Mulching with straw protects the soil, reduces weeds, and keeps your organic garden healthy and clean. Learn how to use straw mulch from spring to harvest.
I admit that: I hate weeding. It’s a garden job that never ends. When you think you’ve caught up, something else passes through the soil. So mulching is my go-to way to keep your garden tidy and healthy.
I now use a variety of organic mulch in my garden, including compost, shredded leaves, wooden chips, and more, but by experimenting with straw and hay mulch, I have begun to experience the benefits of mulch first. Even today, straws and mulching are my favorite ways.
This practice was inspired by the legendary Ruth Stout.
“No work” gardening long before mulching became mainstream. She used hay to cover the garden bed, but I discovered that straws offer many of the same benefits without the issue of germinating seeds.
In this article, we will share how straw mulch works, why they prefer it over hay, and how to use it effectively in a vegetable garden. Also, if you’re interested in other natural mulch options, check out 5 ways organic mulch can help your garden.
Loose Stout and No Work Gardening Methods
Ruth Stout was a pioneer of what she called a “rude garden” and a way of being rooted in simplicity. Her philosophy was simple. Stop cultivating and get hay and mulch all year round. By layering organic materials directly onto the soil, she significantly reduced the need for weeding, watering and fertilizing.
Ruth swore to Hay, but I learned the hard way that Hay often contains quick sprouted seeds in a batch of fresh weed. A few seasons after pulling the grasslands with vegetables, I switched to straw, but didn’t look back.
Why use straw instead of hay?
Straws and hay may be similar, but they behave very differently in the garden. Hay is made from grass harvested with unharmed seed heads, making it more likely to introduce unwanted weeds.
Straws, on the other hand, are the remaining stems from grain crops such as wheat, barley, and oats, and are usually free of seeds. It is light, dry and clean, making it suitable for mulching in your vegetable garden.
Every spring I pick up a large rectangular straw veil from my local farm and feed store. One veil is usually enough to mulch the whole garden with extra extra gardens to line up chicken coop nest boxes. It is clean, easy to handle and makes work beautiful.
If they are outside the ba, I use a chopped straw. The engraved straw is simply a straw cut to a lesser length, usually about 4 inches long. It’s a little more expensive, but it works the same way and is much easier to spread out.
Benefits of using straws as mulch
I especially love using garden beds for mulch on straws with veneer crops such as melons, squash, cucumbers, pumpkins and more. The grapes spread across the straw, and the developing fruits are on dry mulch, protected from direct contact with the soil, helping to reduce the risk of rot, pests and disease. As a bonus, the fruits remain much cleaner at harvest.
Straws create great root coverings in the vegetable garden for many reasons:
Weed control: Thick layers block sunlight and weed before sucking up the weed seedlings. Moisture Retention: Straws trap moisture in the soil and reduce the frequency required for water. Temperature Moderation: Insulates the soil, keeps it cool in the summer and reduces evaporation. Improve soil health: When straw breaks, nutrients and organic matter are added to the soil. Cleaner produce: Creates dry surfaces that reduce soil scattering and can spread diseases to plants. Easy to Handle: The straw is lightweight, easy to spread, and easy to pull back when you need to plant or harvest. Perfect for vinning crops: Straws help protect your plants from soilborne diseases, pests and moisture. result? Healthier plants and cleaner harvests.
What kind of straw to use?
Not all straws are suitable for garden use. For mulch, look for clean, dry les labelled wheat straw, oat straw, or barley straw. These are usually hollow stems without seeds left after separating grain from the stem.
Straws are used for animal bedding and are available at local farmers, farms and feed stores. If you are unsure, ask your supplier about the type of straw and whether it is being treated with chemicals.
Avoid anything labeled “hay.” This usually contains viable seeds that can sprout into unwanted weeds. Also, avoid straws that look like mold, green, or are over-compressed, as they can harbor seeds and pathogens.
It is also important to be aware of potential herbicide contaminations. Some grain crops are sprayed with glyphosate (Roundup) or other persistent herbicides prior to harvest. These chemicals remain in straws and can cause serious garden problems, including cultivation growth, undernourishment of sensitive plants such as tomatoes, beans and flowers. Worse, the residue can last in the soil and affect future crops.
To protect your organic garden, always ask your supplier if straw comes from fields that are treated with herbicides or pesticides. If possible, choose organic straws or ingredients from trustworthy local sauces. A little research in advance can help you avoid introducing long-lasting chemicals into your garden bed.
How to mulch with straws in a vegetable garden
Mulching with a straw is easy, but with a few simple steps it will help you get the most profitable.
Wait until the soil warms up. After the soil is warmed and drained in the spring, straw mulch is optimally applied. Too early can cause the soil to cool too much for seeds to germinate and slow early growth. Add water to the soil before applying mulch: It is best to start with moist soil as moisture will be trapped under the mulch. Wait until it rains or before adding mulch, until it is thoroughly soaked. Shake straw with fuzz: Fluffy flakes from the straw and slurpen, the straw spreads loosely across the surface. This helps with airflow and prevents matting. Apply a 4-6 inch layer around the plant. It covers the soil thoroughly, but maintains small gaps around the bottom of the plant, preventing moisture buildup and stem rot. Refill as needed: The straw will break slowly, but may be compressed or blown away in windy conditions. If necessary, close the midseason with a small straw multi. When repotting: When it’s time to replant the next gardening season, set the mulch aside, modify the soil as needed, sow seeds or transplanted seedlings, return the mulch to its original location, leaving a few inches of space around each plant.
Troubleshooting and tips
You won’t fail! The day I decided to mulch my garden, the wind picks up. To avoid blowing the straw, try soaking it before spreading. Fill a deep wheelbarrow or large tote with water, break down the straw flakes and soak them temporarily. The damp straws are easy to handle and can last for once better in your garden bed.
If soaking is not practical, you can temporarily water mulch with some branches or rocks until it sinks, or even beat the rocks until it settles down.
Slug problem? In cool, rainy weather, slugs may hide under the mulch. Focus on vulnerable seedlings early in the season and adjust the mulch thickness if slag becomes an issue. Straw mat down? Over time, a thick layer of straw mulch may be compressed. Loosen it with a rake now to maintain airflow and reduce the risk of trapping moisture near the soil. Will weeds pop out? Pull them while they are still small, then add another light layer to strengthen the barrier of the mulch.
Natural solutions to endless problems
Straws and mulching saved me countless weeding and it became one of my favorite gardening shortcuts. It keeps the garden looking clean, protects the soil and gradually improves over time.
If you’re tired of constantly pulling weeds or watering a dry bed, try a straw mulch. It could be your new favorite garden helper.
Want to explore more multi-options? Read 5 ways organic mulch can help you learn your garden about other natural ingredients that can protect and improve your soil.
A good plan is key to a successful vegetable garden.
Whether you’re new to growing your own food or have grown a vegetable garden for years, you will benefit from a few plans each year. Find everything you need to organize and plan your vegetable garden in my PDF ebook. Grow a good guide to living your garden.
