Rolled hay for mulch?

AJ Drew

AJ Drew

Weird thought.  Always using lawn waste / grass clippings as mulch.  Sometimes buy some hay to supplement in spring.  Squares wind up costing much more than rolls.  Thought, maybe I should buy rolls next year.  Then had really weird idea.  Point roll at field where you are going to grow, cut twine and roll the thing over your garden. Punch holes where the plants will go.  Sure, some of the seed will start but thinking not many because I dont often see a lawn growing on hay left out in a field.

Anyone ever try this or have an opinion?
 
AJ, having fed rolls of bermuda, bahia and peanut hay for many years, I don't think it will work. Rolled hay is miserable stuff to do anything with other than drop it and let the critters have at it. I may be wrong but I can't visualize a roll of hay rolling out like a roll of cloth.It's beastly hard to merely pull a wheelbarrow load of hay out of a roll.
 
I suggest you visit a farm where they're feeding rolls of hay and have a closer look before you haul one home.
 
DWB,did we just talk via email?  I have trouble keeping names right in my head.  Your observation is dead on for most hay.  Usually rolls sit in the field uncovered in the rain forever.  Even when they cover them on the top, the bottom turns to rot really fast.  Not really all that true of fresh cut stuff.  When I kept goats, I would buy a new roll from the preacher who cut the stuff out back.  He would drop it over my fence where the goats lived.  It was beautiful.  You are 100% right after they sit a bit, but a fresh roll is like toilet paper.  Once the cats get it rolling it is easy.
 
 
Yes. I emailed you back last night. Your PM was still broken.
 
I had very expensive horses so all I fed was barn stored rolls of hay. I always fed it out of buildings. Me no like old moldy hay.
 
I think I am about to have ponies.  Not really mine.  Friend is going to come live with us for a time.  I imagine they will want better than what I used to feed my goats.  It is going to be a very interesting thing to watch.  Young woman, 22 maybe.  Married, but he is not part of her business efforts.  She is going to contract with fairs and festivals to give pony rides to children. She is so sweet and quiet, great with my kids.  I am rooting for her, but to be honest I do not much like other people's children.  I can see her getting her feelings really hurt by some brat.

I love all critters, so I am looking forward to it.
 
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