When Sam Rensch discovered a black walnut was taking root Monday in his school’s vegetable patch, he unearthed a practical lesson in biology.

Be sure to buy a straw bale—not a hay bale, which will have ... Pothour also cautions against plants that will grow very tall ...

Many plants grow well in straw bale gardens, but highlights include tomatoes, cucumbers ... says Karsten. Can you use hay instead of straw? No, you should avoid using hay instead of straw.