Book Review – Straw Bale Gardens

Joel Karsten’s book on this breakthrough method of gardening is well written, informative, and beautifully illustrated.

As a veteran veggie gardener , I am always look for way to ameliorate my horticulture acquisition and technique . I ’ve always been very open to learning Modern method acting , especially if they can bring through me meter and effort ( not to mention money and H2O ) . instance in dot was my find of a very clever and advanced elbow room of gardening calledstraw bale horticulture . It point to solve many challenges today ’s home nurseryman face : sorry soil , weeds , a forgetful growing season , watering problems , modified garden space , and even strong-arm difficulty working at undercoat level . The construct could n’t be simpler : all you need is a few bales of straw , some fertilizer , and some seeds or plant life , and you may create a gage - free veggie garden anywhere .

Although straw Basle horticulture is say to appointment back to the ancientEgyptiansandAztecs , it has only latterly gained awareness and popularity . Straw Bale Gardens , by Joel Karsten , is astep - by - step usher offering all the information you postulate to make your own straw bale garden today . Joel is an author and garden expert , and is hear as a pioneer of this innovative horticulture method acting .

In unretentive , this book is well write , informative , elaborate , and attractively exemplify . One of the things I like about this record is that Joel present instructions for both constitutive and traditional gardeners and is objective in his watching regarding either method .

The book starts out with a history of how the source got started in chaff Basel horticulture , follow by some of his favored good example sent in by fellow gardeners . As I just observe , the book is illustrated with beautiful picture taking , somewhat of a requirement in a good horticulture book . A basic chapter on straw follows .

Conditioning , the process of starting the composting unconscious process internally , is the of the essence part of get in a straw bale . This chapter establish step by footprint ; or should I say Clarence Shepard Day Jr. by mean solar day , how to train your Basle for planting . I especially like the board at the end of the chapter that concentrate the information for quick computer address .

Now it ’s clip to plant your seeds and seedlings . This chapter again greatly and easily establish how to do this . A sidebar about have your own paper towel seeded player tape is a nice addition .

The wire trellis setup discussed in an earlier chapter has an additional intent – a greenhouse . Yep , you may protect your plants well from the frigidity in a straw bale row .

Chapters on growing and harvest follow . I was blown out by what can in reality be grown in a straw bale , and how much easier crops such as potatoes and carrots will be to harvest .

After a short chapter on composting the bales in a DIY bin , a FAQ ( often asked questions ) plane section answer many of the more common questions the author has gotten in his talk and shop . The book conclude with a very informative industrial plant profile inclination .

Whether it ’s seedling or come , veggie or flowers , there is practically no terminus ad quem to the plant varieties that you could acquire in a straw bale garden . Karsten ’s book shows you how to do it in an easy - to - succeed and beautifully - illustrated way . My ‘ experimental Basle ’ has been pose up and planted and I am face forward to how well it does this summertime .

The book is published by Cool Springs Press . It is useable through the author ’s website , strawbalegardens.com($20.00 ) and Amazon ( starting at $ 12 ) .

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