Mighty straw bales...utilized in almost all of our projects, they are especially valuable for use with the livestock, in the garden, and for creative endeavors like building. The straw bale is an essential reusable staple on our homestead. Check out some of the ways we reuse this free available resource.
Cold Frame/Mini Greenhouse
Simply made from bales and old windows, this greenhouse fits about twenty wooden seedflats.
Natural Building
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| making cob with clay, straw, sand, and water |
Animal Bedding
Compost Material
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| layers of green grass, horse manure, straw and a variety of compostable scraps from around the farm make a nice hot pile |
Growing Mushrooms
Mulching Garden Beds
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| potatoes do well mulched heavily with straw photo by Lori Eanes |
Childrens Archery Range
Another good idea: Straw Bale Compost Bins
For the small scale farmer and urban homesteader the possibilities are endless. You can find bales for sale at your local race track, feed stores and often free on craigslist.
