Joel Karsten is the ‘Father of Straw Bale Gardening’. He is a graduate from the University of Minnesota and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture Science.
Teaching Community Education and speaking to groups of gardeners became a passion of Joel’s when people discovered the gardening method he pioneered, perfecting the art of growing vegetables, herbs and flowers in decomposing bales of straw. These speaking opportunities allowed many adventures traveling the world teaching his STRAW BALE GARDENS® method to backyard gardeners in places like Cleveland and Denver, but also to people in areas of the world like Cambodia and Philippines where gardening isn’t just a hobby, but growing food is essential to well being.
Joel’s books on straw bale gardening have become best-sellers world-wide.