We prefer to have the cut side of the bale facing up. The open stem ends allow easier penetration of the granular fertilizer and the water is better able to carry the fertilizer into the bales that way. But if the cut side isn’t up, it isn’t a deal breaker, it may just take a bit more time to work the fertilizer in.
Straw Bale
What about mold on the bales, isn’t mold bad?
No, mold is simply one of the tools mother nature uses to decompose organic substrates. Mold growing inside a confined space, where we breath in the concentrated spores, is very potentially harmful. Absolutely mold growing in your home is not healthy.
You’ll NEVER grow potatoes any other way again!
Potato harvest from bales is easy, with no fork or shovel, simply cut the strings and kick over the bales, and pick up the potatoes. No marks on the potatoes from the forks or shovels, so they will store well, unblemished. Wrap them in brown paper, this helps them store longer. Keep them in a dry cool place, and check your stock often, tossing out any that have gotten soft or begun to rot.