

- Water the bales thoroughly and keep them wet for 3 days. This will help the bale to decompose; as it decomposes the bale will heat up. This process creates stronger roots and healthier plants.
- To speed up decomposition sprinkle the tops of the bales with 1 cup of ammonium sulfate for 3 days after the 3 days of watering.
- After 3 more days stop fertilizing but make sure to keep the bales moist.
- If weeds, oat grass, or alfalfa start to sprout in your bales remove them while they are small. While the straw is decomposing you may see mushroom sprout, there is no need to remove them but do not eat them they could be poisonous.