Of all the garden chores, mulching with straw is the highest payoff for the least effort. A 2–3 inch layer transforms a weedy, thirsty bed into a low-maintenance, fertile one.
Why straw, not hay
Straw is the hollow stem of grain — few seeds, unlike hay. It breaks down into lovely organic matter and keeps the soil shaded and moist.
How to apply
Lay it 2–3 inches thick around plants, keeping it off the stems to avoid rot. Replenish as it sinks. By season's end your soil is richer than when you started.
- Source clean, seed-free straw from a trusted supplier.
- Water the bed before mulching to lock in moisture.
- Keep straw an inch away from plant crowns.
- Let it overwinter to protect soil life.
Mulch is the garden's quiet worker — it feeds the soil while you sleep.