How to Make a Raised Bed from Bales of Straw

A straw bale raised bed is an inexpensive method for creating a raised bed. Perfect for new gardeners, frugal gardeners, or gardeners needing more space.

straw bale raised bed

You can create a quick, easy raised bed using bales of straw. The idea is simple: You form a bed frame with the bales, then fill the space inside with premium quality soil made specially for raised beds, such as Miracle-Gro® Raised Bed Soil. A raised bed made of straw bales is a convenient, inexpensive way to build your first garden or add to your existing growing space.

Bales of wheat straw, oat straw, or alfalfa straw work best. Hay bales also work, but they carry a lot of seeds, which may become a nuisance. Look for bales bound with synthetic twine, which won't break down.

Over the first growing season, the bales will settle and decompose a bit, adding nutrients to the thriving garden inside. A raised bed made of straw bales could last a couple of growing seasons, depending on where you live. (It will decompose more quickly in warmer, damper climates.) As an added bonus, when the straw does begin to break down, it will begin to create a rich soil you can use for future planting.

(Some gardeners plant directly into the bales, which requires that they first "cure" the bales so that they break down and create a composting, soil-like growing environment. You can learn more about this technique in our How to Condition and Plant a Bale of Straw for Gardening article.)

For best results, feed plants with a continuous-release plant food like Miracle-Gro® Shake ‘n Feed® Tomato, Fruit & Vegetable Plant Food to make sure they have all the nutrition they need throughout the season.

Click through the slideshow below for a step-by-step guide to creating your own raised bed from bales of straw.

straw-bale slide intro
A raised bed made of straw bales is a convenient, inexpensive way to build your first garden or add to your existing growing space.
straw-bale slide 1
Step 1: Plan your bed shape and size, and buy the number of bales accordingly.
straw-bale slide 2
Step 2: Arrange the bales in a square or rectangle. Fit them together tightly.
straw-bale slide 3
Step 3: Fill the bed with soil. We used half potting mix and half compost.
straw-bale slide 4
Step 4: Arrange a soaker hose on top of the soil, and attach it to your primary hose and spigot.
straw-bale slide 5
Step 5: Plant the bed with Bonnie Plants vegetables and herbs.