Using a tarp also 2. Keep your hay bales from breaking down by taking the following steps. WebThe best way to preserve hay bales for decorations is to cover them with a tarp or other waterproof covering to protect them from excess moisture and sunlight. For starters, local craft stores sell decorative hay bales that are a quarter of the size for about $5 or so. 4. 2), Recipe: Easy Homemade Peppercorn Ranch Dressing, Make A Meadow Anywhere With Tiny + Wild, Favorite Jung & Johnnys Seeds For Your 2023 Garden. In addition to adding a natural element, pinecones can also add a sense of mystery and whimsy. Twine should be snug and spaced 6 to 10 inches apart. Adding decorative hay bales to your yard can make a huge difference in the overall look and feel of your space. However, hay is also great at retaining heat, so you may need to factor in the advisability of hay bales in hot climates, as the extra heat can make it difficult for some plants to thrive. For a more whimsical approach, you can line your hay bale with flowers. When you get your newly purchased straw bale home, cut the twine and scatter the straw in small piles over the soil surrounding your front or back entrance. How do I plan on doing that? Figure 1. Questions? Also, straw bales are often treated with fire retardant chemicals, but care should be taken when using such treatments, as many are toxic. Cozy outdoor benches made with bales one quilt and a few throw pillows. South Dakota State University adheres to AA/EEO guidelines in offering educational programs and services. Fortunately, there are a few things that you can do to help your felines get used to each other. Taking these preventative steps can save ranchers and farmers money in the long run by ensuring that the hay bales they are storing and using are dry and safe. When using hay bales in your decor, there are a few things you can do to keep them from falling apart. Net wrap that is left behind can accumulate in the rumen, causing plastic disease, which affects cattle health and performance. To truly understand why I love hay bales so much, youll need to take a walk down memory lane with me. Common insects found in hay include mites, thrips, beetles, caterpillars, and leafhoppers, as well as various species of worms. Painting them with a brush is the easiest option, but you can also spray them in a spray paint bottle to achieve a more dramatic look. Depending on the occasion, there are several different ways to decorate bales of hay. Taking net wrap off can be timely and frustrating. Decorating a bale of hay is a fun way to add a festive touch to the season. Take the other end and pull it through the loop, then pull tightly, then tie and secure. Winded with a wire to protect the straws from falling apart. WebA bale typically has two layers of wrapping. With a bit of creativity, decorating bales of hay can be a fun way to celebrate the season!. Sue Weaver lives in the Arkansas Ozarks with her husband and a fine array of animal friends including goats, sheep, horses, chickens, a donkey, a llama and a pet razorback hog. Ticks and weevils are more likely to infest the hay itself, and can be more of a nuisance. These add a natural touch and are easy to find at your local craft store. Additionally, once the hay bale becomes wet and begins to break down, it is no longer suitable for animal feed. Protect valuable hay from the elements by storing it under cover in a building that doesnt leak and has good ventilation. 4. The cost of a bale of hay can vary quite a bit depending on where you live, the type of hay, and any additional services, such as delivery and storage. Fall is, of course, the most popular time of year for decorating with hay bales. A hay bale is a perfect container for growing young plants seedlings. Get []. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. The bacteria and fungi in hay bale can also attract insects that feed on rotting plant matter. If you have a garden or landscaping area, you can use hay bales to fertilize your soil and provide a natural mulch for your plants. Youll want to break up the bale and mix it with compost during this time as well. DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: CNC cut structural steel; the powder-coated heavy-duty frame is welded The hay can get very wet, so this method helps to keep them dry and prevent them from getting moldy or damaged. Continue watering daily until the hay is moist and warm to the touch. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. Web1 See Careys translation of the ninth book of Dantes Purgatory, line 105. You can also layer different textures to add interest and dimension to your design. Its a more nutritional food source than straw and is most often used to feed horses, cows, goats and sheep. Keep these things in mind when you plan how much youre going to grow and package. maybe it was shredded re-baling a round bale don't make any difference as you just re-bale the same swath by unrolling it. Ants, termites, beetles, and cockroaches are all more likely to infest hay bales that have been stored poorly, as it provides them with an ideal environment to thrive. Once secured, take remaining net wrap off of bale. Luckily, you dont have to take your set apart all the way to move it. Additionally, place a bunch of hay bales together, stack one on top of the other, and create a neatly arranged stack. Once Thanksgiving has passed, recycle your straw into compost for the garden or bedding for Since the size of hay bales varies greatly, youll need to factor that into determining how much area the bale you purchase will cover. For example, hay such as alfalfa hay or grass hay usually costs more than hay such as straw. By ensuring hay bales are stored in a cool, dry and dark area, these particular insects can be prevented from moving in and taking over. It spreads it out so light and heat For a more rustic look, you can hang twigs and branches from your hay bales to create a unique look. If youre looking for a unique way to add fall decor to your home, straw bales are the way to go. This will allow you to know when the interior of the hay is hot enough for bacteria growth. Remove rest of net wrap. The round bales shed water better so tarps arent necessary. Yes, hay bales do attract bugs. How Much Is Insurance On A 4 Plex Apartment? Homeowners Insurance Four-plexes are an increasingly [], by unlimitedapartments on 6 hours ago - 0 Comments, Whether you are getting a new cat or kitten, or just trying to introduce your current kitty to a new one, it is important to take a lot of time and care. Silage wax, for example, can help preserve fresh hay for several months, but its important to keep it dry to prevent spoilage. WebAdd some extra fall flare to your front porch by attaching wispy branches over entryway. This will help them blend together better and add a sense of coziness to your home. A couple of, PS: If you decide to recreate these hay bale fall decorations, share them on Instagram using, See how I transitioned these hay bales for, Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes with Cinnamon Chips, How to Host a Halloween Cookie Decorating Party for Kids . Stack the second layer with the strings facing up, perpendicular to the first layer. If hay bales are wrapped in plastic or a tarp, they can potentially last up to a year, depending on weather conditions and what type of hay is stored. WebPlace one in the front of your yard or near the driveway. They can also speed up the growth time of baby horses and llamas by 90 seconds. i cant see how a small bale of hay can fall apart once baled. Spread a generous amount of balanced, all-purpose fertilizer over the entire surface of the bale. Hay, on the other hand, is made from grasses, legumes or a mixture of both and has been cut, dried and cured before being baled. This can be accomplished by removing the top one third of the bale and using it as a string (Figure 1.1). In addition, they are cheap and easy to assemble. This inner layer provides protection from moisture, rodents, and insects, while allowing the baled material to breath. Hay bales can also be used for decoration for any season, such as for creating a snowman for the winter or animals for the summer. We are here to help you find affordable apartments for all your needs. Additionally, using hay instead of straw can lower the fire risk and increase the insulation quality of the bales, as hay has a higher water content and insulates better. Probably over 100 degrees. This allows for any snow accumulation to melt off the bales and make removal easier. Square bales weigh 40 to 60 pounds. WebThe outer six inches of a six-foot round bale contains 25% of the hay in the bale. Might be rebaled from big rounds, or big squares. You can do a few things to make the process much easier. Because feed changes upset some animals digestive systems, its advisable to put up enough of the same type of hay to last a season. Remove top one-third of bale. Keep the hay away from trucks, machinery, or any type of heat source and fire accelerants, like gasoline, kerosene, oil and aerosol cans. You could add potting soil and plant directly in the straw bale, or simply nestle a small planter inside. summer editorial intern. Dont stack any higher than 1.5x the width of the base. Another option is to simply discard of them. Olivia Amundson, South Dakota State University extension cow-calf specialist, explains in a recent SDSU Livestock Newsletter the advantages and drawbacks to using net wrap. (13,133) $4.75. Once the top one-third is three-fourths of the way removed, take the unraveled one-third and wrap it around the body of the bale. The types of insects that live in hay bales can vary depending on the region and the kind of hay bales in question. Another great decorative option for hay bales is to stack corn stalks. Hay bales can heal up to ten hearts for livestock mobs that eat them. I'm guessing like some of the others that it was just put up when hot and dry. Most landlords allow pets, including bunnies, only if theyre neutered and house-trained. Densely packed bales are also more stable when stacked. How do you connect your phone to a JVC radio? You might need four to five coats of paint to get a good, even coverage. Crews used machinery to pull apart the load of hay to help stop the fire, which continued to smoke. Hang a welcome sign from the wheel spokes. A mother of two with a degree in communications and a long history in management, Goetz spends her spare time hiking, camping and blogging. Yes, you can put lights on hay bales! Not only do net wrapped bales have better visual appeal than twine wrapped bales, productivity and efficiency of net wrap supersedes sisal twine. I feed them in the morning. It is important to inspect hay for signs of insects before purchasing, as infested hay can lead to health problems for livestock and other animals that consume it. Wrapped hay can last anywhere from one to two years, depending on the type of wrap used and storage conditions. Additionally, plastic covers can be used to add an extra layer of moisture-repelling protection. How to Decorate the Backyard for Halloween for Cheap, BobVila.com: 5 Things to Do With Straw Bales, 9 drought-tolerant plants for any outdoor space, How to Decorate a Yard With Hay for Fall Season. You can even use the same technique when storing your straw bales in your garage, to help them keep their freshness for as long as possible. Keep your hay clean by washing it before use and using only hay that is completely free of debris and excess dust. Its also important to apply the paint in layers. 2. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. Red tulle, a couple of potted evergreens, and maybe even a few mock presents would turn these bales into a rustic and cheery Christmas display. It should be noted that straw bale buildings often incorporate fireproofing measures, such as improving the compaction of the straw bales and laying metal screens over them, which can reduce the risk of fire. After the bale is completely saturated and warm, youll typically need to wait two weeks for it to get composting and become suitable for planting. If youre looking for ways to add a bit of flair to your hay bales, consider adding lights.