Expert: Kindred Beisinger penname K D Elizabeth Beisinger - 9/23/2011

Question
QUESTION: What is the best way to store straw for long periods, eg months?
 I plan on keeping a small amount (1/3 of a bale) in my garage.

ANSWER: Hello Barbara,
I keep straw in some sort of plastic container or bag, because mice just love it.  I regularly have feed sacks that are made of some sort of poli-vinyl or something.  Anyway, that's what I use and that's what I suggest.  You don't want to invite mice into the garage for the winter, they tend to come without invitation, as it is.  Small barrels are also nice for storing straw.
I hope this helps.
Kind Regards,
KD Liz
www.thelandofgoshen.us

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks so much for your answer.  I guess my main consern is that if the straw is not completely dry, it will mold if in plastic.  I'm thinking that I should " unbale " it and spread it out before storing, which is a real pain.  Waddya think?

Answer
Well Barbara,
I agree, spreading straw out and gathering it back up is a real pain.  I'm sorry I didn't get right back to you.  My questions have not been arriving into my e-mail.  I hope this advise isn't too late.  I'm not sure what our plans are for the straw, but sprinkling Comet in the container and even on top of the bale would be a deterrent for mold.  Then when you get ready to use it, break it down, spread it out, and the chlorine in the Comet will evaporate in 24 hours.  I use that in my animal pens and have never had problems with the animals being affected.  I've also used it as mulch around my bedding plants, but I do make sure it's been spread out in the sunshine at least a day before I use it around my plants.  
KD Liz