spoiled straw -- ok to use as mulch?

habitat_gardener · June 7, 2013

At one of the community gardens, straw bales are available for $10 to use as mulch. I hauled one out from under the tarp, hauled it over to my plot, and cut it open, and it's mostly spoiled -- looks like at least half of it is wet and dark brown/black, well into the center.

I wanted to use it as a mulch around my young vegetable plants. If it dries out and isn't moldy, might it be safe to use it?

I intended to spend an hour mulching my garden, finally. But I got so discouraged when I saw what shape the straw was in that I spent an hour pulling bermuda grass from the paths. (weeding therapy)

June 7, 2013	#1
habitat_gardener Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: California Central Valley Posts: 2,543	spoiled straw -- ok to use as mulch? At one of the community gardens, straw bales are available for $10 to use as mulch. I hauled one out from under the tarp, hauled it over to my plot, and cut it open, and it's mostly spoiled -- looks like at least half of it is wet and dark brown/black, well into the center. I wanted to use it as a mulch around my young vegetable plants. If it dries out and isn't moldy, might it be safe to use it? I intended to spend an hour mulching my garden, finally. But I got so discouraged when I saw what shape the straw was in that I spent an hour pulling bermuda grass from the paths. (weeding therapy)