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Have you often thought about growing your garden produce in a straw bale? Would you like to hear about the pros and cons of someone who has been doing it? What vegetables grow best in straw bales? If you have an interest in learning about straw bale gardening, you may want to join this tour.

The Green County Master Gardeners will be holding their monthly tour on Thursday, August 23rd, at 6:30 p.m., at the home of Dave and Marlys Reeson, located at N8977 York Center Road, Blanchardville, WI. Dave and Marlys will be our hosts and will show us how they are growing vegetables and produce in their straw bales.

Dave and Marlys have been growing in straw bales for about three years. The first year, they started with six bales and learned along the way, by trial and error, ways to improve. Marlys originally selected the straw bale gardening idea due to listening to Joel Karsten, author of Straw Bale Gardens Complete, on a radio program. The straw bale gardens were experimental, as they already had two large gardens of produce they care for.

After the first couple years, the straw bale garden has now grown to 12 bales. It’s an excellent way to allow their grandchildren to participate in the garden process. This year they also are experimenting with two big square hay bales, which are definitely “raised” beds.

Anyone interested in horticulture and gardening is welcome to join the tour or join the association, and you do not have to be a Master Gardener to be a member. For more information on the UW-Extension Master Gardener program, contact the Green County UW-Extension at (608) 328-9440.