Growing vegetables on straw: advantages and disadvantages of the solution

Growing vegetables in straw is a method that is gaining popularity among summer residents. Using straw, it is possible to obtain a large harvest, while the plants do not require complex care and are less likely to be susceptible to diseases. It should also be noted that the process of preparing beds is faster than cultivating the soil.

Advantages of using the method

When using straw as a substrate for planting vegetables, the following positive aspects should be taken into account.

You can harvest an early harvest in the northern regions

Dense bales are used for planting vegetables. Preference should be given to fields where no chemicals were used to treat the wheat. The bales are watered with warm water, and then mineral fertilizers are added. As a result of this treatment, the decomposition process starts. These actions cause the temperature in the bales to rise, so the beds become warm and speed up seed germination. However, in order to plant seeds, you need to wait time - at least 10 days after applying fertilizers.

No knowledge required

Even beginners can use this method. In order to get a harvest, you do not need to resort to complex procedures. It is enough to choose the right straw and plant the planting material in a timely manner.

The method does not require physical activity

Using straw bales, gardening is accessible even to people with disabilities, since the method does not require physical exertion, unlike the conventional method, when it is necessary to dig up the soil and regularly loosen it throughout the growing season. Straw is breathable and can be used as organic fertilizer after harvesting.

Vegetables rarely spoil and do not rot

Growing vegetables on straw bales protects the fruit from contact with the soil, making harvesting easier and the fruit less susceptible to rot and pest damage.

Disadvantages of the method

However, this method has its negative sides, which should be studied before using a straw bale instead of the usual beds.

More expensive than the traditional method

Unlike the usual method of soil cultivation, purchasing bales requires financial costs. It is recommended to purchase the material in the fall and store it in a dry place to prevent mold from appearing. It is also necessary to carefully ensure that the material is not damaged by pests.

The beds need to be updated annually

The bale is suitable for planting only for one season. In the future, the material should be replaced with a new one, since after contact with water, the straw begins to rot and disintegrate.

Plants need to be tied up in a timely manner

After the straw bed is prepared, a layer of soil at least 10-15 cm thick should be placed on top. Soil is necessary for planting seeds. However, as the plants grow, the straw bed may sag, so it is necessary to regularly monitor and tie up the bushes. The absence of a garter leads to damage to the plant.

Straw is an unconventional method that produces a harvest and requires no skill. However, before choosing this method, it is important to carefully study the advantages and disadvantages, and only then make a decision.