by Andree Niswander
Reporter
Hudson -- It's a growing trend in horticulture, and "hay bale gardening" has taken root right here.
With 30 bales lining his back yard, Hudson resident Jimmy Finley decided to try his hand at the unconventional planting method. A traditional garden still has its place in the plot, but summer hay bale plans already are well under way for the planting enthusiast.
After thoroughly researching the bale-rooted gardening method, he said, "it seemed like something I wanted to try."
Although commonly referred to as hay bale gardening, wheat or oat straw bales typically are used, as they are less likely to contain weeds than hay.
Bales first should be situated in a full sun formation, with twine and wire ties kept in tact. Since bales may be used two seasons, synthetic twine can be used to provide the most durable binding.
For optimum root penetration and plant growth throughout gardening months, bales should be placed with strings wrapped horizontally and straws set vertically.
The next step is hydration, the key to successful hay bale gardening. A form of hydroponics, the hay bale is like a sponge, Finley said, "and you can't let them dry out, or your crop just does not work."
Before planting, there is a 12-day process necessary for hay bale gardening. While watering the bales twice per day, fertilize them every other day for six days with one-half cup each of a high nitrogen fertilizer.
Continue to water the straw for a few more days, then apply three to four inches of 50/50 topsoil and mushroom compost atop bales. Water the soil with a fine spray, and let it rest for one day.
Working with the bales is much easier than working on a traditional garden, said Finley.
"You're putting your garden at eye level," he said. "You can see your progress, you can weed it a lot easier and harvest easier."
With no rototilling and less weeding, hay bale gardening is less labor-intensive. An elevated garden is less likely to be vandalized by vermin than its traditional, ground-level counterpart, said Finley.
Although corn is too tall due to its bale-toppling capabilities, a wide range of vegetables, annual herbs and flowers can be grown the hay bale way; from parsley, cilantro and basil to melons, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and green beans. Root crops -- such as carrots and onions -- typically do not thrive in bales.
Finley has plans for 75 tomato plants, placed at two per bale. With 20 pepper plants, he'll plant four to a bale. His elevated planting also will include zucchini squash, spaghetti squash and asparagus.
Until harvest, two-per-day waterings are recommended, as is occasional fertilization with nutritional values of nitrogen 10, phosphorus 10 and potassium 10.
Harvest times won't likely be accelerated, but hay bale gardening, "may yield higher output of crops," said Finley.
Potentially more expensive than in-ground gardening, straw bales can cost a few dollars each at area garden centers. But with the ease of maintenance, the local gardener's experiment already is worth the additional expense, he said.
"It's just easier to maintain," said Finley.
E-mail: aniswander@recordpub.com
Phone: 330-686-3947