can i use old straw for mulch

Don't use your leftover straw bale as mulch; it will only present you with nasty weeds next planting season. Instead, use them to actually grow a garden.

Can Straw go bad?

Any straw that was damp on the inside for any length of time WILL have mold spores on it but if it's still bright and seems clean and is allowed to dry entirely before being used my best guess would be that it will be fine.

What can I do with old straw mulch?

But what if the old mulch has, in fact, decomposed appreciably over the course of the winter? In that case, work it into the ground as organic matter so that it can serve as a soil amendment, along with the compost. Then acquire a load of new mulch as a replacement.

Can Straw get moldy?

But because straw is packed so tightly, the cores and bottoms do collect a lot of moisture that they can't get rid of and tend to mold up—especially in a wet year.

Is it OK to use old hay for mulch?

But using hay as mulch has some surprising benefits. It does indeed break down, but unless you have a very wet environment it shouldn't get moldy. Instead, it will start to compost, creating a rich layer of nutrients for your plants. This is especially good for seeds and starter plants.

Do straw bale houses rot?

Fact: Yes, straw is an organic material but in order for it to decompose both air and water are required. If your home is properly built to reduce air pockets and humidity, the straw will not decompose.

How long do straw bales last?

If built correctly a straw bale home can last 100 years at least. When it's life cycle is complete, a structure stripped of all but the walls can be tilled back into the earth. That can't be said for stick frame homes using modern insulation.

Should old mulch be removed?

Expert green thumbs contend that getting rid of last year's mulch is completely unnecessary. Mulch gradually breaks down, adding beneficial nutrients and other organic matter to the soil. ... However, if you're down to an inch, top off the old layer with an additional inch of new mulch to keep it at its optimum level.

How long does it take for straw mulch to decompose?

Straw will compost pretty quickly in most garden settings. Check the depth of the layer in between rows after about six weeks.

Do you replace mulch every year?

Generally, mulch needs very little attention to function as it should, and some mulches can last 10 years or longer before needing to be replaced. It's most important to occasionally check the depth of your mulch and make sure it falls between 2 to 4 inches deep.

What does moldy hay look like?

Look for Mold

Moldy hay generally presents as darker areas which are grey or black. If you find mold, refuse the bale – mold indicates that the hay was baled when it was too wet. Feeding moldy hay to horses can result in serious problems, such as colic.

What happens when straw gets wet?

Damp straw, stored indoors can develop white moulds binding the bale together and making it impossible to spread out. ... Just 7 inches depth of wet straw in a round bale is half the straw in the bale. If it takes the same amount of dry straw to “dry up” wet straw then the bales would make no contribution to bedding a pen!

What is spoiled hay?

Spoiled hay is nothing more than old hay that has dried and begun to decay, which means it qualifies as organic matter. Nearly any gardener can tell you that decaying organic matter is a gold mine when it comes to the garden.

What can I do with old hay bales?

Uses for Old or Spoiled Hay

Build a hay or straw bale garden. ...
Use the bales like bricks to build a compost pile. ...
Mulch your garden. ...
Use the bales as seats for an outdoor event such as Calgary Stampede, a country wedding, picnic or BBQ.

How long is hay good for?

You can store hay indefinitely if the stack is managed correctly; although, in humid climates, using hay within three years of harvest is ideal.

What can I do with leftover hay bales?

Composting is a very common solution when it comes to proper hay disposal. It is simple, and it also provides many benefits. Hay bales, as well as cornstalks, compost similarly. Hay and cornstalks should be bundled and tied; then, send them off to a local compost in your town.

How much does a straw bale house cost?

Here in Southern Oregon it's possible to build a very comfortable, simple, energy efficient straw bale structure for around $150 per square foot (note that terms like “very comfortable” and “simple” and “energy efficient” conjures different meanings for different people).

What is the R value of a straw bale wall?

The reported R-value of straw bale walls varies from R 2.38 per inch to R 0.94 per inch.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of straw bale construction?

Pros and Cons of Straw Bale Houses

Eco-friendly. Straw bale houses are incredibly eco-friendly. ...
Healthier. Typically, straw bales contain fewer toxins than many other conventional building materials. ...
Cost-Efficient. If you want to build an efficient home, straw bales are a great choice. ...
Customizable. ...
Affordable. ...
Low Fire Hazard. ...
Easily Sourced. ...
Convenient.

Do termites eat straw?

Termites DO eat straw and hay, but only if it's moist. Keep it off the ground, keep it bone dry, make sure whatever you have holding it off the ground is AND STAYS bone dry, and you won't have any trouble from termites.

Do straw bales attract mice?

3. Use straw bales instead of hay bales. Hay bales are more likely to attract rodents looking for a place to nest. ... Damp cloth and straw is an attractive home and water source for rodents.

Can straw spontaneously combust?

Usually, we think of water and moisture as a way to put a fire out, but the opposite is true with hay and straw, which when too wet can heat and spontaneously combust.