Lunch and Learn: Unveiling the secrets of hay and straw bale gardening

Bea Coker reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com A lively crowd of about a dozen participants gathered at the Live Oak Public Library on Thursday, March 28, eager to delve into the world of hay and straw bale gardening as part of the UF/IFAS Suwannee County Extension's Lunch and Learn series. Carolyn Saft from the Extension office took the reins, leading attendees on a journey through the ages, exploring hay and straw bale techniques dating back to the 1900s. In a whirlwind of wit and wisdom, Saft laid out the nitty-gritty of hay and straw bale gardening, weighing the pros and cons with the finesse of a seasoned gardener. From fewer pests to reduced pesticide use, the benefits shone bright, w