Using straw for mulch?

ONfarmergirl 6/18/2013, 9:51 am

Hi Everyone,

I'm new to SFG and to the forum. Loving both so far, but needing a little help.

I have 4 4X4 boxes and I'm finding it difficult to mow in between without all the cut grass being blown into my boxes. I'd like to put something down on the walkways to avoid this problem. I was thinking of using straw (we have an abundance on our farm) but was unsure if this would work? Would I have to rip up all the grass and put down black cloth and then cover with straw to avoid grass/weeds growing through? Or any other suggestions?

Thank you in advance and happy gardening! :0)

Natalie M

**camprn** 6/18/2013, 10:06 am

I have grass between my boxes as well. I prefer this as I can mow it and not futz with all manner of mulch year after year.
As long as the grass has not gone to seed it should not be a problem if bits and pieces get into your garden.

quiltbea 6/18/2013, 11:25 am

ONfarmgil......Welcome to the forum. You can get lots of ideas here.
Unfortunately my boxes were placed narrower than the mower between them so I laid down several sheets of newspaper and then straw over it. I liked it. By the next year it needs another layer of straw but if you have plenty, you don't have a problem. I have to buy mine by the bale and tote it home in my car trunk. Its messy even with an old plastic tablecloth in the trunk.
Using straw for mulch? 06-19-10

The grass still comes up against the boxes so I trim it back with my hedge clippers.

ETNRedClay 6/18/2013, 12:15 pm

Re: the messy car trunk. A sturdy 55-gallon contractor trash bag will hold a straw bale from around here. I store straw in them as well, since that is my default brown for composting and I have 4 areas with compost bins scattered across 5 acers. So I just take the bag to the store and make THEM load the bale in the bag. Then THEY can load it in my truck. No mess. And I always have those big sturdy bags because we have to haul our own garbage... and they work for leaves... and a lot of other things as well.

quiltbea 6/18/2013, 1:44 pm

ETN....Thanks for the info on the bags. I'll have to look for them.

LauraRey 6/19/2013, 11:04 am

I do use straw for my garlic patch and around my daughter's little 3x3 garden. I would use more, but find it really hard to find in the GTA. Thankfully I have a father-in-law who supplies me with it. I ended up using landscaping fabric and cedar chips for between my beds.

ONfarmergirl 6/19/2013, 2:28 pm

Thanks so much everyone for your feedback. It's much appreciated. I'll be putting down my newspaper and straw this weekend. Smile

Happy Gardening.

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