Is there a cheap alternative for straw, to use a mulch for strawberry beds? Straw is so expensive these days and is hard to find. It retails for $6.00 a bale at the centers where I live. Thanks a bunch, Leona
Good Morning Leona, I use dry leaves collected in fall (green ash) instead of straw and always have good results. Another benefit is I find lady bugs love to overwinter under the leaves too. Peace Thean
are there no local chicken farmers nearby where you live, or horse/cow barns that use straw? they usually have a large amount of *free* straw with the added bonus of animal manure that they are getting rid of daily... happy hunting!
Shredded newspaper / cardboard or similar without colour inks.. Wood shavings or sawdust. Give each plant a bit of bonemeal before you use the shavings. Helps with Nitrogen cycle. Liz