During World War II, Americans were urged to plant “Victory Gardens” as the nation faced potential food shortages. The COVID-19 crisis reminded Americans again of spot shortages of fresh vegetables in grocery stores. To offset future problems with fresh vegetables the idea of planting vegetable gardens has seen a renewed interest. This is a great idea, however if available space, or your soil is less than ideal, a raised bed or large container may be an option. Raised bed gardens at least 2 feet in height also provide an accessible option for individuals whose physical limitations prevent them from leaning or working at ground level.

Select wood or another material that is long-lasting such as landscaping stones. Large barrels are great for smaller properties or apartments. If building multiple raised beds, it is critical to leave enough space between the beds to allow passage for garden equipment such as wheelbarrows and possibly lawnmowers. Avoid making beds wider than 3.5 to 4 feet, or it may be difficult to access the middle of the bed from either side.

Selecting a soil mix high in organic matter and with good water holding capacity will support a variety of plants. When purchasing a soil mix, inspect the materials that comprise the mix. For most raised beds, a blend of half compost and half topsoil can be used to fill the bed. Since compost decomposes naturally, compost should be added to the soil at the end of each season. Raised beds should have a minimum depth of 12 inches of soil and receive over 8 hours of direct sunlight per day.

Raised beds will lose water more rapidly than plants sowed directly in the ground. Remember to drill drainage holes through the base of barrels or other containers that may be used. During the summer, or when conditions are warm and sunny water plants regularly with a minimum of 1 inch of water per week. To avoid having to carry a watering can to the garden, the raised bed should be within length of a water source. As an alternative to watering with a sprinkler, a drip irrigation system can be set up prior to planting.

If you are needing a temporary garden, you may want to consider a straw bale. One of the main advantages is that they raise the heights of beds making it easier on your back. The other big advantage is that there is no heavy work such as constructing the raised bed and mixing the soil. Besides these virtues, they are generally weed free and have a minimum of disease and pest issues. Because they drain excess water readily, overwatering is normally not an issue. Other benefits are low start-up costs, you can easily move your garden location each year, and can extend the growing season.

Straw bale gardens requires some planning. First, you need to find the strawbales. Try to purchase the straw bales from farms that generally have weed-free wheat fields. Other places to purchase are some garden centers.

After procuring the straw bales, condition them at least two weeks prior to the transplant season. Conditioning is the process of getting the straw bales to compost internally so they will support plant growth. The process takes about two weeks and involves watering and fertilizing the bales to get the water and fertilizer deep inside the bales so they can start to “cook” or break down.

Days 1-3-5: Water into each bale ½ cup of lawn fertilizer high in nitrogen with no pesticides or slow-release products (i.e., 20-0-4, 46-0-0).

Days 2 and 4 and 6: Water only.

Days 7-8-9: Water into each bale ¼ cup of same lawn fertilizer high in nitrogen.

Day 10: Water into each bale 1 cup of fertilizer free of pesticides (i.e.,10-10-10 or 12-12-12).

It is essential that the bales be conditioned during this short period so that the bacteria inside the bales are activated and begin to digest the straw, making nitrogen and other nutrients available to the plants.

When conditioning, place straw bales in full sun and near a water source. Position bales north to south with no more than two rows side by side, leave the strings on the bales.

After the bales are conditioned; it now time to plant. Dig a hole in the bale, and fill with a good potting soil, and plant. Give your plants room to grow. Plant two tomatoes, four cucumbers, four peppers or two squash per bale and add supports, as necessary. Add flowers like sweet alyssum, and petunias to the sides of the bales for added beauty. Watering may be more important in dry hot summers.

Vegetables that grow in soil only need fertilizers at certain points in their development. When you are growing plants in a straw bale, you will need to add a complete fertilizer monthly. You want your fertilizer to work right away, so do not use the slow-release kind.

Straw bale gardening may not be for everyone; however, with its many advantages it is another alternative to raised bed gardening. Regardless of what vegetable gardening style you choose get outdoors and enjoy your own Victory Garden.

(Portions of this article were obtained from Illinois Extension.)