Like many small farm families in NJ's Agricultural mosaic, our farm operation is one element of our day to day. The family also works off the farm and balancing it all leaves little time for tending a robust traditional summer garden. Believe me we've tried-but somehow the weeds,watering and time needed to care for the plants just can't be found. We know that's true for many folks outside of the farming community as well-so we're excited to see if these "alternative gardening" ideas can actually perform to the standards of cutting labor, time and effort while still producing enough for our table and for sharing with a neighbor in need.
So with great enthusiasm, armed with a ton of research and a little help from our farmer friends we were ready.
We couldn't resist the urge to begin our alternative gardening experiment - perhaps a bit earlier (mid May) than was wise. An unusual late season frost had us carrying our container pots in and out of the garage to protect the tender plants from damage. Those in the know also suggested putting a light cover over early plantings that were in established garden beds. Their sage advice helped protect our project from serious set backs- Our thanks to the local farmers for their expert advice and support in this effort!
LESSON 1: KNOW YOUR ZONE
Sussex County NJ is a zone 6 planting area. We're told the threat of frost passed by the end of May- so Memorial Day weekend we'll be hosting a "planting party" and finishing off our edible landscape integrations. Before you begin any planting project, know your planting zone-then check out what plants thrive in that zone environment. Spoil and air temperature affect a plant's health and growth. Short growing seasons call for plants with shorter maturity times-this avoids a lot of disappointment in the garden and provides second opportunity to add cool season crops like peas, cabbage and lettuce back into your garden.
USING STRAW BALES as a garden medium.
We've elected to try out gardening in 2 straw bales and have chosen a spot in the front garden beds. These beds are traditionally filled with flowers (and a few too many weeds). The height of the straw bales adds some interest to the garden space. The veggies that will be planted in them will add some variety (and a snack factor-which makes for a delightful treat when weeding!)
LESSON 2: WHAT TO (and NOT) To USE
To establish a straw bale garden you will need to acquire...a bale of straw! But not all straw is made equally. Straw is made from harvesting grain plants such as oats or wheat. Though a few residual grain seeds may sprout up on your straw bale- they are easy to remove.
*DO NOT USE MULCH HAY for bale gardening- the field seeds will sprout creating a weeding issue.
HITTING THE RIGHT SPOT
Once you've purchased your straw bales, you will need to choose a location that offers plenty of sunlight for the plants you'll be selecting. Veggies usually do best with 6 hours of sunlight.
LESSON 3: Wet bales are almost impossible to move so choose your location wisely-your bale garden will be staying put for awhile. Straw bales will last for one to two planting seasons before turning to mulch- which can then be added to other garden spots to enrich the soil.
CHOOSING THE PLANTS
We purchase locally grown plants from local growers. Farmers and nurserymen have tended the seedlings and carefully produce the healthiest, hardiest young plants for their customers. Their knowledge and expertise is a benefit and helpful advantage to the novice gardener(and we'll take all the advantage we can get).
HOW TO POSITION THE STRAW BALE
Lay out your straw bale configuration and be sure the baling twine isn't touching the ground. This will keep the twine from decaying too quickly but also positions the flakes of straw in a manner that makes it easier to insert the plants.
SEASONING THE BALE
Once your bales are in place begin a 7 day wetting program. Saturate your straw bales with water once daily. This will start up the biological process that breaks down the straw (and feeds your plants). The bale will "heat up" at the beginning of the process but will then cool and be ready to welcome the plants.
Shepherd's Cove is now in day 6 of the wetting program and looking forward to the next step- selecting and planting our veggies!
Two straw bales have been added to the front garden area which gets plenty of sunshine. The bales have been seasoned by watering daily for 7 days- they will soon be top dressed and ready for planting.
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