Last year I built several new 4'X8' 12-inch raised beds and filled them with straw bales. I treated the bales with nitrogen and used them for growing my tomatoes and other vegetables. They worked out pretty well. This year the bales have collapsed and are partly decomposed and eventually they will be glorious soil in my beds. But this year I am concerned that the loose straw will not hold the root systems well. Anyone ever done something like this (combine straw bale with raised bed system)? Anyone have any ideas about what I can do with them to prepare them for this season's planting?

I've turned them over with a bag or two of compost and am considering just covering them with a few inches of soil and planting in that. Do you think this will be sufficient? Should I add more nitrogen to the straw?

I appreciate any insights!
Carla
Maryland