I would use something else. I'm not 100% sure about the mold, but it's possible that there's something in the old hay that you wouldn't want splashing up onto the leaves of your tomatoes.

What I am sure about, is that hay has lots and lots of weed seeds in it, and you probably don't want to be planting a weed garden in your tomato patch.

I would compost the hay this year. The heat in a compost pile should kill off the weed seeds and mold. Shredded newspapers are a wonderful cheap way to mulch. I am also using cardboard and black plastic mulch paper and having pretty good luck with weed control. I put the plastic over the cardboard, then regular wood mulch on top of the plastic, both to hold it down and to make it look better. But not right up against the plants. I have about a 6" diameter around each plant that has just a little of the wood mulch. The few weeds that grow there are easy to pull out.

Just keep in mind that hay has seeds in it, so you may get it growing by using it as a mulch.
A combo of seaweed and straw have been my main ways of mulching ~

Tom

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:1343893}}

I have been mulching heavily with moldy hay for over 20 years with no problems. Around here they sell moldy hay (exposed to rain) as "spoiled" hay for a lower price than the prime feed hay, about $3.25/bale. This was recommended in an old Rodales organic garden book I read in the 1970s. I don't get any hay seed germination either. Just be sure to wear a dust mask when spreading it about so you do not inhale too much mold - it can irritate your lungs.

Tom

Nice little patch, tomstrees. I like seaweed and hay, too, also grass clippings. I use what I have. I scavenge the hay from fall displays and collect the seaweed at the beach down the block. I see guys there with dump trailers taking 10 yards at a time.

I actually prefer hay and use both alfalfa and 3 way that we feed the horses. I have used old moldy stuff with no ill effects or weeds.

Holly Hanna this forum moves fast!!lolol
Thank ya'll so much for the quick replies and helpful info!!! Ya'll are a great source of knowledge!!
With hay being at $6.50 a bale----I hated not to use it somehow..we're already battling grass weeds but I worry about the hot hot weather more as watering is a huge chore.
Thanks again everyone and I loved the pics that Tylenol and Tom provided---great gardens!!

I am mulching with clippings from boxwood hedges that surround the garden. It is both a mulch and a green manure:

Vinnyc,

Thanks!
I live at the Bayshore and have recognized seaweed as a gem from the first time I layed eyes on it.

I've actually been thinking about going up to my parents house in N.NJ and harvest some seaweed from their lake ... plenty to go around there ~ ; )

But yeah, seaweed and straw is my pref. method ...

~ Tom

I love grass clippings! Free and I get a fresh supply every week when I mow them lawn. Clippings go throughout all my beds, so by the time I'm done I have to start over again because they'll break down in six weeks or less.

I've used hay, grass clippings and straw for many years with no problems. I have never seen the weed trouble so many speak about. Getting ready to mulch with several inches of alfalfa from two big bales that busted then put grass clippings on top of that. And mold don't hurt at all IMO. Jay

Wow, so many mulching ideas. Grass clippings in this area tends to weed or grow grass again. I use red mulch probably the most expensive idea but best looking. Also something about the red that the tomatoes like. :)