"Consider the humble bale of straw. Think beyond its reputation as a Halloween decoration and picture it as a productive part of your garden. The concept is simple: As the straw begins to break down, it turns into a rich, compostable planter that's ideal for growing vegetables.
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-bale guru, Kent Rogers.
When my publisher asked me to write about straw-bale gardening, I tested the techniques in my own gardens and was quite impressed with the results.
Benefits of bales
The ability to place an instant garden wherever the sun shines
A way to avoid poorly draining, hard-to-work or diseased soil
A far less laborious gardening experience, eliminating digging and weeding"
Photo Credit: Joan Porter