Sunlight bleaches hay, causing it to lose nutritional value, especially protein and vitamin A. You can also make your hay stacks more decorative by using colorful twinkle lights. If your hay is too dry to be used as mulch, wrap it in plastic to help keep it moist and prevent it from drying out. They are also a great way to bring rustic charm to your backyard or front yard. WebA bale typically has two layers of wrapping. To bale or not to bale. Of course, you should take extra care to ensure lights are securely attached to the Hay Bales and should also keep flammable materials away from the lights. Second, I will continue to utilize these hay bales for decoration through to the end of the year. In addition to covering the hay bale with a tarp, you can also use a chemical spray to preserve the hay and help ward off insects and other pests. Its even more stressful if you have kids who are upset because their favorite swing set is being taken apart! This will allow you to know when the interior of the hay is hot enough for bacteria growth. As such, some farmers leave the net wrap on the bale and grind it along with the hay. Several varieties of blossoms will work for this decorative touch, although you may prefer to choose flowers that match your fall decor theme. When used with compost, they can help increase your gardens soil fertility over time as well. Once secured, take remaining net wrap off of bale. horse people are really fussy with hay. According to Farm to Stable, seller of straw bales on Amazon, a 4-pound wheat straw bale will cover approximately 6 to 8 square feet, 2 inches deep. With the big expense out of the way, its time to go cheap and head to the Dollar Tree for the rest of your decorations. Theyre a great way to add a farmhouse vibe without Stan. 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. These affixed to the bales will not only look pretty but they will also act as a deterrent against squirrels, rabbits and other rodents from eating your prized possessions. 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. They have been known to reach temperatures higher than 1000 degrees Fahrenheit, which has the potential to start a wildfire if conditions are right. ), degree of compaction and exposure to animals.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'remodelormove_com-banner-1','ezslot_7',157,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-banner-1-0'); Generally, small square bales stored in an open field with no protection from the elements can last anywhere from 3-6 months. If you prefer old school fall decor, you cant go wrong with a hay-stuffed scarecrow. Figure 1. They may also require a pet deposit [], Moving can be a stressful time. There are plenty of ways to spruce up your hay bales, so take your time and be creative! It is important to be mindful of potential fire hazards when utilizing straw bales, and best practices and precautions should be taken to help ensure fire safety. You can create furniture out of hay bales, making chairs, sofas, tables and more. In addition to the plastic wrapping, you can use a spray paint to help protect them from the elements. Square bales weigh 40 to 60 pounds. When considering transportation, net wrap allows for better bale integrity during handling and transportation. Its also a potential source of fire, putting your barn in jeopardy should it ignite. Next, use a sharp knife to cut away the straw in the area outlined by the string. Water it well to saturate the fertilizer. Next, wet the entire balespending about 30 minutes soaking and turning it every 10 minutes. There are a variety of bugs that are drawn to hay bales, including beetles and moths. When preparing to place the bale in the feeder, tilt the forks to a thirty degree angle and find the starting point of your net wrap (what was previously tucked in the top portion). Jim. As long as the hay contains fewer than 10 insects per cubic foot, it is considered safe to use. Can I Install a Smart Thermostat in My Apartment. Plastic twine resists weathering, insects and rodents better than natural-fiber twines. All the same, decorating with a big bale of hay-like stuff and a glorious pot of mums has become tradition along the back roads and rural streets of America. are the twines tight? When you rake the straw away next spring, your grass will grow lush and green. You can use a shovel or garden fork to break up the bale further before planting, then adding a layer of compost, and finally, your plants. After two weeks, the bale should be composted enough to begin planting. You can do a few things to make the process much easier. You can also keep your hay bales dry by storing them in a dry place, such as a garage or storage shed, during the winter. To keep the net wrap from becoming a pile on the ground, wrap it or bundle it as you move your way around the bale until all the net wrap has been removed from the bale, she concluded. Ticks and weevils are more likely to infest the hay itself, and can be more of a nuisance. Get []. 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 . If a bale is being fed in a bale feeder some simple tips can assist you in removing the net wrap quickly and efficiently. The bacteria and fungi in hay bale can also attract insects that feed on rotting plant matter. Jan 29, 2016. If you have been injured because of a defect in your apartment complex, you may be able to sue your landlord for breach of the warranty of [], by unlimitedapartments on 3 hours ago - 0 Comments, Apartment owners need to be aware of their insurance needs. One key to the quick decomposition of the straw and the conditioning is that the bales must be compressed. Once its in the ground, water and fertilize regularly to help the bale decompose and become a nutrient-rich, warm soil for plants to thrive. Hay Bale Fall Decorations | Easy Outdoor Fall Decorating Idea Storing net wrap bales under a roof allows for snow and ice to stay off of bales, yet, if not stored under a roof, snow and ice become a burden to removing net wrap. Poor baleage fermentation can lead to botulism. If you opt to make huge bales of hay, you should wrap each one in net wrap or plastic twine to prevent the bales from sagging and to assist keep the bales in their She currently attends the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and is majoring in professional journalism and photography. 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. Organization is key to make sure hay doesnt go to waste. 2. They can also serve as seating for friends and family who visit your home. Decorating a bale of hay is a fun way to add a festive touch to the season. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. They provide warmth and a soft bed for laying eggs; and because of their sturdy structure, hay bales are great for making temporary walls or small rooms for corralling your feathered friends. Start tedding the hay the day within a day of cutting. Neglecting to meet this obligation can lead to dangerous conditions that can cause injuries. Silage wax, for example, can help preserve fresh hay for several months, but its important to keep it dry to prevent spoilage. Cutting a hole in a straw bale is a fairly straightforward task, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you get a nice, clean cut. Once youve cut the hole, give the edges a light sand to remove any rough straw and to level them out. Straw bales are highly flammable, and when they catch fire they can burn intensely. It will act as a backdrop for pumpkins, mums or other decorations that complement the bales color and shape. Choose a building on an elevated, well-drained site. Scatter a few small baby boos, some gourds and a winter squash and prop a vintage wagon wheel behind the whole display. If using bale forks to lift the bale into the feeder, the forks should enter the lower half of the bale at approximately a twenty-degree angle, this allows the bale to be lifted above the feeder without slipping off the forks. For example, hay such as alfalfa hay or grass hay usually costs more than hay such as straw. If you want a more personalized touch, you can have a blacksmith create custom lettering for you. Watch out Autumn these hay bales are going to steal the show this year. Theyre also a fantastic source of natural mulch for your garden. 3. Horse owners often like square bales, because theyre easier to feed in stalls and theres less waste. Finally, hay bales can provide a perfect place for pests to hide from predators and lay eggs, especially if the hay bale is in a damp or dark area. 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. RELATED: 3 Essential Fall Lawn Maintenance Tasks. With the addition of pumpkins, gourds, and even a little outdoor lantern, the fall vibe is on point. For a more rustic look, you can also hang leaves and twigs from the bales. 1. What happens if you dont get your period with PCOS. Using a tarp also Weave the strands around your hay bale to outline its shape or swirl them into a pattern for added flair. Whether you want to use them as an accent, or youre looking for ways to keep them in good shape, there are several steps to follow to ensure that your hay bales dont fall apart. Take the other end and pull it through the loop and pull tightly, tie and secure (Figure 1.3). Fall is, of course, the most popular time of year for decorating with hay bales. King grew up on a beef farm in Big Bend, Wis., where her 4-H experiences included showing both beef and dairy cattle. A more intimate option is to create a temporary straw bale sofa that you can enjoy all season long (see photo at the top of the page). Stack a bale of hay in a section of your yard and sprinkle your pine straw around it. Just be sure to place them a few feet apart and at least 5 feet from the branches to ensure comfortable pathway access. Start by keeping them dry. How to Set Up a Christmas Village in a Bay Window. If bales must be stored side by side, leave at least 2 feet between bales. With a bit of creativity, decorating bales of hay can be a fun way to celebrate the season!. Then, twine is wrapped around the bale before its ejected from the baler. Stack the second layer with the strings facing up, perpendicular to the first layer. If you cant store hay in a separate building, keep only small amounts in the barn at one time. One of the most popular decorative ideas for hay bales is to stack them in tiers. Prior to living here in Orlando, we lived in a suburb of Tampa. If you keep your bales out of the elements, especially moisture, they can last for years. The outer wrap is usually made of a stronger, weatherproof plastic. Alternatively, you can store the bale indoors. Materials you can use to help insulate hay from wet soil or concrete and provide some ventilation include telephone poles, wooden pallets and tires. 5 out of 5 stars (1,966) $ 8.00. Luckily, you dont have to take your set apart all the way to move it. The first thing to do is to determine the size and shape of the hole you need. To preserve its nutritional value, put up no more than youll feed within a year of harvest. 2. Hay is a staple in the fall, providing a natural look that can be used for decorating a variety of spaces. Video: Building A New Farm Garden Shed (Pt. This will add a bit of color and light to your hay bale, and its safe to place outside. Less dry matter is lost from net-wrapped bales compared to those wrapped with twine. 2. Also, if you need delivery service, the price of a bale may be slightly higher due to labor and mileage costs. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. Hay, small bales falling apart discussion in the Tractor Talk forum at Yesterday's Tractors. Once the string is secured tightly around the entire bale, remove the rest of the net wrap. I can get the real deal for $10 a piece when I would basically be spending at least $20 at a craft store for the same effect. When hay bales get wet, they can lead to a variety of problems. The wire or twine should be a bit thicker than the flakes so that they dont break apart in transit. It will be crystal clear once I explain it to you. 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. Copyright 2023 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. brome , timothy? Prior to lifting the bale, find the end of the net wrap and securely tuck it under the net wrap at the top of the bale. If you are having a party or event, you could even paint the bales to match your color scheme. They can be moved in the spring, if we dont want the hay cage to be there permanently. To prevent wet hay bales, they must be stored in a dry location that is well-ventilated. During these two weeks, keep the bale damp by soaking it again every couple of days. For either kind, prepare the pumpkin by gently cutting a generous top opening with a pumpkin carving kit. Yes, hay bales can get wet. Cozy outdoor benches made with bales one quilt and a few throw pillows. 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. Once Thanksgiving has passed, recycle your straw into compost for the garden or bedding for Whether you want to create a rustic outdoor area or spruce up your home for the holidays, these round bales can add charm and character. We found it was easiest to use a sawing motion to cut the top off the pumpkin. Posted: Wed Jul 15, 2020 5:48 pm Post subject: Hay, small bales falling apart. MiniatureMakerSupply. 9 Easy-to-Make Garden Luminaries 5 Things to Do With Apple Crates How To: Make a Terrarium. Remove rest of net wrap. By following these steps, [], by unlimitedapartments on 7 hours ago - 0 Comments, Many people want to keep pets, but some rental properties dont allow them. If you decide to bale hay in large bales, wrap them with net wrap or plastic twine to reduce bale sag and help maintain bale shape. One producer offers some advice through his own trial and errors regarding net wrap removal. You can sprinkle fertilizer on the straw to promote growth, and then irrigate it with water each day. By following these steps, [], by unlimitedapartments on 7 hours ago - 0 Comments, Many people want to keep pets, but some rental properties dont allow them. Its a more nutritional food source than straw and is most often used to feed horses, cows, goats and sheep.