Straw Bale Gardening/Ivanhoe

2014 Fiscal Year Funding Amount

$270

Project of

Plum Creek Library System Legacy Grant SFY 2014 - SFY 2015

Fund Source

Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund

Recipient Type

Libraries

Status

Completed

Start Date

April 2014

End Date

April 2014

Activity Type

Education/Outreach/Engagement

Counties Affected

Lincoln

Lyon

Redwood

Project Overview

Minnesota author Joel Karsten presented a program on straw bale gardening, based on his book, "Straw Bale Gardens: The Breakthrough Method for Growing Vegetables Anywhere, Earlier and with No Weeding." Straw Bale Gardening is a different type of container gardening. The main difference is that the container is the straw bale itself and is held together with two or three strings. Once the straw inside the bale begins to decay the straw becomes 'conditioned' compost that creates an extraordinary plant rooting environment. This gardening technique works well anywhere in the country or the world for that matter. (Note: $85.13 paid in 2013, $270.86 in 2014 legacy)

Project Details

31 participated

Project Details: 2014 Fiscal Year

Legal Citation / Subdivision

Laws of Minnesota for 2013, Chapter 137, Article 4, Section 2, Subdivision 4

2014 Fiscal Year Funding Amount

$270

Other Funds Leveraged

$2,013

Direct expenses

$270

Number of full time equivalents funded

N/A

Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

Attendees will learn how to successfully garden with straw bales. The program will encourage more gardeners to use the library for gardening information. Attendees will learn sustainable gardening, promoting healthy eating and well as respect for the environment.

Measurable Outcome(s)

Many books were purchased as the participants were eager to begin the process. In talking with many participants it is evident most in attendance are trying straw bale gardening this season.

Source of Additional Funds

The public libraries contributed to their individual programs. The Ivanhoe Community Center is giving us rent-free space. The Ivanhoe Community Education Program will help us with promotion of the program.