How deep is the dirt?

Let's hope the hay does not seed.

Very nice - I haven't tried this yet but I've been sorely tempted, just can't talk the husband into giving me more yard space than I'm already using with my raised beds. I do hope you'll keep us updated with your progress throughout the summer.

No, haven't grown them this way, although I have read about it. Could you keep us updated as to how it works out for you? I have to garden above ground, and the bales are more attractive than the array of pots I am currently using.

Things I have noticed so far. In doing the prep work on it, giving it high nitrogen and keeping wet, didn't seem to do the internal composting as it was suppose to. I even added an extra week.

The soil is actually only where the plants are planted. Dug out the straw, added soil and put the plants in.

Since I don't see how the plant will get enough of its nutritional needs met, I think I am going to have to keep an eye on the plants and fertilize (organic) on a regular bases. I do have one tomato already and several strawberries and the plants look good so far.

The straw does seed a bit, but it is so minor, it's easy to keep up with.

I've thought about it also since I have a long strip of paved area on the south side of the house. I also am doing strawberries, green beans, etc in pots and have recently cannibalized my trailer from my riding mower. It wasn't needed here and holds a lot of soil where my squashes will be planted this next month...not pretty, but think "urban recycle"...and on an area where I would not be able to grow anything. I saw an article recently in Fine Gardening in which 4 bales were used leaving a center 'hole' which was then filled with soil....the bales were given a good soaking and hit with fertilizer, nitrogen which also helps them to start disintegrating a bit to be more receptive to planting...the bales cost @$7 and the additional stuff that was added brought the total cost up to $98. Unless you can get the bales for free and use manure, etc instead of the items that were purchased for the setup, I did not think it cost effective...great idea, but unless you can do it on the cheap, I won't be doing it. If someone gives me bales of straw tomorrow, then I will do it....I do like the idea....let us know how it goes for you...