Hi, I live in Ocean County too! I get salt marsh hay from Clayton Block in Lakewood.

It's great to finally know of a source for salt hay. Ironically, it grows wild in a salt marsh nearby, but, of course, I wouldn't dream of harvesting that.

In the past, I've used "Golden Hay", available at a nearby feed supply, and have been very satisfied. The soil organisms sure do seem to love it. Definition follows from a thread in the Vegetable Gardens forum, where Violet6 posted a very helpful glossary of mulches:

"What is commonly termed "Golden straw" is either oat straw, Avena, or wheat straw, Triticum. This straw is a by-product of the process of separating oat or wheat seeds from their stalks. Golden straw is often used as bedding in horse stalls; because there are no seeds, the horses won't eat it. This straw spreads nicely, and the lack of seeds means there is no risk of it germinating in your garden. It can be used in the same way as salt hay."

Here is a link that might be useful: Link to referenced veg. garden forum

Hi
I have a permanent mulch garden--I use regular hay and keep it about 6 to 8 inches thick at all times. It enriches the soil as it rots, keeps down weeds and reduces the need for watering. You will have earthworms galore.
Pat