Straw bale

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michaelj560

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Straw bale
« on: May 10, 2012, 21:46 »

Hello, can anyone advise me on using the above in my greenhouse, I have been using the greenhouse for years but was recently informed that a wet bale of straw creates good heat within the greenhouse and really benefits everything, is this true?

thank you

Michael

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Paul Plots

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Re: Straw bale
« Reply #1 on: May 11, 2012, 01:28 »
I guess the wet straw might act like a radiator perhaps because the bacteria in the straw will cause heat as they multiply and encourage decay. Rather like the Victorian "hot beds" used to produce early crops.

Either that or day time heat will be stored in the hay and released at night.

Interesting notion. Let's hope someone who knows what they are talking about comes along to explain....

           I'm sure they will.  ;)
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sunshineband

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Re: Straw bale
« Reply #2 on: May 11, 2012, 07:32 »
If you are going to have a wet bale of straw in your greenhouse, you might as well add a layer of soil over the top and grow tomatoes in it... works well  :D
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Paul Plots

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Re: Straw bale
« Reply #3 on: May 12, 2012, 00:31 »
If you are going to have a wet bale of straw in your greenhouse, you might as well add a layer of soil over the top and grow tomatoes in it... works well  :D

Would a cucumber be happy in it as well?

(That reminds me - must get some cumber seeds sown!)

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mumofstig

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Re: Straw bale
« Reply #4 on: May 12, 2012, 09:13 »
I have the book Gardening Under Plastic by Bernard Salt and he shows tomatoes growing in bottomless pots (ring culture) sunk into the top of a bale of straw. As long as the straw is kept wet it works well, according to him.
He does add 'Check that the straw has not been treated with weedkiller'  :ohmy:
and that the straw may heat up! This alone may be an advantage this year ::) but have you got space for a bale of straw - I know I haven't mine chocca as it is  :nowink:

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aelf

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Re: Straw bale
« Reply #5 on: May 22, 2012, 12:30 »
I also don't know where I would put a bale of straw in the greenhouse - mine is full to bursting  :) I'll be using a bale of straw around the strawberries soon, but not in the greenhouse.

intriging idea tho... 
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