Mulch for Strawberry Bed?

Discussion in 'Fruit and Vegetable Gardening' started by LeonaS, Sep 13, 2009.

  1. LeonaS

    LeonaS Member

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    Location:
    Creston, BC
    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
     
  2. Thean

    Thean Active Member 10 Years

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    Location:
    Edmonton, Alberta
    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
     
  3. vitog

    vitog Contributor 10 Years

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    Location:
    Burnaby, Canada
    I use the clipped off leaves and stems of the box hedge that I prune every year.
     
  4. candychikita

    candychikita Member

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    Location:
    langley, bc canada
    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!
     
  5. Liz

    Liz Well-Known Member 10 Years

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    Location:
    Victoria Australia [cool temperate]
    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
     

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