Whether you're a novice gardener feeling overwhelmed or an experienced enthusiast seeking a new challenge, look no further than straw bale gardening! This innovative approach to gardening involves growing produce directly within a working compost pile, offering a unique and rewarding experience for gardeners of all levels.

Illinois Extension is thrilled to announce an upcoming workshop dedicated to exploring the art and science of straw bale gardening. Taking place at 5:30 p.m. on May 23 at the Washington County Extension Office in Nashville, this interactive event promises to demystify the process and empower attendees to create thriving vegetable gardens using straw bales as the primary growing medium.

Participants will have the opportunity to delve into the science behind why straw bales are ideal for vegetable cultivation, as well as learn essential steps for conditioning the bales and planting, maintaining, and harvesting fresh vegetables throughout the growing season. By harnessing the power of straw bale gardening, attendees can not only enjoy the satisfaction of homegrown produce but also save money by cultivating a bountiful backyard garden.

"We're excited to offer this engaging workshop to our community," said Chris Lueking, Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator with Illinois Extension. "Straw bale gardening is a versatile and accessible method that can yield impressive results for gardeners of all backgrounds. Whether you're looking to enhance your gardening skills or explore a new way of growing fresh produce, this workshop is for you!"

Attendance is free, but registration is required. To secure your spot, please visit go.illinois.edu/strawbalegarden. For questions, contact Chris at 618-242-0780 or lueking@illinois.edu.