I was wondering if there is a certain type of straw people use? It will be my first time using outside, we got Wheat Straw, I think I'm going to add some worm castings down first then layer the straw over that. Thanks
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Straw as mulch
- Thread starter Noonin NorCal
- Start date
Emperortaima
Namekian resident/farmer
Im subbed for this thread as im curious if there's any "brands" that would compliment a organic garden so omri listed or a trusted organic practicing co 
Sorry i forgot to mention I'm using smart pots. My yard gets pretty windy, i just transplanted yesterday and the day before, so my soil is wet. If i was to put straw down should i give it a little soak even though my soil is moist? I'm worried about it blowing away lol
Emperortaima
Namekian resident/farmer
Have you thought of getting those 420 grow bags (fabric) they close in at the top that may help you with your worry of the straw flying away.
To late for that, plants are plugged already. in 45 gallon smart pots
Emperortaima
Namekian resident/farmer
It also keeps the microbes nice and cool they like it cool and dark
Straw makes for good mulch...just get the best straw you can find. Last year, I had a cover crop and a straw top layer going...when the cover crop would get too high, I gave it all a haircut and shoved the clippings under the straw. Saw lots of critters on my soil surface when I'd lift up the straw...which meant my soil was alive. The cover crop worked well for pest prevention. They were too busy in the cover crop to ever mess with my plants.
The black Smart pots can get pretty hot on the sides if they're not covered with something. I used old burlap to wrap them to keep them somewhat cooler.
HB.
The black Smart pots can get pretty hot on the sides if they're not covered with something. I used old burlap to wrap them to keep them somewhat cooler.
HB.
Triplemfarms
Member
If you have any grasshopper issues already, I'd be weary.. I've seen them thrive in straw/hay. Not the biggest issue in the world to have but definitely annoying.
Don't have any grasshoppers around here, i noticed a katydid or two in the last couple years
Triplemfarms
Member
Right on then let er riiip.
these freaking grasshoppers are my pet peeve. I'll stop what I'm doing and start chasing after one if I see it.. for waaay too long sometimes.
Just mulched with native grass as straw this weekend. The best straw has few weed seeds. The grass worked well, but wheat straw should be the best. If you want a really good mulch use a composted hardwood bark mulch used in landscapes. 3 inches deep and the plants will be in heaven... No thicker than 4 inches to maintain good air circulation into the soil.
I wouldn't put any amendments or compost on top of the straw. Adding high carbon low nitrogen plant materials will reduce plant available nitrogen in the soil. Soil microbes will use up nitrogen in the soil as they decompose the material.
Great threads this year guys!
I wouldn't put any amendments or compost on top of the straw. Adding high carbon low nitrogen plant materials will reduce plant available nitrogen in the soil. Soil microbes will use up nitrogen in the soil as they decompose the material.
Great threads this year guys!
Triplemfarms
Member
Chickens like grasshoppers.
OMG that is totally the plan for my backyard garden this yr. Once the plants get tall enough I'm going to unleash our 6 new chickees out there during the day.
Pic of my IPM. lol
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Just mulched with native grass as straw this weekend. The best straw has few weed seeds. The grass worked well, but wheat straw should be the best. If you want a really good mulch use a composted hardwood bark mulch used in landscapes. 3 inches deep and the plants will be in heaven... No thicker than 4 inches to maintain good air circulation into the soil.
I wouldn't put any amendments or compost on top of the straw. Adding high carbon low nitrogen plant materials will reduce plant available nitrogen in the soil. Soil microbes will use up nitrogen in the soil as they decompose the material.
Great threads this year guys!
View Image
looking good there. i added a half inch-1 inch of worm castings. then put straw on top and gave it a little water yesterday evening
Right on then let er riiip.
Im the same way with the white moths around here. We have had caterpillar damage in previous years. This year i cut down the butterfly bush hoping it will keep them away. I have a structure pvc greenhouse looking thing, we will be covering it with a mosquito net. we tried it last year with no cats at all in it
Those freaking white moths are a menace around here too, Noonin! I like the idea of having some mosquito netting on there. I might have to try that myself.
HB.
