Expert: Greg - 4/16/2007

Question
I have bales of straw that got wet last summer and now have mold in the middle. is it ok to use this straw as mulch on perennial beds?  how about using it to cover grass that I want to kill (so I can plant shrubs & perennials). if not, can I compost it?
it already gave my dog hot spots (and I had to have the poor thing shaved) so I want to use it in the front yard. also, if it isn't safe to use I don't know what to do with it! haul it to the dump? then it is in my car and my dog may get the hot spots again! it is only 2 bales plus a bunch of loose stuff but seems like a ton. help!  thanks,
Jackie

Answer
Hello Jackie

I hope your Dog is better, I had a Golden Retriever with the same issue years ago.

I will try and run this down for you as per the questions that you asked.

is it ok to use this straw as mulch on perennial beds?

I would not do this for fear of transferring a Disease to the Plants.

how about using it to cover grass that I want to kill

Yes you can do this, but it may get unsightly as I will ask you to wait till it is fully Decomposed before you start to Plant anything. This could take the whole Summer, by then, the Pathogens should do their work, and remove anything harmful.

if not, can I compost it?

Of all the Options mentioned here, this is the best one. I will ask you to break up, chop, Ax, shred, or whatever you can do to make the straw into as small of pieces as you can. Put some Soil, not much just a little to cover it, and Grass clippings with it and mix it all together, it should be done in about 2-3 months. Keep it wet, but don't Soak it.

I hope this helps, if I have missed something here, don't hesitate to follow up with an additional question.

The Best of Luck
    Greg