Tricia Barrett

Tricia – I am a Master Gardener and a Master Naturalist, as well as a Specialist with the University of Missouri Extension of Miller County (Missouri)

Mid Missouri does not have the best soil in the world, so I am always looking for new innovative ways to garden. Last year, I started researching Straw Bale Gardening. After reading Joel Karsten’s book, I started a straw bale garden. I carefully conditioned it and planted sweet potatoes and onions, with great success. What I like about straw bale gardening is the flexibility – you can put it anywhere as long as it is easy to water. Folks who have limited space can have a small garden with little expense. People who have trouble bending over can stack it and make it accessible without worrying about weeding it. A straw bale garden can be as small or as large as your imagination allows. It is not permanent, so there is no area to recondition or weed every year. It is fun and easy. I enjoy sharing this knowledge with other gardeners and Master Gardeners. We are always looking for ways to improve.