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Gardening

MiHale

(11,096 posts)

20. Trying something on the bales this winter...

Reply to NewHendoLib (Reply #19)

Sun Jan 19, 2025, 11:20 AM

Jan 19

Last spring one of my new bales that I set up and wintered over had a terrible time thawing out. Location was the biggest problem not enough early spring sun. So we changed location to a more favorable spot. All good. Then, maybe over thinking things a bit I wrapped the bales in old ground cover to hope the sun warms the bales as early as possible. I don’t plan on leaving it on during the summer because it could heat the bale way too much.

I’ve been looking at tons of videos on YouTube haven’t seen anyone doing it. Any foreseeable problems?
Northern Michigan growing zone 5a

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NewHendoLib

24 replies

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Highlight:

Let's kick this form into action. What are you planning to grow in your 2025 garden? [View all] NewHendoLib Jan 18 OP

An excellent and most timely question. Turbineguy Jan 18 #1

I really want to get this form active - focusing on healthy pursuits will help us through the next 4 years! NewHendoLib Jan 18 #2

So, we have not gardened in a few years because of two reasons drray23 Jan 18 #3

Howdy - some thoughts below. NewHendoLib Jan 18 #4

Pineapples, bananas, papayas, and coconuts. sinkingfeeling Jan 18 #5

clearly, you and I have very different growing conditions! NewHendoLib Jan 18 #6

In addition to the standards Shambala Jan 18 #7

Yes!...already been planning... MiHale Jan 18 #8

this all sounds great. I've really gone all in on straw bales - they really excel for me. NewHendoLib Jan 19 #19

Trying something on the bales this winter... MiHale Jan 19 #20

Last year, because we anticipated watering issues at a NewHendoLib Jan 19 #21

👍Thanks MiHale Jan 19 #22

A little earlier than I usually start planning. GardenGnome Jan 18 #9

sounds great. Yes, I always feel better when pondering gardening in winter. NewHendoLib Jan 19 #18

Just watched one of your presentations regarding container and straw bale gardening drray23 Jan 18 #10

Pine straw doesn't really break down quickly enough, and repels water - hence the wheat straw. I've not tried NewHendoLib Jan 19 #17

I just planted broccoli and tomatoes under my grow lights. scipan Jan 18 #11

key with broccoli - doesn't like its growth checked by weather changes NewHendoLib Jan 19 #16

Ewwww. Another reason to keep them inside. scipan Jan 19 #23

Let us know how it does. NewHendoLib Jan 19 #24

I discovered stock tanks Keepthesoulalive Jan 18 #12

I really like Jimmy Nardello - what a pepper machine! Growing in containers is also a joy. NewHendoLib Jan 19 #15

allll the things. MissB Jan 18 #13

this all sounds great. My gardens are now decreasing a bit in size as my age increases! NewHendoLib Jan 19 #14