2012 Straw Bale Garden Grant Available Now!

Straw Bale Gardening is a fast, easy and economical way to garden for anyone who does not have funds or manpower to create raised beds. Four bales of straw, fertilizer, potting medium/compost, strong twine and plants or seeds is all it takes.
 
Straw bales can be arranged in a variety of ways. They can be laid out on cut ends, their sides or even in rows. You may use bagged potting mix or compost for growing medium. You may use the deep surface for planting or the entire surface of the bale. We recommend tying them at the inside corners for stability.
 
The benefits of this gardening method is the quick installation and over time the bales breakdown, continuing to feed the plants growing on them. Eventually, as the breakdown reaches its full potential, you then have potting medium for the following growing season's bales.

Penn State Extension in Montgomery County is once again offering a mini-grant to organizations working with youth and gardening in Montgomery County who would want to install a Straw Bale Garden or Potato Tower Garden. Those awarded a mini-grant will be offered a free class on Straw Bale Gardens.

Grant applications are due to the Montgomery County Extension office no later than February 15th, 2012.