Straw Bale Gardening: It’s Not A Fad

Some gardening fads come and go, but straw bale gardening is one trend that may be here to stay.

Who wouldn’t want a gardening method that provides portability, easier access and better drainage?

On this week’s edition of Off The Grid Radio, we talk to Craig LeHoullier, the author of “Growing Vegetables in Straw Bales.”

Craig tells us:

• Why gardeners should give straw bale gardening a try.


• Which vegetables grow best in straw bales.


• How to plant from seed, and with transplants, using straw bales.


• Where gardeners can acquire straw bales.

Finally, Craig tells us the downside of straw bale gardening – and how to overcome it. If you’ve ever wanted to try straw bale gardening, then this show is for you!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 23:50 — 21.8MB)

Tomato-Growing Mistakes Every Gardener Makes

Tomatoes are the second most-consumed vegetable in the United States today, but just 200 years ago, people throughout the U.S. had not even heard of them. Many gardeners even thought they were poisonous.

So, how did the tomato transition from obscure to popular?

This week on Off The Grid Radio we’re discussing everything you didn’t know about tomatoes, including ways you can harvest better-looking and better-tasting ones – without yellow leaves! Our guest is Craig LeHoullier, the author of “Epic Tomatoes: How to Select And Grow The Best Varieties of All Time.”

Craig shares with us the most common mistakes made by gardeners when growing tomatoes.

He tells us the fascinating history but he also tells us:

• Why some tomato varieties need pruned — and some do not.


• How to stop tomato leaves from spotting and yellowing.


• Why he prefers heirloom varieties over hybrids.


• Which type of fertilizers work best for tomatoes.


• Why tomatoes grown in buckets can be even healthier than ones grown in the ground.

Craig also tells us the easiest ways to stop fungus problems before they start. If you have a garden and you’re growing tomatoes, then this is one show you don’t want to miss!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 26:16 — 24.1MB)