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New England Gardening

difference between straw and hay?

20 years ago

Sorry if that is a dumb question - but is there a difference between straw and hay? I am a new gardener, so last year I tackled flowers and shrubs; this year, I'm planting edibles. I already have a few things in the ground already and need some sort of natural mulch. Which is better - straw or hay - or does it matter?

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Comment (1)

ellen_s
20 years ago
Straw is the stems of grass crop, hay can contain stems but mostly the tops and seedheads of grass.

Straw is much better for mulching because you don't want the seedheads from the hay sprouting in whatever you are working on.

I wouldn't use hay for mulch or anywhere else in the garden unless it was partially composted enough to prevent seeding.
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