skip to main content

California Gardening

Using straw as mulch (which then turnedinto fertilizer)

10 years ago

Last summer I put straw all over my flower bed in hopes of keeping the ground from drying out due to the drought. It worked fantastic. I would think it was time to water, then I would lift up the straw/mulch and the soil was still damp. I was amazed. The second benefit I am now seeing, is the wonders of the straw breaking down in the soil and turning into fertilizer. Here are some pictures of my roses. They have not had any fertilizer or had any chemical treatment. Aren't they looking healthy?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

Nil13 usda:10a sunset:21 LA,CA (Mount Wash.)
10 years ago
The straw will also keep fungal spores from splashing up onto the leaves of the roses when you water or it rains.
socks
10 years ago
Yes, they look great. Where did you get the straw?

We use a lot of bark and forest-type mulch, I also mulch with lawn clippings. It was terrible for the roses last summer.
Related Professionals
West Palm Beach Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Indianapolis Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Oklahoma City Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · North Adams Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Niles Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Lexington Landscape Contractors · Meridian Landscape Contractors · Youngstown Landscape Contractors · Farmington Landscape Contractors · Palm Bay Architects & Building Designers · Topeka Architects & Building Designers · Charlotte Architects & Building Designers · Chattanooga Architects & Building Designers · Cookeville Architects & Building Designers · Johnson City Architects & Building Designers
akarinz
Original Author
10 years ago
I go to the feed store and pick it up. This week I ended up with alfalfa hay because they were out of straw. I think alfalfa hay is much better, but costs about $5 more than the straw bale. I put the straw on my citrus last year. They are looking absolutely gorgeousness too. Leaves are beautiful green.

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES Get on a Composting Kick (Hello, Free Fertilizer!)

By Matt Kilburn

Quit shelling out for pricey substitutes that aren’t even as good. Here’s how to give your soil the best while lightening your trash load

GARDENING GUIDES New Ways to Think About All That Mulch in the Garden

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Before you go making a mountain out of a mulch hill, learn the facts about what your plants and soil really want

GARDENING GUIDES How to Pick a Mulch — and Why Your Soil Wants It

By Jocelyn H. Chilvers

There's more to topdressing than shredded wood. Learn about mulch types, costs and design considerations here

GARDENING GUIDES How to Switch to an Organic Landscape Plan

By Falon Mihalic

Ditch the chemicals for a naturally beautiful lawn and garden, using living fertilizers and other nontoxic treatments

GARDENING GUIDES Common Myths That May Be Hurting Your Garden

By J. Peterson Garden Design

Discover the truth about fertilizer, soil, staking and more to keep your plants healthy and happy

GARDENING GUIDES How to Keep Your Citrus Trees Well Fed and Healthy

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Ripe for some citrus fertilizer know-how? This mini guide will help your lemon, orange and grapefruit trees flourish

GRASSES 10 Ways to Use Ornamental Grasses in the Landscape

By Laura Gaskill

These low-maintenance plants can add beauty, texture and privacy to any size garden

GROUND COVERS Ground Force: 10 Top Ground Covers for Your Garden

By Carol Bucknell Garden Design

Protect your soil from weeds and drought this summer with a living mulch of ground covers

GARDENING GUIDES Garden Myths to Debunk as You Dig This Fall and Rest Over Winter

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Termites hate wood mulch, don’t amend soil for trees, avoid gravel in planters — and more nuggets of garden wisdom

GARDENING GUIDES Texas Gardener's November Checklist

By J. Peterson Garden Design

Planting and protecting are top priorities in the garden this month, so master the mulch and get those trees and shrubs in the ground

0

Sponsored

More Discussions

Developing Well Composted Bark

1

made Cym mistake, what now?

2

has anyone used Armstrong Pro Care service?

0

my first time with sawflies, what to do? warning: icky photos

11

What should I do?

2