View Full Version : Anyone ever use hay as Banana mulch ?
Fcastro
09-02-2007, 05:32 PM
Well, the title pretty much sums it up, I like to make a space around my bananas with grass clippings to hold in moisture and as compost, only problem is I have too many bananas and not enough grass. I was wondering if anyone could tell me if they've used hay . What I'm wondering, since I know nothing about the stuff, is if it's sprayed with anything that might hurt my plants or even if it will serve to hold in water/provide nutrients since it's already dried out.Thanks.
the flying dutchman
09-02-2007, 06:01 PM
I think it is useful in the summer to keep the soil moist but when it gets
wet it is sensitive for moulds. Actually it also used for growing mushrooms.
You have to try it out I think and see what happens.
Oh, I think I mean straw, not the same, hay is grass? Isn't it?.
Ron
Carolina
09-02-2007, 06:12 PM
Hay... I would be afraid that it would attract rabbits, squirrels, deer... well anything that eats vegetation.
Kylie2x
09-02-2007, 06:22 PM
Hey!
Hay is grass...We buy Hay for cattle. Coastal bermuda..It is a Hybrid doesn't produce seed BUT...Most Tropical Hibiscus are Hybrids.. if you cut them and put them in moist cultivated soil they will root.. as will Hay!! Wheat Straw on the other hand.. is a wonderful mulch.. it does seed but it pulls up easy and is an annaual... In my neighborhood both of these ... They are pretty proud of... The HUMBLE grass clipping... will provide you with months of coverage it turns the same color as Hay/Straw and is usaually free and will end up in some landfill...With Fall coming on leaves are a very beneifical additive to the soil...
Kylie
Fcastro
09-02-2007, 07:05 PM
Thanks ya'll, I appreciate the responses.
Carolina,
I hate rabbits, if the hay will lure them I'm going to have a field day......
Lagniappe
09-02-2007, 07:22 PM
Be sure to fertilize when using clippings . The bacteria use up a lot of nitrogen while breaking down grasses .
D_&_T
09-02-2007, 09:55 PM
got to watch hay, as some farmers sprinkle salt(fist full per 80lbs bale) on when stacking in barn to help prevent it from spontaneous combusting during storage, salt helps pull out moisture:bananajoy:
Dan
NANAMAN
09-03-2007, 12:12 AM
I've used hay and wheat straw, both with good results, but there are less expensive and probably better alternatives. I started using horse stall bedding,
(wood shavings & horse manure), the plants like it and it's cheap, about $5.00 a yard. I haven't found anything better yet!
Lagniappe
09-03-2007, 12:20 AM
We have several horse folks here who sell that type of mix . I was going to get some (10 per pickup truck load) but I was afraid to because it was not composted well at all and I was'nt sure if the wood shavings were a good thing .
Have you used it long ? It would be awsome if this stuff performed well !
:0519:
Fcastro
09-03-2007, 12:30 AM
that Horse stall bedding sounds like a winner, manure and mulch in one package. I'll have to see if I can find some around here, the neighbors will learn to live with the smell and I'm sure that my dogs will find it very exciting as well.
D_&_T
09-03-2007, 12:41 AM
sounds like I better get a semi....................might be able to make some money!!
There is a stable about 30 miles from our house that will load you up for free:2215:
Dan
NANAMAN
09-03-2007, 12:55 AM
We have several horse folks here who sell that type of mix . I was going to get some (10 per pickup truck load) but I was afraid to because it was not composted well at all and I was'nt sure if the wood shavings were a good thing .
Have you used it long ? It would be awsome if this stuff performed well !
:0519:
I put it down about 4 mo. ago and am very happy with it! I asked a friend who keeps horses about the wood,( whether it is treated or not), and he said that it wasn't. It might not be composted, but it is usually pretty aged, no problem for use as a mulch! And there was almost no smell at all from day one. My plants are thriving, I think the stuff is great!
Lagniappe
09-03-2007, 01:04 AM
I use aged horse manure a lot . The stuff these guys had was sorta smelly and contained a lot of fresh material . The flies were all around as well . Still , They get rid of it before it has time to compost . The main reason I want to get it from them is that they load the truck for you . At all of my other poo sources I shovel it in by hand . I don't mind this in early spring / late fall but it's so darn hot right now ! At least the material is drier and easier to handle this time of year .
IMO you cant beat good manure to feed your soil and your plants .
Are there enough wood chips in this stuff to keep the weeds out ?
NANAMAN
09-03-2007, 01:31 AM
If it wasn't 2am here I would post a picture. The stuff I get is well composted, and looks to be at least 90% wood shavings. I added a high nitrogen (turf fert.) on top of the mulch to keep it from leaching nitrogen from the soil. No weed problems yet. I agree with you on using manure, and any other source of organic additives. I don't have a truck so I have it delivered to my house, $45.00 for up to 10 yards. I would use only organics, if I had the time and $ to supply my plants with enough of it.
Lagniappe
11-09-2007, 05:10 PM
Brian , You've inspired me to do this .
I contacted a local equine/rodeo exibition center and asked about the bedding . They deliver all you want FREE ! They have a tough time getting rid of it and are happy to use ones yard as a dump .
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=6582&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=6582&limit=last1)
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=6581&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=6581&limit=last1)
It's mostly shavings with some waste and hay (should make for good compost )mixed in.:2780:
Sodak
11-09-2007, 08:13 PM
If you're worried about attracting rabbits, just spread some blood meal around on the hay. That'll keep them away, and it's good for the banana!
Mark Hall
11-10-2007, 05:37 AM
If you did that here the Bloodmeal would attract foxes.
Lagniappe
11-10-2007, 11:22 AM
LOL !....That would surely keep the rabbits away.
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