We would be using straw bales this year (such a wonderful experience - thanks to Joel Karstens) but it does take quite a bit of work at the beginning. Getting the bales, positioning/anchoring them, seasoning them for 10 days, getting the trellises set up, setting up the timed drip watering hoses, etc., but after that (:-))...you just mainly enjoy watching it grow. I suppose any garden takes a lot of work at the beginning? We always used fabric/plastic so we wouldn't have to weed before...that always took time.

My hubby was recently diagnosed with colon cancer and had surgery in April so he can't lift more than 10 lbs for a while longer. Our gardening plans have changed drastically. We start the appointments with the Chemo doctors in June. Our kids will be helping to build the raised bed garden. The therapy we both get from gardening will be well worth it, I'm sure. I'll be keeping my eyes on my naughty bunnies! Nothing like gardening to focus on God's beautiful earth amid all this Covid-19 and cancer stuff!

Loved hearing how you taught your nephews this method & winning a prize! My 9 year old grandson has been so fascinated by our straw bale gardens...this year he's going to help us with the build & plant the raised beds ♡ Can't wait!

Happy gardening everyone!