Melissia,

If you have grass growing between the beds, and especially if it is bermuda grass, then hay alone generally is not enough. Many of us lay down multiple sheets of newspaper (12-20 sheets usually is enough) or heavy cardboard (I think cardboard works better) first in our pathways and then put hay, grass clippings and other mulch on top of that.

Usually, with hay on top of grass, the grass will grow right up through the hay. Some people say that if the hay is thick enough--let's say 12" thick for example---that the grass will not grow up through the hay. I have not found that to be true. I have had bermuda grass grow up through a bale of hay lying on its side in the grass. Perhaps with some less vigrous grasses, perhaps those that grow by clumping and not by running, hay alone would work but it is always better to put down paper or cardboard as a barrier label.

Dawn

Melissia,

I agree w/ the cardboard or newspaper like Dawn mentioned. I have raised beds due to poor soil and started "killing" off a garden section last year. I placed cardboard pieces all over and covered them with what used to be one of those rubbermaid sheds that gone blown to bits by a storm.

This year after building my raised beds and a majority of the evil bermuda killed, note not all of it, i have placed straw down for the paths in between. I won't have to mow it but i weed the paths while i am weeding my beds.

I am hoping that year after year of doing this will alleviate some of the vigorous growth of bermuda and make it much more manageable; albeit, it is already an improvement.

Brad

I have some paper feed sacks -- I could lay them down first and then the hay -- I bet that would work like a charm. . . so far the bermuda isn't in the garden -- I had the pigs till the garden for me and it looks like they got it all because surprisingly I haven't seen any bermuda just a few weeds and one briar; that's why I thought this is the year to get it mulched and maybe never have to worry with bermuda in that area again : ) -- I know it's probably wishful thinking. . .