My wife and I have just started Strawbale gardening. We've had no luck with containers and trying to plant in the ground results in a back ache and bent shovels.
We've got our bales soaking and are three days into ammonium nirtrate. Well, the side of the bales have this weird foam and black streaks. Normal? Good?
Here's one with the black streaks. We did get a good bit of rain last night. Is it just run off from the AN? We also started with Blood meal, but it was $9 for 5 lbs vs $18 or 50 lbs
Chris: 1st off, welcome aboard!
With this heat, you can stop using any nitrogen additives to the bales. They will prepare themselves naturally.
I haven't used any nitrogen on my bales for 2 years.
Just keep'em good and moist, but not drowned.
I'd say the discoloration was just from the bales themselves as they start decomposing.
You're doing fine.
Kent
Thanks.
We planted tomatoes, peppers, squash and cukes last night and the bales were nice and composty(is that a word) about 2" inside the bale. So I guess they baked well.
Good deal.
Keep us updated on your progress.
