Published January 25, 2012, 11:12 AM

Ex-straw-dinary results

Karsten enthusiastic about gardening technique ROSEVILLE — Gardeners often spread straw as mulch on their garden beds, using it to retain moisture and control weeds. But a whole bale of straw can actually become a vessel for planting vegetables and flowers, offering the same advantages — plus many more. Worthington native Joel Karsten has become an expert in the straw bale planting method, having developed the process through his own experimentation. He’s written a booklet detailing the method, teaches community education classes on it, hosts a website and Facebook forum and is a frequent speaker to garden clubs and other community groups.

By: Beth Rickers, Worthington Daily Globe