Straw Bale – English Peas

Q: I would like to try planting English peas in straw bales. Is this a good idea?

A: Straw bale gardening can be very productive but it takes at least ten days to prepare the bale. It would probably take longer in cold weather. This complicates things since right now is the best time to plant peas. But there may be a workaround. Start fertilizing amd wetting your bale immediately and plant your pea seeds in wide, shallow pots. When the interior of the bale is decomposed and ready for planting, the peas will be a few inches tall. You can transplant them into the bale then. Otherwise, prepare your bale next fall for February pea planting. I have details on straw bale gardening at http://www.walterreeves.com/gardening-q-and-a/straw-bale-gardening/.