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· 363 ratings · 41 reviews

Start your review of Straw Bale Gardens Complete: Breakthrough Vegetable Gardening Method

Jan 05, 2021 Asheley T. rated it it was amazing

Last year I had a container garden and it was nice, but not as successful and fun as my previous straw bale gardens. So this year, I'm going back to SBG. I went ahead and reread this cover-to-cover as a refresher. It felt great to plan out some dates for conditioning my straw bales, planting seeds, and transferring young plants.

I'm ITCHING to get some plants in the ground!! SBG isn't the proverbial "putting my hands in the dirt" but I'm telling you, once you condition the bales and start gettin

I'm ITCHING to get some plants in the ground!! SBG isn't the proverbial "putting my hands in the dirt" but I'm telling you, once you condition the bales and start getting good breakdown on the inside, it is so satisfying *chefs kiss*

This is a fantastic gardening method for people who rent, who have imperfect soil, and even for those that have back or neck problems, as there isn't really much bending or kneeling since the tops of the bales are above the level of the ground. And the yields are beautiful!!

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I would give this book 5 stars for the quality of instructions and photographs, but can only give it 2 for me personally (which goodreads says is the rating for "it was okay") for several reasons.

Firstly, I garden organically and if you buy straw bales you are buying the harvested grasses from farmers that have probably been doused with Roundup and any number of other toxic herbicides. Indeed, farmers often kill it all and then mow and bale it. They don't worry about pesticides/herbicides because people buy it for other purposes like to feed livestock, use for decorations, or use as mulch to suppress weeds. As someone who grows vegetables for my family to eat, I care very much if the growing medium is filled with toxins.

Secondly, some straw may actually kill your plants because of what it's treated with. See this article from Grow Network about that. https://thegrownetwork.com/hidden-dan...

Thirdly, I garden economically and don't want to have to spend a lot of money on things like potting soil, fertlizer and soaker hoses, which are recommended because of the nature of raised straw bed gardening. And fourthly and finally, I just like a more natural look to my gardens and I enjoy old school gardening.

If you're looking for information about straw bale gardening and want to see lots of examples of it in action, this will definitely be a great guide. You may want to research the issue yourself before going that route though, especially if you want to grow organic food.

I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for the purpose of review.

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Feb 16, 2019 Sahara rated it it was ok

Lots of information. Tried it here in the PNW. Only moderate results. Tomatoes did okay, but not better than in soil, onions and leeks didn't do at all. Peppers did not do as well as in soil. Won't likely do it again. Lots of information. Tried it here in the PNW. Only moderate results. Tomatoes did okay, but not better than in soil, onions and leeks didn't do at all. Peppers did not do as well as in soil. Won't likely do it again. ...more

Feb 04, 2019 Sarah Wade rated it it was amazing

This method was briefly mentioned in a gardening class and I immediately wanted more information. Before the class ended I had bought the book, thanks to Amazon. When it came in the mail I read it cover to cover. I am SO excited to try this! It's only February but I'm already making mental plans for my first Straw Bale Garden!

The author does an excellent job of describing each step and ways to save money while you are doing it. He mentions that he doesnt endorse specific products and you actual

The author does an excellent job of describing each step and ways to save money while you are doing it. He mentions that he doesnt endorse specific products and you actually feel his honesty throughout the book. I just really appreciated that (it's so rare nowadays!) I feel the book is comprehensive and if you follow his steps, your garden should be great. "Garden smarter, not harder" rings true here.

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I appreciate the opportunity from NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy of Straw Bale Gardens Complete, Updated Edition in exchange for my honest review.

I am so excited for this book to be released in March! I have always struggled to grow a garden due to clay-heavy soil, but want to eat fresh, non-GMO foods. This book provides the answers to my problem. Karsten shows not only how to create a functional, weed-free garden made of straw bales, but also an aesthetically pleasing garden as well. The book contains detailed chapters from preparation of bales to harvesting and beyond. I will definitely be pre-ordering this one!

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Jun 25, 2018 Brandy rated it it was amazing

This book was interesting to read and has good gardening advice. The instructions were easy to follow and I found the estimated price of completing his projects to be right on. I also enjoyed the example photos from other gardeners practicing his methods. I'm doing my fall gardening in straw bales to give his methods a test run for spring 2019.

Mar 11, 2017 B Zimp rated it really liked it

I really like the idea of planting directly into a straw bale and found the advice contained in the book helpful and well laid out. The author is such an expert, that he occasional comes off condescending, as the repeated errors and questions new gardeners make appear annoying to him.

Can't wait for spring.

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This book told me everything I needed to know when contemplating and planning a straw bale garden. The many pictures and considerations for various user needs and situations was particularly helpful. This was a great idea book. I was able to successfully sprout and grow young greens, setting up with materials I mostly had on hand already.

I did find this type of gardening not so well adapted to the dry and windy environment I live in, but that is not the fault of the book. I would definitely att

I did find this type of gardening not so well adapted to the dry and windy environment I live in, but that is not the fault of the book. I would definitely attempt these straw bale gardening methods again in more humid parts of the country and where straw bales are in abundance.

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I received a DIGITAL Advance Reader Copy of this book from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

From the publisher, as I do not regurgitate the contents or story of books in reviews, I let them do it.

I received a DIGITAL Advance Reader Copy of this book from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

From the publisher, as I do not regurgitate the contents or story of books in reviews, I let them do it.

This new edition of Straw Bale Gardens Complete is the only book you need to get started with the revolutionary gardening method that has taken the world by storm. Written by Joel Karsten, the originator of Straw Bale Gardening, this exciting update contains detailed, start-to-finish instructions for growing vegetables in straw anywhere, plus many new ideas and projects to help you enjoy your straw bale experience even more.

Whatever your gardening challenge, Straw Bale Gardening holds the solution. Have a small or unusual space? Straw Bale Gardening is perfect for urban, rooftop, and balcony gardens. Contaminated soil? Planting in straw bales eliminates the problem. Are you inundated by weeds? With straw bales, there is no weeding. The advantages of growing a Straw Bale Garden go on and on: they require 75 per cent less labour, their raised height makes planting easier, they extend the growing season, prevent disease and insect issues, are portable, hold water well but are impossible to overwater, they create excellent compost, and can be grown 100 per cent organically.

Among the new subjects:
Cultivating mushrooms in straw and straw bales
How to grow plants in hay bales (and how to tell the difference between hay and straw)
Tips and ideas for making your straw bale garden more attractive, how to make a cold frame with straw bales
Trellising projects for growing vertically
And much more!!!

Assure your success with Straw Bale Gardening with instructions and advice direct from the inventor of the method.

I had zero, ZERO idea that you could grow a garden on straw bales ... what an amazing idea! As an urban gardener, this is a great way to grow things on your balcony without the need to bring soil up on an elevator. The instructions are clear and concise and it would be an amazing project to bring on --- in fact, give a book to anyone in an apartment or condo to grow things on.

As always, I try to find a reason to not rate with stars as I love emojis (outside of their incessant use on Instagram and Twitter) so let's give it 🍅🍅🍅🍅🍅

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Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Straw Bale Gardens is a how to guide and manual for using straw bales to make temporary raised beds for vegetable and flower gardening. The first edition was published in 2015 and this updated re-release from Quarto on their Cool Springs imprint is due out 26th March 2019, it's 208 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats. This edition is updated with further info on growing non-mainstream crops such as mushroom as well as some improv

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

The book progresses more or less over a growing season. The introduction covers the fundamental techniques and an overview of what SBG is, and the theory behind the philosophy. The following chapters cover planning and execution, watering, planting, growing, harvesting, and using the compost from the broken down bales. There's also a chapter of plant profiles with ideas for planting and growing individual herbs and vegetables.

The index section includes a short resource list (slanted toward North American readers, but not a problem since readers in other areas can easily source the same or comparable materials online), an English/metric converter (including °F - °C), photo credits list, and a short author bio.

The photography is clear and illustrates and supports the text very well. There is a lot of good information here. I am looking forward to incorporating some of these ideas into my vegetable and herb garden this year.

Five stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes

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As someone who has spent a lot of time reading gardening books over the last two years, I was pretty hopeful about Straw Bale Gardens Complete. Being able to grow food in our yard seemed amazing, especially in areas where we have lots of concrete or by our deck. After going through the book, it is easy to see why so many people are excited about straw bale gardening. While it does take some work to get set up, it makes taking care of your garden so much easier and it great for gardeners of all e As someone who has spent a lot of time reading gardening books over the last two years, I was pretty hopeful about Straw Bale Gardens Complete. Being able to grow food in our yard seemed amazing, especially in areas where we have lots of concrete or by our deck. After going through the book, it is easy to see why so many people are excited about straw bale gardening. While it does take some work to get set up, it makes taking care of your garden so much easier and it great for gardeners of all experience levels. What makes the book even better is all the wonderful step by step instructions, pictures, and straight to the point advice. It is also very easy to incorporate organic gardening, making it a great idea of anyone living a natural lifestyle. After going through this book, I highly recommend Straw Bale Gardens Complete: Breakthrough Method for Growing Vegetables Anywhere, Earlier and with No Weeding to anyone who is wanting to take their gardening to the next level without dealing with weeds! ...more

Nov 05, 2018 J. rated it really liked it

I grew tomatoes and eggplants in two bales using this method this summer. Things I learned- if you don't prep by his method with tons of fertilizer, you'll be adding fertilizer all summer long. And #2, I only had to water once a week in the height of the usual drought weather. I bought 40 bales this fall to prep for next spring and I'll be trying all my annual veggies using this method. If I fail, at least I'll have a ton of compost to fill my raised beds.

I've read the original book and the newe

I've read the original book and the newest updated version. Things I liked in the updated version are how to make your own bales of waste material (like a mini- hugelkultur bale). Missing from the updated version was a longer story of how he got started and instead focuses on developments and what he's learned since publishing the original book.

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Simple is good.

I've tended a square foot garden for many years and thought straw bale gardening intriguing, especially since my sister-in-law had a phenomenal garden last year in her straw bales. The instructions given are wonderfully clear and sensible. The only question not seemingly answered was whether the bales would hold enough water in California's Central Valley where temperatures sustain over 98 degrees for a month at a time and water is reserved for cities and people, not food. The met

Simple is good.

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Apr 20, 2020 Kathy rated it liked it

An interesting gardening technique that I might just have to try (first, I need to track down some straw bales!)! Since I am familiar with, and have used, Ruth Stout's tenets about using a lot of mulch, etc. for gardening, this seems to be a related concept and would fix a few of the problems I've encountered.

Recommended. As I get older, the idea that the garden would be raised above the ground appeals to my knees!

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May 04, 2020 Machon N Ross rated it it was amazing

Wanted to learn about straw bale gardening and this is the "go to" book. All the pictures and diagrams made it easy for a newbie to this concept. I will say all this information can be found online but getting it directly from the source was best. I've looked at the book several times since I've started my garden. The process does work, one month in my garden is growing great. Follow the directions and you will get plants to grow in straw.

Interested to try this out

We recently had some large ornamental trees taken down due to age and crowding. I have a lot of space I don't know how the sun is going to impact, and plans to plant replacements in the fall. What's a gardener to do but look into temporary planting structures that help generate compost to help break down the material left in the ground? I'm excited to give this a go once my back yard isn't covered by snow.

Interested to try this out

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Mar 17, 2019 Gail Richmond rated it it was amazing

Gréât designs and photos of the start to finish process. If you are into gardening and saving water and space, check out Joel Karsten's book. Useful ideas that can be adapted to almost every situation

Not sure how many stars to give this book since I haven't tested the method yet, but I'm very excited to try it next year. I like the idea of starting plants early in their beds and having raised beds without building more garden boxes. Not sure how many stars to give this book since I haven't tested the method yet, but I'm very excited to try it next year. I like the idea of starting plants early in their beds and having raised beds without building more garden boxes. ...more

Most of this book is a guide for new gardeners. The part about using straw bales is interesting, but doesn't take many pages to describe. If you're an experienced gardener, there are a few summary charts that will tell you all you need to know. Most of this book is a guide for new gardeners. The part about using straw bales is interesting, but doesn't take many pages to describe. If you're an experienced gardener, there are a few summary charts that will tell you all you need to know. ...more

Apr 05, 2020 Courtney rated it really liked it

Very thorough and detailed education into all aspects of planting a garden in straw bales. It does seem to be focused primarily on growing in northern climates, but the tenets are explained well enough as to leave room for experimentation elsewhere.

Aug 18, 2018 Christina rated it really liked it

Straight-forward and accessible. Packed with nice photos, too. Inspirational.

Interesting way to garden. Seems like a lot of work, but if it really does keep the weeds out, it would be worth it...

This method really worked so well that qe're doing it for a second year in 2021.Fun! This method really worked so well that qe're doing it for a second year in 2021.Fun! ...more

Feb 24, 2015 Betsy rated it it was amazing

This is the most AMAZING & INSPIRING Vegetable Gardening book I have ever read!

As a seasoned vegetable gardener, I've planted soil crops for years. Imagine my delight to learn that Straw Bale Gardening could save me time and energy for the majority of the crops I already grow!

Straw Bale Gardens offers a solution to my least favorite gardening chore: Weeding the vegetable gardening (especially in the sweltering summer heat!) The straw bale is the container plants grow upon and inside, resulting

This is the most AMAZING & INSPIRING Vegetable Gardening book I have ever read!

As a seasoned vegetable gardener, I've planted soil crops for years. Imagine my delight to learn that Straw Bale Gardening could save me time and energy for the majority of the crops I already grow!

The fact that the staw bales are elevated, reduces the stooping and bending involved in the gardening process!

Like regular gardening, the bales do need sunshine, yet by bypassing the soil of mother earth to work their magic, the bales can be situated over tree roots/concrete/poor soils and other problematic planting mediums and locations. Also, no rototilling, pitchforks, shovels, hoes or other large tools/heavy gardening machines are required with this methodology! (Though straw bales are weighty.)

I have already selected the three bale garden, illustrated in this book, to be the heart of my straw bale garden. It's structure consists of two steel fence posts, with wire stretched between the posts to form the lattice network for vining crops. Once in place, this basic structure will last for years. My husband and I can easily follow the instructions outlined for construction. We'll only need to bring in straw bales or add reconstituted bales each new planting season. The cost is very reasonable.

I consider this a Must Read for vegetable gardeners everywhere! And, this book is full of new, interesting, useful and fun facts!

I was fortunate to receive this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

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Feb 11, 2016 Anne rated it really liked it

The author tells the story of how he invented the concept of straw bale gardening. The usual how-to chapters about how to select bales, how to condition bales, and what to grow. The section with overviews of individual vegetables seems brief, just skimming the surface. But there are plenty of books with info about different vegetables. If you want a book that has a more in depth treatment of how individual vegetable families fit with straw bale gardening, read John Tullock's Idiot's Guide.

The st

The strength of this book is in the illustrations. It is liberally seeded with pictures and well-done color drawings of gardens in all stages of preparation and growth. There are pages with garden layouts grouped by number of bales, by season, or by theme. Lists of suggested vegetable combinations and planting spacing are included.

Illustrations and descriptions of home built trellises, and even a device to make your own bales from yard waste are very informative. Two other unique tips that I appreciated were the instructions on making your own seed sheets to space seeds and give them some support when direct seeding on bales, and the suggestion for how to reclaim run off water from your bale garden.

I am teetering between 3 or 4 stars on this book. I appreciated the good things I mentioned above, but didn't find the coverage as complete and well-rounded as I want in a reference book to add to my gardening library. For reference I think Tullock's book is better, but this book is a definite borrow from the library read.

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Dec 11, 2016 Audrey rated it it was amazing

Wow! I have kept raised-bed gardens for several years, and a compost barrel for a few years. Two years ago we bought a house though, which happens to be on a hill that has absolutely no top-soil. It's seriously solid rock. It was pure luck that an article on Facebook caught my eye last year, about straw bale gardens. I was immediately intrigued and checked out this book from the library (which was in high demand!) I read the whole thing cover to cover and my eyes were opened! I am definitely swi Wow! I have kept raised-bed gardens for several years, and a compost barrel for a few years. Two years ago we bought a house though, which happens to be on a hill that has absolutely no top-soil. It's seriously solid rock. It was pure luck that an article on Facebook caught my eye last year, about straw bale gardens. I was immediately intrigued and checked out this book from the library (which was in high demand!) I read the whole thing cover to cover and my eyes were opened! I am definitely switching to straw bales. There is absolutely NO reason not to. Karsten's book describes fully and yet very clearly, what is so great about growing your garden in straw bales, explaining the chemistry of what's happening, and it's fully illustrated with how-to instructions for every step of the process. I feel like my garden-mind has been revolutionized and I cannot wait for spring! I've started seedlings indoors, which I'll keep growing through the winter to plant early in spring...I can't wait! If you like to garden, even if you just grow a few herbs or tomatoes in a pot usually, check out this book and see if a bale or two would work where you are! ...more

Jun 01, 2015 Sara rated it it was amazing

I read the original a few years back, but it's been long enough I needed a refresher course, and the updated version was full of a lot of good information.

While the straw bales remain the ugliest planting method this side of old tires, the numerous benefits are making me lean further and further towards "Who cares what the neighbors think!"

I read the original a few years back, but it's been long enough I needed a refresher course, and the updated version was full of a lot of good information.

While the straw bales remain the ugliest planting method this side of old tires, the numerous benefits are making me lean further and further towards "Who cares what the neighbors think!"

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May 23, 2016 Diana Gamin rated it really liked it

My daughter brought this home, and I was intrigued. Putting my seedlings in today! One word of caution - lots of great photos here. I was distracted by the photos and should have read and marked key items! Once it was time to plan putting all my seedlings in, I read the chart for how many of what to a bale. I need more bales!