Straw bale garden issues - Ask Extension
Hi,I have had a straw bale garden for several years. This year the plants are all dying. The tomatoes are not growing and the leaves are turning b...
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Straw bale garden issues #652672
Asked June 18, 2020, 11:13 AM EDT
Hi,
I have had a straw bale garden for several years. This year the plants are all dying. The tomatoes are not growing and the leaves are turning browning/purple. The peas turned yellow and withered away. The zucchini stopped growing, and I see the leaves starting to turn brown. Nothing seems to be doing well. The beans area also turning brown. I threw one tomato plant away yesterday, it was very brown. Based on the pictures, is there a nutrient deficiency? I have been feeding them coffee grounds for nitrogen and put fresh compost yesterday. Is there a way to save the plants at this point?
I have had a straw bale garden for several years. This year the plants are all dying. The tomatoes are not growing and the leaves are turning browning/purple. The peas turned yellow and withered away. The zucchini stopped growing, and I see the leaves starting to turn brown. Nothing seems to be doing well. The beans area also turning brown. I threw one tomato plant away yesterday, it was very brown. Based on the pictures, is there a nutrient deficiency? I have been feeding them coffee grounds for nitrogen and put fresh compost yesterday. Is there a way to save the plants at this point?
Kent County Michigan
Expert Response
Thank you for your question. This year has been a challenge for many gardeners. Cold wet weather followed by hot dry windy weather had been hard on plants. Your first two pictures seem to show some nutrient issues. Both nitrogen and potassium can be flushed from the soil by heavy rains and temperature can affect nutrient uptake. pH (high or low) can also inhibit uptake of some nutrients. Both coffee grounds and compost can affect this. Also, coffee grounds may not be the best direct additive to the soil (see link). The third picture with the crispy edges looks like some water stress (too much or to little). A soil test would be beneficial (https://homesoiltest.msu.edu/). At least check the pH. Check out the following link:
I hope this helps,