oaten 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.

Is oat straw good for mulch?

Because it is weed free, it can be used immediately. But it deteriorates quickly. Wheat and oat straw are alternatives. ... But use the straw quickly at that point, or the bales will rot completely, and remember to place the bales where you want them to be before they get wet - they're hard to move when soaked.

Is hay better than mulch?

A low-quality straw mulch is a better choice than a low-quality hay, since the poor-quality hay likely contains invasive seeds, and straw does not. When high-quality, seed-free is hay available, it makes a better mulch because of the nutrients it introduces to the soil compared to straw.

Can I use hay instead of straw in my garden?

Most garden authorities recommend using straw rather than hay but we make our own hay so I use what we grow following Mrs. Stout's method, just not in the buff. ... Farmers make every effort to harvest the grain from straw, leaving straw bales relatively seed free especially when compared to hay.

How long does it take for hay to decompose?

Some growers will leave the hay out for one full year to be fully saturated and partially decomposed.

Why do you put straw down to grow grass?

Not only does straw keep grass seed moist and warm, it also keeps the seed from blowing around on windy days or washing away during heavy rainstorms watering. ... Straw also discourages birds and small mammals from feasting on the seed. As it decomposes, the straw contributes valuable nutrients to the soil.

Will carrots grow through straw mulch?

Organic mulches suitable for carrots and veggie gardens include straw, sawdust, leaf mold, pine needles, sawdust, compost and manure. ... Pebbles and rocks are often used to mulch around landscape plants, but not used in the vegetable garden where the soil is frequently turned and worked.

Does hay make good compost?

Create nutrient-rich compost for your garden from common household leftovers. Dried leaves, hay, straw, sawdust, wood chips, and shrub and tree prunings. Ned Conwell collects his brown matter, but you can also use straw from a feed store.

Should you put hay over seed?

A: Spreading a thin layer of straw on a newly sown patch of grass is a good way to increase success. The mulch will keep the soil moist and protect the seedlings. ... First note that one uses straw not hay since hay has seeds that will germinate with the grass seed.

Is hay or straw better for compost?

Straw is relatively free of seeds and the few that remain on the stalks shouldn't pose a problem, as they will rot right along with the rest of the plant in the compost pile. ... You can buy both hay and straw in bales at most garden centers, from farms and feed and grain stores.

Should I use straw or hay to cover grass seed?

Straw is preferred to hay as a grass seed mulch because of its lower seed content. Straw is made of the stems of grass plants, while hay contains the stem plus the flowers and seeds. Still, straw will contain some amount of seed from farm grasses and weeds.

Can you use hay as garden mulch?

Hay will not give you a dry layer of cover that is pleasing to look at, but it is a great mulch for growing flowers and vegetables, and you'll get a fantastic yield. To start a garden, with seeds or starters, first create a thick layer of hay, up to eight inches (20 cm.), right over your garden soil.

Can you use hay bales for gardening?

Hay bale gardens are perfect for gardeners with no space or poor soil for cultivation. Hay forms an ideal alternative to soil. Since the straw bale makes a natural pot for your plants, you can plant anywhere you have room for your bale.

How often should I mix my compost?

How often you should turn compost depends on a number of factors including the size of the pile, the green to brown ratio, and the amount of moisture in the pile. That being said, a good rule of thumb is to turn a compost tumbler every three to four days and the compost pile every three to seven days.

How do you dispose of hay bales?

Pull the wires or twine away form the bale, roll them up and throw them into a trash receptacle. Break the bale up into manageable pieces or flakes. Pick up the flakes and load them into the bed of a pickup truck. Haul the hay to a plant recycling center or nursery and donate it for reuse.

What can I do with old round hay bales?

There are a host of ways to use spoiled hay in your garden to improve your soil or protect your plants.

Mulch. Spread spoiled hay under your flowers and vegetables as an organic mulch. ...
Soil Amendments. ...
Compost. ...
Make A Garden Bed.

Will grass seed grow if you just throw it on the ground?

The simple answer is, yes. Beyond just throwing the seed out into the lawn and not performing any grass maintenance there is a whole world of lawn care. ... Even though the seeds will sprout if just thrown on the surface of the dirt there are negative effects of planting the seed in that fashion.

How many bales of hay do you need to cover grass seed?

A shallow layer of straw is all that's needed to help retain moisture for the soil and fresh seeds. One bale of straw covers approximately 2,000 square feet. Sprinkling it in a light layer allows it to decompose naturally so you won't have to rake it up once the grass has sprouted.

What is the best thing to put over grass seed?

Straw is one of the most commonly used materials for covering newly planted grass seed. It's a budget-friendly option, but it's important to choose a variety relatively free of seeds that may produce weeds in your yard. Oat, wheat and barley straw are effective options.

What is the best mulch for winter?

Great mulches for winter include bark chips, shredded bark, straw, evergreen boughs and other loose, coarse-textured organic materials. For many gardeners, mulch is as common place in our gardens and yards as are the very plants we grow.

How do you increase carrot germination?

3 Keys to Increase Carrot Germination

Prepare Soil Well. A word to the wise: If you don't prepare your soil well, nothing else matters. Carrots love deep, rich, well-drained soil, the looser the better. ...
Provide Ample, Even Moisture. [Floating Row Cover is Fabulous] Carrots often take two to three weeks to germinate, depending on soil temperature.

What can I use for mulch?

Organic mulches are made from dead plant material such as compost, leaves, bark or grass clippings. Inorganic mulches include rocks or gravel but they can also include plastic sheeting, landscape fabric and 'rubber mulch'. Unlike organic mulches, inorganic mulches do not break down.