Kickstart a Weed-Free Straw Bale Garden

Straw bales are the perfect way to create extra growing space and raise amazing crops, weed free.

Do you struggle with poor quality soil? Wage a never-ending war with weeds? Or do you simply want an instant, fuss-free vegetable bed?

In this video, Ben demonstrates the essential techniques required to grow successfully in straw bales, including a look at the plants he grew in straw bales last season.

If you love growing your own food, why not take a look at our online Garden Planner which is available from several major websites and seed suppliers:
and many more...

[PinballPreparedness]

Use urine to condition the bales. Its free and abundant. Pee on the bales or save it in a jar.

[daisygurl]

This is my third year using straw bales in concert with my raised beds. One of the best things about this method is the ease in harvesting. No bending over. I also plant vining flowers like Black-eyed Susan vine or nasturtium in the bales to add a decorative touch. Garden on!

[tpcard]

I have used strawbales for 5 years and plant tomatoes - I have wonderful harvest. Love the concept.

[shawnabullock]

A great idea if you can find cereal crop straw that has not been treated with herbicide. Glyphosate dessication is common practice in cereal crop farming in Canada.

[YourMom-kgtb]

I absolutely love this growing method. I did it for 4 years strait because my ground was hard, compacted, and had no life in it. This year the soil is beautiful, and dark because of the composted straw bales. You can also plant into 2nd year bales. I also had great success with a 3rd year bale, though I wouldn't normally expect them to last that long. If you are starting a new garden, or looking to enrich your garden soil, definitely give this a try. Awesome content! Thank you GrowVeg!

[LadyLovelyLox]

I totally didn’t see those bales fitting into your vehicle! I stand corrected.... 😂

[ewkelch]

Oh my gosh! I had no idea why my attempts at potatoes in straw bales were so unproductive. Now I know. Thank you -- I'm excited to try conditioning them first.

[danilueloo]

I have a few straw bales sitting in my barn for the last few years, I guess I will dig them out and start them off with fertilizer. I read in the book that urine is great for Nitrogen. It is free and very readily available. Using a "hat" made for the toilet to catch urine is a great way to do that. They can be found in medical supply places. I also looked at my Greenhouse Journal to see when I started my pepper and tomato seeds in a warming tray and it was March 10th last year. Time to clean up the greenhouse and get going!! Happy Gardening!!

[ruthhoward]

I’m so inspired!!! My poor soil made the garden a struggle last year. I think this might work! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[DeadGirl_]

I had a bale of hay in a paddock and one day I came out to it steaming 😮 turns out the goat kids wee'd and poo'd on top of it and it started to compost 😂

[wyattkloppers]

I love your garden and your vids i have been watching your channel for 3 years now keep up the good work

[exploreraa]

1:36 Pro Tip: use a large leaf bag and bag the bale, or even an old sheet or a tarp to protect you car's carpeting from the hay. It can be a real bugger to rid the car of straw pieces.

[marksallotmentplot]

Great video Ben. Really like the way you break up the bales at the end of the season and the get used elsewhere 👍

[marywickersham]

Absolutely love your videos. I'm trying cardboard covering this year and was going to do straw bales at the end of my raised beds. After watching this video, I would not have done ANY of the prep work and probably would have failed horribly. I can't wait to try this and plan on planting tomatoes and maybe a melon or two. Thank you so much!!!

[tess]

Great video! Mother's day (US) is coming, let's see if I get your book as a gift! You (and your team) are truly inspirational to novice gardeners!

[John-gjdb]

Absolutely brilliant! What a fantastic idea 💡

[robbyrabbit]

I look forward to trying this with peppers, potatoes, and tomatoes.

[TAMSTERMAN]

I’ve watched many of your videos but never come across this as regards different vegetables (only potatoes and straw bale houses!) brilliant I hope to try this in the near future. Keep up sharing the positive education as many appreciate it. Cheers

[scooterlovya]

1:27 I wouldn't imagine him driving anything less...hehe

[patjoyce]

I like the idea, novel. I have just bought 2 bales of horse bedding ryegrass. I was going to use it as a mulch over potato pots and around strawberries, but so far I've chickened out because I'm the new boy on my allotment and I'm worried that the straw will blow around annoying other more experienced allotmenteers. But you've set me thinking...