[Image: garden]
Sow What! Garden Column
Carol Morton, LSU AgCenter Master Gardener
LSU Cooperative Extension – Beauregard Parish
463-7006
PUMPKIN PATCH
So, what’s growing in the hay bales in front of the AgCenter? Master Gardeners Shirley Corda and Carol Morton have been working in the Master Gardener demonstration garden, building a pumpkin patch in hay bales. This type of container gardening has been both interesting and fun and a new experience for both Master Gardeners.
The hay bale demonstration has drawn quite a few observers and resulted in questions on just what was growing there. Hay bale planting is also being done in the DeRidder Jr. High School garden area with Science Teacher Carolyn Smith’s 7th graders participating in the project. Another hay bale planting is located at Pleasant Hills Baptist Church where a home school Jr. Master Gardener group started a new container garden.
The hay bales at the AgCenter contain pumpkin plants and pumpkin seeds. The bales were donated by Jeff Meadows, pumpkin seeds by O’Neal’s and the plants were propagated from seeds by Master Gardeners. The plants will grow over the bales and down on the black weed barrier.
We hope to have a good crop of pumpkins in late October. A pumpkin fest is being planned in early November at the AgCenter with Master Gardeners on hand to answer gardening questions about container gardening. Information brochures will be available for planting a variety of containers. The date and time of the pumpkin fest will be announced in early October.
Planting in hay bales provides easy access for wheelchairs as they can be placed on driveways or concrete surfaces. They also eliminate bending or kneeling and are excellent for seniors who enjoy gardening. Children will also enjoy hay bale gardens because they can do intensive gardening without tilling and weeds.
Begin the hay bale gardening with dry hay is which is basically grass and includes leaves, long stems and seeds that has been cut down, dried and baled up. A sunny spot and good water supply are two requirements when choosing a location to grow plants in a hay bale garden. The bale must be put in the exact location you want to use, because once they are watered thoroughly, they become extremely heavy and get damaged while moving them. Place the bales with cord on sides, not on bottom as the cord will rot quicker. Placing a wood stake at the ends of the bale will help to keep the hay from falling out when the cord does rot.
- Water the bales thoroughly twice a day for the first two days.
- From the 3rd to 5th day, sprinkle half a cup of nitrate of soda on the top of each bale and water it well.
- On the 6th day, sprinkle a cup of any slow releasing 10-10-10 fertilizer on each bale. Water well.
- On the 7th day, place 50-50 soil and composted cow manure on top of bales.
- On the 8th day, dig a slight hole in the soil and manure and place the seedlings in the soil. Press seeds down into soil 1-2 times size of seed and press firmly. Water well. Continue watering the entire bale and plants every day until the seeds emerge. Avoid watering in the evening to prevent diseases.
You can grow a variety of flowers, vegetables and herbs in a hay bale garden. However, root crops don't grow well in them. You can plant, weed and water standing comfortably. Hay bale gardening is different from the traditional way of gardening. It's an excellent option for those with limited space, poor-quality soil or bad backs!
The LSU AgCenter provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.