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

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 !

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

Dan

NANAMAN · 09-03-2007, 12:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lagniappe

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 !

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 .

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.

09-02-2007, 05:32 PM	#1 (permalink)
Fcastro Member Fcastro's Photo Gallery Find me on the map! Zone: 9 Name: Felix Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 127 BananaBucks : 40,228 Feedback: 10 / 100% Said "Thanks" 0 Times Was Thanked 5 Times in 5 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 0 Times	Anyone ever use hay as Banana mulch ? 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. Last edited by Fcastro : 09-02-2007 at 05:55 PM. Reason: Add a question

09-02-2007, 06:01 PM	#2 (permalink)
the flying dutchman the flying dutchman's Photo Gallery Location: HOLLAND Find me on the map! Zone: 8 Name: Ron Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 1,031 BananaBucks : 155,844 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 48 Times Was Thanked 244 Times in 148 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 11 Times	Re: Anyone ever use hay as Banana mulch ? 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

09-02-2007, 06:12 PM	#3 (permalink)
Carolina Carolina's Photo Gallery Location: Northeast North Carolina Find me on the map! Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 199 BananaBucks : 66,122 Feedback: 4 / 100% Said "Thanks" 0 Times Was Thanked 13 Times in 10 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 0 Times	Re: Anyone ever use hay as Banana mulch ? Hay... I would be afraid that it would attract rabbits, squirrels, deer... well anything that eats vegetation.

09-02-2007, 06:22 PM	#4 (permalink)
Kylie2x Senior Member Kylie2x's Photo Gallery Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,225 BananaBucks : 158,343 Feedback: 23 / 100% Said "Thanks" 313 Times Was Thanked 269 Times in 165 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 160 Times	Re: Anyone ever use hay as Banana mulch ? 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

09-02-2007, 07:05 PM	#5 (permalink)
Fcastro Member Fcastro's Photo Gallery Find me on the map! Zone: 9 Name: Felix Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 127 BananaBucks : 40,228 Feedback: 10 / 100% Said "Thanks" 0 Times Was Thanked 5 Times in 5 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 0 Times	Re: Anyone ever use hay as Banana mulch ? 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......

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09-02-2007, 07:22 PM	#6 (permalink)
Lagniappe Lagniappe's Photo Gallery Find me on the map! Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 2,111 BananaBucks : 296,597 Feedback: 22 / 100% Said "Thanks" 1,378 Times Was Thanked 1,402 Times in 558 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 535 Times	Re: Anyone ever use hay as Banana mulch ? Be sure to fertilize when using clippings . The bacteria use up a lot of nitrogen while breaking down grasses .

09-02-2007, 09:55 PM	#7 (permalink)
D_&_T 3rd winter growing indoor D_&_T's Photo Gallery Location: Northern Indiana Find me on the map! Zone: 5 Name: Dan Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 877 BananaBucks : 39,417 Feedback: 4 / 100% Said "Thanks" 2,437 Times Was Thanked 260 Times in 169 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 342 Times	Re: Anyone ever use hay as Banana mulch ? 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 Dan __________________

09-03-2007, 12:12 AM	#8 (permalink)
NANAMAN Pseudostem Therapist NANAMAN's Photo Gallery Location: Lake Park Fl. Find me on the map! Zone: 10 Name: Brian Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 1,696 BananaBucks : 310,814 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 452 Times Was Thanked 1,118 Times in 320 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 16 Times	Re: Anyone ever use hay as Banana mulch ? 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! __________________

09-03-2007, 12:20 AM	#9 (permalink)
Lagniappe Lagniappe's Photo Gallery Find me on the map! Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 2,111 BananaBucks : 296,597 Feedback: 22 / 100% Said "Thanks" 1,378 Times Was Thanked 1,402 Times in 558 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 535 Times	Re: Anyone ever use hay as Banana mulch ? 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 !

09-03-2007, 12:30 AM	#10 (permalink)
Fcastro Member Fcastro's Photo Gallery Find me on the map! Zone: 9 Name: Felix Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 127 BananaBucks : 40,228 Feedback: 10 / 100% Said "Thanks" 0 Times Was Thanked 5 Times in 5 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 0 Times	Re: Anyone ever use hay as Banana mulch ? 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.

09-03-2007, 12:41 AM	#11 (permalink)
D_&_T 3rd winter growing indoor D_&_T's Photo Gallery Location: Northern Indiana Find me on the map! Zone: 5 Name: Dan Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 877 BananaBucks : 39,417 Feedback: 4 / 100% Said "Thanks" 2,437 Times Was Thanked 260 Times in 169 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 342 Times	Re: Anyone ever use hay as Banana mulch ? 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 Dan __________________

09-03-2007, 01:04 AM	#13 (permalink)
Lagniappe Lagniappe's Photo Gallery Find me on the map! Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 2,111 BananaBucks : 296,597 Feedback: 22 / 100% Said "Thanks" 1,378 Times Was Thanked 1,402 Times in 558 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 535 Times	Re: Anyone ever use hay as Banana mulch ? 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 ?

09-03-2007, 01:31 AM	#14 (permalink)
NANAMAN Pseudostem Therapist NANAMAN's Photo Gallery Location: Lake Park Fl. Find me on the map! Zone: 10 Name: Brian Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 1,696 BananaBucks : 310,814 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 452 Times Was Thanked 1,118 Times in 320 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 16 Times	Re: Anyone ever use hay as Banana mulch ? 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. __________________

11-09-2007, 05:10 PM	#15 (permalink)
Lagniappe Lagniappe's Photo Gallery Find me on the map! Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 2,111 BananaBucks : 296,597 Feedback: 22 / 100% Said "Thanks" 1,378 Times Was Thanked 1,402 Times in 558 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 535 Times	Re: Anyone ever use hay as Banana mulch ? 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 . It's mostly shavings with some waste and hay (should make for good compost )mixed in.:2780:

11-09-2007, 08:13 PM	#16 (permalink)
Sodak Northern Grower Location: Black Hills, Dakota Territory Zone: 5A Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 115 BananaBucks : 50,022 Feedback: 5 / 100% Said "Thanks" 16 Times Was Thanked 12 Times in 5 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 0 Times	Re: Anyone ever use hay as Banana mulch ? 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!

11-10-2007, 05:37 AM	#17 (permalink)
Mark Hall Mark Mark Hall's Photo Gallery Location: Windsor u.k. Find me on the map! Name: Mark Hall Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 616 BananaBucks : 144,309 Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Thanks" 385 Times Was Thanked 282 Times in 123 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 15 Times	Re: Anyone ever use hay as Banana mulch ? If you did that here the Bloodmeal would attract foxes. __________________ Time Flies like an Arrow.....Fruit flies like a Banana.

11-10-2007, 11:22 AM	#18 (permalink)
Lagniappe Lagniappe's Photo Gallery Find me on the map! Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 2,111 BananaBucks : 296,597 Feedback: 22 / 100% Said "Thanks" 1,378 Times Was Thanked 1,402 Times in 558 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 535 Times	Re: Anyone ever use hay as Banana mulch ? LOL !....That would surely keep the rabbits away.

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