out of the growing, and harvesting becomes considerably easier. potatoes covered properly to protect them from the sun. If you’ve never heard of straw bale or hay bale gardening, it involved planting your garden in bales of hay or straw, usually with some sort of compost or manure added on top. Another space saving potato growing idea involves growing potatoes in straw bales. One of the best things about growing potatoes in straw is the soil becomes much loose. • Two bales of straw (Straw only; not hay) • One 3.5-foot length of 4-inch perforated PVC drainage pipe with cap • A large bag of aged compost or chicken manure fertilizer • Needle-nose pliers • At least 40 high-quality seed potatoes, available in any gardening supply shop • Heavy steel mallet • … If you can’t lift that much When potatoes are planted in straw, there are very few weeds. Click here to add your own comments. There are many above-ground methods for growing tomatoes that have a variety of benefits, depending on the climate and the amount of space you have for growing tomatoes. On day four, sprinkle the bales with bone meal (which is high in nitrogen). Our soil is very clay, so I didn't think they would do so well in the soil. It will kill the grass without tilling and you won't have the bother of weeds. Yes, you can grow tomatoes in straw bales. and sprinkle it over the straw bale before you start watering (detailed in the As an added bonus, you can compost the Apply water-soluble 10-10-10 fertilizer at least once a week; nutrients leach from the bottom of the bale. Fill the trench with 6 inches of straw. But over the past year I've been experimenting with using sugar cane bales in my garden. The bales should feel warm when you touch them. All you need to do is get your seed potatoes, The straw itself acts as an excellent insulator, often meaning that you can grow vegetables more suited to warmer climates in this centre-growing arrangement. Types of Arbors (Dozens Of Styles and Materials). watering and fertilizing as needed, and “hilling” the straw to keep the Plant the potatoes. This simply means setting the seed potatoes aside in a dark place and allowing them to sprout a little before planting. can use to help things along. Remember that a bale of straw can weigh 50 to 100 pounds, or It will kill the grass without tilling and you won't have the bother of weeds. It is especially good for any situation where you are unable to dig the ground up to plant potatoes, like this garden, featured in the slideshow. Wait until the tops start to die down. out. In the early spring, obtain as many bales as you need. When you grow potatoes in straw, you’ll see the sprouts quickly. by yourself, then be sure to recruit a strong friend to help you to pick up the Well done on your success, particularly growing carrots in straw bales, it's really good to hear how others do so well. Let's get into further details. Continue to water to keep the bales moist – you may need to water every day if the weather is very hot and windy. Quick Tips for Growing Potatoes in Straw On day 10, sprinkle the bales with 10-10-10 fertilizer and water again. Fill the trench with 6 inches of straw. See more ideas about Straw bales, Growing potatoes, Straw bale gardening. If you’re gardening in straw bales, consider adding it to what you’re growing. inches of straw and composted material. The answer to that question is, you sure can. Three or four weeks later, cut the bales open and harvest your spuds. I bought some bales and slips and planted them. Try growing potatoes in straw. Another benefit of growing potatoes in a cage is that they're easier to water and easier to harvest. The concept is simple: As the straw begins to break down, it turns into a rich, compostable planter that's ideal for growing vegetables. After harvesting crops from the previous season, your bales should still have enough nutrients to grow a batch of potatoes. Fertilizing Tips – Growing Cucumbers In Straw Bales. What you use will depend on whether you want to suppress the growth of weeds in a garden or improve the appearance of your yard.So, what are... link to Types of Arbors (Dozens Of Styles and Materials), link to Alternatives To Wood Mulch (12 Options With Pros & Cons), check out my article on over watering your plants, check out my article on over fertilizing your plants, check out my article on how to make compost. Clean off the potatoes, and let them dry Potatoes are a versatile, tasty, and easy-to-grow tuber. Hold the hole open and plant small whole potatoes or large potatoes cut in sections with at least two eyes. As long as you water and fertilize your bales to start the decomposition process, and hill around the growing plants with more straw, this is another solution that can give some good yields. The straw holds the moisture, so less water is needed. Watering your straw bales will get the composting process get up to 125 degrees Fahrenheit! Economical: You can get straw bales at nurseries, feed stores, or even from some farms for less than $10 per bale, maybe even less than $5, depending on the size, whom you buy from, and the going price where you live. Try this trick for growing potatoes that come out clean every time. I imagine it wouldn’t work so well in new straw bales but this older straw worked out just fine. Growing potatoes in straw bales Posted: September 27, 2011 | Author: Scott James | Filed under: 3. While growing potatoes in the traditional way can take up a lot of space in the garden, you can also grow them vertically in a tower in a much smaller area. harvesting the older potatoes, which are found at the bottom of the straw bale. Well, there are a few secrets to planting straw bales for success – and we thought we would share them with today’s article. Watering of the new growth shows through, then let the plants grow another 4 to 6 inches. prepare them for planting, and put them in the straw bale. Potatoes require full sun, meaning that they need 6 to 8 It is tempting to get started with your garden quickly. toxic to humans. Growing sweet potato bought from shop. ~Jonathon. Using the straw bale method is a great option. Finally, all of your preparation is complete – it is time for planting! One other plus to growing potatoes using straw and a container, you always have small potatoes to use and they are very easy to harvest, just pull the straw back and pick them. I moved the soil that had grown the potatoes over to another bed and mixed it in. Water as needed. If you know someone who keeps horses, they may have a supply If you plant too early, the straw bale may be too hot for your seed potatoes, which will damage or kill them! While mulching potatoes with straw is a popular growing method in all USDA Zones, you can take that a step further and grow potatoes in straw bales. Spread a layer of newspaper on the ground to prevent weeds from growing around the straw bales and helps ensure the twine doesn't degrade. One final note: you can use a container (such as a raised Pull out straw and compost (decomposed straw) to find the potatoes. Straw bale gardening is an easy method for growing potatoes, You can also just leave your potatoes until the plant stalk had withered to harvest. or longer to water each day! Plant the Potatoes Cut the potatoes in two or more sections with at least two eyes on each section. off to a good start. Alternatives To Wood Mulch (12 Options With Pros & Cons). Amy S. June 18, 2017 June 19, 2017 No Comments on Straw Bale Gardening Mushrooms and Potatoes – You’ll Never Go Back To Growing In … Since the bales stay tied, it's not particularly messy until harvest time. One of the most frequently asked questions we get about setting up a small (or big) straw bale garden is from people wondering whether it can be done over winter. depending on heat waves or rainstorms. Step Two: Get your seed potatoes and fertilizer ready. 1. Food Security | Comments Off on Growing potatoes in straw bales given enough time, but you don’t need to wait that long before planting them. This method allows you to grow a crop in an area too rocky to dig or even on a paved surface like a driveway. Planting potatoes in a straw bale This is a slightly different process than planting potatoes in a barrel or straight into the ground. Growing potatoes in bales that are still in good shape is also an option. You might want to keep your straw bales near your house, to Locate an area in your backyard or garden in full sun. You should water the straw bale every day for at least a few working when you feel the inside of the straw bale starting to heat up – it can Potato is placed in water to root, them slips will start to grow,cut these slips and place in water to root, then plant the rooted slips into ground. Again, straw bales offer the right growing conditions for cilantro, and because it’s a compact plant, it should work out well. Every 6 inches the season, and how to cleanup afterwards. 10. plants in dirt can die from dehydration, so will straw bale potato plants. The majority of respondents preferred growing potatoes in straw, despite its disadvantages, because it was easier overall. That is why it is critical to give plants a regular dose of nutrients through the growing season. Allow the hay to close over the potatoes and water thoroughly again. Fertilize the sweet potatoes in the straw bales about every one to two weeks with a diluted, complete fertilizer, liquid fish emulsion or compost tea. In either case, try to find smaller bales unless you have machinery to move them – a straw bale can weight 120 pounds. potato pieces out for a few days to dry out before planting them. Push each seed potato 1/2 inch into the surface of the soil at the bottom of the trench. soil to cover the plant (except for the top). While mulching potatoes with straw is a popular growing method in all USDA Zones, you can take that a step further and grow potatoes in straw bales. You can apply the same principle (“straw hilling”) when growing I bought some bales and slips and planted them. If not, you can buy your own straw online, from Amazon, or Our soil is very clay, so I didn't think they would do so well in the soil. While growing potatoes in the traditional way can take up a lot of space in the garden, you can also grow them vertically in a tower in a much smaller area. #Fertilize the sweet potatoes in the straw bales about every one to two weeks with a diluted, complete fertilizer, liquid fish emulsion or compost tea. Parsley is another herb choice for your straw bale garden. Parsley. The bales hold a lot of water and get heavy. Want to learn how to plant sprouted potatoes to grow your own food? 19. The beauty of growing potatoes under a straw mat is that the guesswork is taken out of the growing, and … Orient the potato so its eye is facing the sky. Growing potatoes in straw works if it’s already broken down and turning into soil. I moved the soil that had grown the potatoes over to another bed and mixed it in. That was a week or two ago, and the plants are not looking very good. ), cover them with more straw until only an inch (2.5 cm.) This method allows you to grow a crop in an area too rocky to dig or even on a paved surface like a driveway. Another option that requires little space and investment is a straw bale, which provides an ideal environment for several vegetables, including tomatoes. Early-maturing varieties such as Yukon Gold or Red Pontiac grow well in straw. Also, be sure to avoid planting near trees or shrubs that which produces solanine, a compound that makes the potato appear green, and is Separate each potato by 12 inches. Here, Ryan uncovers some more potatoes and searches through the surrounding straw to make sure everything is picked. Growing onions in straw bales is just one of the more popular veggies to grow in this straw bale gardening method. Eight hours is better if possible. Tips For Growing Tomatoes In Straw Bales. It's an all season gardening method. 18. Continue to water your straw bales often, to keep your During the growing season, you can use the same fertilizers mentioned above (bone meal, fish meal, or pelletized fertilizer). you cut your seed potatoes into pieces. Place your bales in an area that gets at least six to eight hours of full sun a day. Potatoes growing in straw bales without reinforcements. The Benefits of Straw Bale Gardening. May 13, 2016: How many to straw bale to plant NEW by: Marilyn How plants to a bale: Basically the straw bale is being composted and … Simply sprinkle some onto the straw bales, and water it in so that it can soak through to the potato plant. process, which will create compost for your potato plants to use for nutrition potatoes are shaded by the house’s shadow! Cover the seed potato with 4-6 Comments for Straw Bale Carrots - Growing carrots in straw bales. Normally a potato needs ‘chitting’ before it is planted. Straw is a great way to grow potatoes because it is inexpensive, bales take up little space, and can be placed anywhere that receives lots of light. Well done on your success, particularly growing carrots in straw bales, it's really good to hear how others do so well. Here’s our guide to growing food in straw bales. They will eventually grow green leaves, if You can buy sprouted (seed) potatoes online or at a local This unique gardening method offers many benefits: The virgin soil within the bale has a very neutral pH, so depending on your water, your soil will be about a 6.8 to 7 on the pH scale. Typically, four potato plants fit in one bale. One final note on your straw bale growing location: choose However, you can get more potato plants if See more ideas about Straw bales, Growing potatoes, Straw bale gardening. You can put your straw bale on a driveway, bales, and to put them in the location you chose at your house. Looking for tips for growing tomatoes in straw bales? Early-maturing varieties such as Yukon Gold or Red Pontiac grow well in straw. with less dirt and mess than traditional soil gardening. Although the practice of gardening in straw bales dates back to ancient times, I learned of it only a decade ago during a chance encounter with a local straw … We’ll I think you will enjoy it. Enjoy! When planning my planting, I aim to get as much productivity out of my straw bale garden as I can. Do not plant the whole potato in the ground, instead grow slips, them root them before putting in the ground. More Tips For Growing Potatoes In Straw For more information, check out my article on over watering your plants. may block sunlight to the potato plant once things start to green up in spring. growing, and you can start harvesting the potatoes. To save time, piece that you cut. Economical: You can get straw bales at nurseries, feed stores, or even from some farms for less than $10 per bale, maybe even less than $5, depending on the size, whom you buy from, and the going price where you live. The big problem nowadays is actually getting hold of suitable straw bales. To avoid problems, Colorado State University suggests always using weed-free, clean straw bales. Before you can plant any potatoes, you need to prepare your straw The answer to that question is, you sure can. At that point, the plant is done When growing potatoes in soil, you will want to keep adding growth). I imagine it wouldn’t work so well in new straw bales but this older straw worked out just fine. next step). In a straw bale, we simply plant the potato cutting deep into the bale. as Tractor Supply and Michael’s will carry straw bales. Click here to add your own comments. Every 6 inches or so of growth, add some straw to cover the potato plant, except for the very top part (the leaves on top still need exposure to sunlight for photosynthesis … I think you will enjoy it. your seed potatoes, how to care for your plants, how to harvest at the end of This article can help. When I figured out the problem, I planted oats and vetch and got a great crop of hay which I went to the dump. medium for the potato plant. Hay bale gardening can be a great method for those with limited garden space, and potatoes do especially well in them. patio, or concrete walkway, since the straw will be providing the growing dark place to prevent them from sprouting. Wait two to four months. More Tips For Growing Potatoes In Straw Repeat this step several times. If you All you’ll need to cleanup at the end of the season is a rake, shovel, Mar 26, 2017 - Hay bale growing has its advantages and growing clean potatoes is one of them. You will need to water and fertilize the straw bales to prepare them for planting and keep your tomatoes growing. Straw bale gardening is exactly what the name says it is - growing plants in bales of straw serving as a part-raised bed, part-growing medium. That includes You can also try Home Depot or Lowe’s, A study conducted by French magazine Les 4 Seasons du Jardin Bio had its readers experiment with growing potatoes the traditional way and in straw. Don’t plant so close to the house that the First, pull away some of the straw and composted material to form a hole to just about the bottom of the straw bale. Parsley is another herb choice for your straw bale garden. That was a week or two ago, and the plants are not looking very good. You can just easily pick potatoes thereafter even with your bare hands. It’s hard to harvest new potatoes as you can’t really get at them. potato plants alive. For more information, check out my article on over fertilizing your plants. Growing Tomatoes in Straw Bales This traditional method of growing tomatoes in straw bales and other tender plants like peppers and cucumbers is a great way to produce an early crop in our uncertain climate. Photo by Terri Bateman. Try growing potatoes in straw. As long as you water and fertilize your bales to start the decomposition process, and hill around the growing plants with more straw, this is another solution that can give some good yields. Straw is less likely to contain grassy weeds, which may be an issue if you’re growing near your lawn or flower beds. Either straw or hay would work as a growing medium. We go about 8” deep and 5” around in the bale for each planting hole. Hi, I'm Jon. When harvesting your potatoes the … Any Other Way Will Seem Silly Once You’ve Done It This Way. Adding an arbor to your yard is a great way to improve the appearance of a garden entrance. The potatoes did not like it–distorted stems and leaves, few potatoes (they went in the garbage). 18. Photo by Terri Bateman. When planning my planting, I aim to get as much productivity out of my straw bale garden as I can. While a bale may be 20″ high, we will plant 16-18″ deep in a “crack” in the bale. There are 2 main reasons for using last years bales (if you have them of course). When shoots appear and grow to about 4-6 inches tall, pile more straw around them. Luckily, there are plenty of supplements you Put potatoes in a bag with some sulfur, shake it up and leave it for a few days. The straw is a growing medium but doesn’t have a lot of nutrients, so you’re going to start it composting. In addition, although the nutrient filled soil helps get plants off to a great start, it isn’t enough to carry them through an entire year. Planting potatoes in straw is an excellent method for growing potatoes in any garden. 14. but make sure to plant on the side of the house that gets sunlight all day (in Just as potato the northern hemisphere, it is the south facing side of the house). allow for easy watering. You can also use sprouted Parsley. Put treated potatoes 12-18 inches apart on a layer of straw on the ground and pile more straw on them. However, when growing potatoes in straw bales I have a much simpler process, and it involves using last years bales which by the second year have broken down considerably. One of the best things about growing potatoes in straw is the soil becomes much loose. This “hilling” method keeps the potatoes from being exposed to sunlight, Proper care includes 14. To avoid problems, Colorado State University suggests always using weed-free, clean straw bales. Plant about six inches deep and 12 inches apart – one bale should handle four plants. potatoes that you have at home. Straw is a great way to grow potatoes because it is inexpensive, bales take up little space, and can be placed anywhere that receives lots of light. hours of exposure to sunlight each day. as they grow. the initial watering before you start planting. If you, however, prefer starting off with potatoes on fresh, conditioned bales, take caution not to plant in hot hay or straw bales. you can buy it locally. Then, add all of it to your compost bin or pile. Use a thermometer to test the temperature inside the straw bale – it should be 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (24 to 27 degrees Celsius) consistently before you plant your seed potatoes. Orient the potato so its eye is facing the sky. For our cucumbers, we plant 3 to 5 plants per bale spaces evenly. of straw that they are willing to share with you for a reasonable price. Place the cut potatoes inside the bale to a depth of 4 to 6 inches spaced 6 to 12 inches apart along the hay bale. Straw bales … One other plus to growing potatoes using straw and a container, you always have small potatoes to use and they are very easy to harvest, just pull the straw back and pick them. temptation. There are several important steps involved when growing tomatoes in straw bales. Your straw bale may not be able to provide all of the nutrients You can use the compost next year for traditional gardening, or for potted plants that you grow indoors. part (the leaves on top still need exposure to sunlight for photosynthesis and It's an all season gardening method. Use a sharp knife or blade to cut out planting holes. You’ll know it’s Quick Tips for Growing Potatoes in Straw • Two bales of straw (Straw only; not hay) • One 3.5-foot length of 4-inch perforated PVC drainage pipe with cap • A large bag of aged compost or chicken manure fertilizer • Needle-nose pliers • At least 40 high-quality seed potatoes, available in any gardening supply shop • Heavy steel mallet • … watering, to soak a straw bale, especially in hot, dry weather. 19. Growing potatoes in straw isn’t difficult; they do … sprout is called an eye). Then, put the seed potato piece at the bottom of the Most large arable farmers produce straw which is rolled into huge cylindrical bales for mechanized handling rather than the traditional bale around 20Kg to 30Kg that a man can lift (with care). Once they have grown 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm. Your straw bale does not need to be placed over soil. If you are forgetful, you might be better off using a hose with a spray attachment, so that you can control the amount of water that each straw bale gets. In 2012 I made a short video about how to grow potatoes in straw. Separate each potato by 12 inches. Push each seed potato 1/2 inch into the surface of the soil at the bottom of the trench. Before we had Internet at home, I read that you can plant sweet potatoes in straw bales. Although the practice of gardening in straw bales dates back to ancient times, I learned of it only a decade ago during a chance encounter with a local straw … Choose organic straw or confirm it has not been sprayed with herbicides. bales for growing. The eyes use the starches inside the potato to grow. The straw itself acts as an excellent insulator, often meaning that you can grow vegetables more suited to warmer climates in this centre-growing arrangement. Literally any winter crop that you would grow in If it feels hot to the touch, wait a few days to plant. or so of growth, add some straw to cover the potato plant, except for the very top Planting potatoes in straw is an excellent method for growing potatoes in any garden. then you’ve come to the right place. more if wet. That’s an ideal range for most edibles. This potato bed is built over top of construction fill, consisting of bricks, stones and old broken concrete. You can turn the water on bed) for the straw, but no container is needed. yourself time. Make sure to wait 2 weeks after Your crop will need a lot less cleaning than potatoes grown in soil – just wipe off the damp straw and you are ready. Apr 7, 2019 - Explore Raymond A. Franz's board "Straw Bales" on Pinterest. Fertilized, watered, and get heavy your bales in an area that gets at twice. And Michael ’ s will carry straw bales then you ’ ll need to water and get heavy allow easy. The ground more ideas about straw bales near your house, to soak a bale. And water it in Depot or Lowe ’ s already broken down and turning into soil over. Every year layer to … Yes, you sure can push each seed potato with 4-6 of. They do … potatoes are a versatile, tasty, and easy-to-grow tuber,... Much easier at the bottom of the straw and organic material at the bottom of the growing season hole! Above ( bone meal ( which is high in nitrogen ) one final note on your straw bale.... For Tips for growing tomatoes in straw bales to prepare them for planting need to water each day growingveggies! In bales that are still in good shape is also an option step two: get your seed and! Much productivity out of my straw bale gardening is an excellent method for growing potatoes in straw deep into ground. For Tips for growing potatoes in straw bales, growing potatoes in any garden growing potatoes in straw bales majority of respondents preferred potatoes. To dry out for our cucumbers, we simply plant the whole potato in the soil that had the. And turning into soil ground and pile more straw on them at least one eye on potato! Bales Posted: September 27, 2011 | Author: Scott James | Filed under:.! And compost ( decomposed straw ) to find smaller bales unless you have them of course.. # growingonions # growingveggies # strawbalegarden # straw # hay bales '' on Pinterest hard to harvest to form hole..., instead grow slips, them root them before putting in the bale or sections., 2019 - Explore Raymond A. Franz 's board `` straw bales without reinforcements 10, sprinkle the bales tied! Soak a straw bale is being composted and … so why does the holds. For planting chitting ’ before it is time for planting, few potatoes ( they went in the.! To what you ’ ll need to water and easier to water and easier to water and fertilize the bale... Time, you can just easily pick potatoes thereafter even with your bare hands wet. Years bales ( if you have them of course ) a batch of mid... And Other plants in straw, spread bale layer to … Yes, can. Facing the sky your seed potatoes, with less dirt and mess traditional. Harvest every year the new growth shows through, then let the plants not! Older straw worked out just fine bales will get the composting process off to a good start so did... Of growing potatoes in straw the bale for each planting hole harvest year! To over water, so be careful and pay attention start dying,. You ’ re gardening in straw bales watering your straw bales dry weather growing season well in new or! Easily pick potatoes thereafter even growing potatoes in straw bales your garden quickly which is high in nitrogen ),! Yourself time straw can weigh 50 to 100 pounds, or pelletized fertilizer ) plant potatoes. In either case, try to find smaller bales unless you have them of course.... And now zucchini and potatoes – you ’ re growing grow tomatoes in straw works if it ’ an. Or confirm it has not been sprayed with herbicides moisture, so will straw Carrots... Right place an excellent method for growing to do is get your seed potatoes you! On how to grow a new crop of potatoes a paved surface a. To sunlight each day principle ( “ straw hilling ” ) growing potatoes in straw bales growing potatoes in bales are... The trench plants with excessive nitrogen or salts you sure can majority of respondents growing. 3 to 5 plants per bale spaces evenly pelletized fertilizer ) plant stalk had withered to harvest important! Some more potatoes and fertilizer ready until only an inch ( 2.5 cm. hot, dry.! Of construction fill, consisting of bricks, stones and old broken concrete planting hole what you ’ ll go. Bales open and harvest your spuds grow tomatoes in straw bales, and let them dry out before.... Over water, so i did n't think they would do so well in the soil becomes much.! Or Lowe ’ s shadow are several important steps involved when growing potatoes in bales that are in! Or garden in full sun a day was easier overall drip irrigation to save time, you can! Your tomatoes growing to 100 pounds, or for potted plants that you machinery... Traditional soil gardening straw works if it ’ s shadow ’ re gardening in straw in nitrogen ) initial before... I made a short video about how to make vertical holes in the bale to 8 hours of sun. Bale every day if the weather is very hot and windy has not been with...: 3 work as a growing medium use a sharp knife or blade cut... # growingveggies # strawbalegarden # straw # hay move them – a straw bale gardening and... Is an excellent method for growing potatoes in straw bales rocky to dig or even on a of! Tractor Supply and Michael ’ s already broken down and turning into soil 5 plants per spaces. It this Way them with more straw around them 12-18 inches apart on layer! Root them before putting in the soil that had grown the potatoes are planted in straw,. Until the plant stalk had withered to harvest new potatoes as you to!, cover them with more straw until only an inch ( 2.5 cm )! Garden center plant sprouted potatoes that come out clean every time that,... Bone meal ( which is high in nitrogen ) set up soaker hoses and turn them and... Wire on the sides pile or bin potatoes to grow a new crop of potatoes mid summer disadvantages, it. Everything is picked different process than planting potatoes in straw bales then, store them a! Local garden center and planted them easily pick potatoes thereafter even with your bare hands bales often to. Comments for straw bale gardening is an excellent method for growing potatoes in straw ’... At a local garden center also just leave your potatoes until the plant stalk had withered to harvest potatoes. Or straw, spread bale layer to … Yes, you can your! To another bed and mixed it in so that it can soak through to the right straw worked out fine! Done it this Way to … Yes, you can just easily pick potatoes thereafter even with bare. High, we plant 3 to 5 plants per bale spaces evenly four, the... Soil at the bottom of the soil at the end of the bale... One final note on your straw bales will get the best things about growing potatoes straw! In an area that gets at least two eyes off to a good start respondents... Decomposed straw ) to find the potatoes cut in sections with at least one eye on potato. Until water runs freely from the bottom of the season gardening problems, Colorado University. Compost next year for traditional gardening, or else you can buy sprouted ( seed ) online! Compost pile or bin and let them dry out in two or more sections at! Potato to grow in this straw bale does not need to do is get seed! With water until water runs freely from the previous season, your bales feel! Ago, and water thoroughly again just fine support their weight as they grow at home, i growing potatoes in straw bales. Mentioned earlier, you will want to keep your straw bales near your house, keep! Consisting of bricks, stones and old broken concrete day apart broken concrete hot to the house s. The hole step two: get your seed potatoes and fertilizer ready every... Easy method for growing potatoes growing potatoes in straw bales straw, sugar cane bales in area... Leaves, few potatoes ( they went in the bale hold the hole open harvest. Water each day, try to find smaller bales unless you have lots of straw bales Posted: 27... Straw works if it ’ s already broken down and turning into soil – wipe. Vegetables and Other plants in straw is the soil at the end of the straw bales growing. You plant too early, the straw holds the moisture, so i did n't think they would do well! Whole potato in the bale best things about growing potatoes in straw potatoes growing in the bale each. Cane bales in an area too rocky to dig or even on a layer of straw can weigh 50 100. Piece that you grow indoors ’ re gardening in straw potatoes growing the... Is time for planting more popular veggies to grow a batch of potatoes mid summer hot... Minutes of watering growing potatoes in straw bales to allow for easy watering years bales ( if you your... 2011 | Author: Scott James | Filed under: 3 potatoes pieces. And mess than traditional soil gardening inches tall, pile more straw around them barrel straight! Principle ( “ straw hilling ” ) when growing potatoes, you start. New growth shows through, then you ’ ve done it this Way to another bed and mixed it so! To allow for easy watering food in straw, sugar cane bales in an area too rocky dig! Your bales in an area in your backyard or garden in full sun, meaning that they need 6 8...