Threads 31: The many uses of straw

Straw is the by-product of many cereals, and has been used by mankind for centuries.  In Canada the best straw to use for basketry is winter wheat or winter rye. This is because the stems have a longer growing season and will grow tall with strong stems in summer.

The best way to find a farmer growing winter rye or wheat is to watch for fields with long straight lines of green shoots in early spring.

In the basketry world straw has been used primarily with the coiling technique. In England this technique is called lipwork.

Bee skeps made of straw are well known throughout Europe and also straw baskets were made to hold bread dough while rising. Presumably to keep it warm.

Straw has also been used to make decorations for Christmas, and 'corn dollies'. These were special effigies made to contain the corn spirit during the winter. When spring came the 'corn dollie' would be planted back into the fields.

Thatched roofs and hay stacks were common in England and thatching was a respected craft. Interesting little straw sculptures would be left on the thatched roofs as a signature by the thatcher.  Straw was also used to make sculptures.

There is a famous effigy of King Alfred, 6th Century, in the museum of rural life in Reading, England.

 A couple of tips about gathering straw

The straw is ready to be harvested when it is golden and dry. You need to ask a farmer for permission to cut the straw, which has to be done before they come in with their machinery. The easiest way to cut the straw is to use a scythe or a pair of garden shears. Cut the straw when it is dry and make bundles with string. If it is still a bit green spread it on a tarp and let it dry. Do not wrap it in plastic as it can get moldy. Remember it will still have the grain on it! This will attract birds and mice. 

It is quite easy to grow a small patch of winter rye or wheat in a garden. It should be planted in mid to late September and will quickly sprout and have green shoots throughout the winter. Cover the seeds well as the birds will find them otherwise.

If you are growing winter wheat, make sure you get the variety with long stalks. Recently they have developed a short stem winter wheat which is not much use for a basket maker! You can 'thresh' the seed by beating it down on a tarpaulin. Then sharing it with the birds or you chickens, as well as planting another crop next year.