Sam Ritter

Hello! I want to construct a covered pavilion for my Farm, a sheltered outdoor space where we can work. The high cost of lumber right now has me looking for alternatives, and I'm wondering if strawbales could be used for this!

Can one make load-bearing columns/pillars out of strawbales?

Could two strawbale walls on opposite sides of a structure support the roof without the other two walls that would normally compete the building?

I'm attaching some sketches of possible designs that might all be totally structurally unsound! Happy to hear any and all advice for ways a covered pavilion structure like this could be made using straw bales thanks!

Hi there,

I'm planting a bunch of bulbs that will bloom in the early spring, things like narcissus, fritillary, and tulips. I'm wondering if I can cover crop over these, since the bed is newly dug and I want to protect the soil over the winter. Perhaps something that would winterkill? Or maybe something low-growing that I can keep as a living mulch once spring comes around? It seems complicated to try to time cutting down a cover crop in the spring before the bulbs bloom.

I would love to hear any suggestions or strategies! I'm in zone 5b. Thanks!