Using rice straw bales

by Jaci
(Chico, CA)

How would rice straw bales work for straw bale gardening?

Many of our local farmers burn their rice fields to get rid of the stubble because it takes so long to decompose. Wondering about the nutrient values of the rice straw and if it would last 2 - 3 seasons.

Comments for Using rice straw bales

Click here to add your own comments

Apr 23, 2015

Rice bales for garden NEW
by: Pam

Go for it. Just as good as oats or wheat, in fact better as it has less weeds and seeds.

Might take a bit longer to break down, so probably will last longer than 1-2 seasons before it rots down and provides an excellent addition to your soil.

Apr 24, 2015

Thanks for the encouraging note NEW
by: Jaci

We are getting desperate as we have gophers that now know how to fill traps with dirt then PUSH THEM OUT OF THE HOLES! We've already lost 100% of our first planting of onions, garlic, peas, and beans. Found one area with 3 levels of tunnels under where our tomatoes will be planted. With 2.5 acres (mostly wooded) we just can't get ahead of the little buggers.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Garden materials, soil, compost and mulch.

Back to HOME page: No Dig Vegetable Garden

[?] Subscribe To Website Updates