Straw Is Amazing For Your Garden, IF It's Safe.

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 ก.ค. 2024
  • Without straw I couldn't garden...but it could also disable my garden for years if I sourced it from the wrong place! On the plus side it cuts my water usage in half, build amazing soil, makes my compost, keeps my soil heathy, is a growing medium, and stops weeds from ever growing. It could also be covered in persistent herbicides which could kill my entire garden and poison it for years. BUT I believe it is worth it and I will show you how to ensure your straw is safe!
    IN THIS VIDEO
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ความคิดเห็น • 503

  • @jcking6785
    @jcking6785 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +23

    If this YT gig doesn’t work out for you, (hopefully it does), you should have no trouble finding work as an instructor of some kind; you are a natural-born teacher! Thanks for another great video.

  • @afireinside142
    @afireinside142 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    All I can pay attention to it that insane purple plant in the background

    • @Earthy-Artist
      @Earthy-Artist 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      What is it? I noticed it too, sooooo beautiful!

    • @Harmonie66
      @Harmonie66 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@Earthy-ArtistEchium candicans, AKA Pride of Madeira.

    • @Earthy-Artist
      @Earthy-Artist 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@Harmonie66 Thank you🙂!

  • @markfields9841
    @markfields9841 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +9

    I repotted my herbs into grow bags. To save potting mix, I filled the bottoms of the grow bags with straw, then potting mix (homemade), then topped with straw for mulch. All plants are thriving.

  • @melissakarner6707
    @melissakarner6707 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +10

    I thought I was doing something wrong because all my worms are right below the straw mulch in my garden. Now I know why. You have some of the best videos for explaining and teaching the perfect content. Thank You.

  • @a.l.a.7847
    @a.l.a.7847 ปีที่แล้ว +56

    You are such a GREAT teacher, Jacques! I learned so much from this video. Thank you!

  • @shelbysieber590
    @shelbysieber590 ปีที่แล้ว +49

    I had a soil biology test done last year and had really great fungal presence in the soil, turns out the straw mulch I had been using builds great soil life!

    • @jacquesinthegarden
      @jacquesinthegarden  ปีที่แล้ว +5

      It is a really wonderful material for soil microbiology!

    • @liamsdad33
      @liamsdad33 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      If you grow straight in and it'll grow mushrooms like crazy I use it in a mushroom substrate always lived straw

  • @adonalarrington
    @adonalarrington ปีที่แล้ว +219

    People really buying bags of organic straw for $110??? I'm in the wrong business 😂

    • @jacquesinthegarden
      @jacquesinthegarden  ปีที่แล้ว +111

      It is VERY expensive, we only carried because people asked for an organic option but in reality the logistics of shipping and moving bulky straw is what makes it so expensive.

    • @adonalarrington
      @adonalarrington ปีที่แล้ว +16

      @@jacquesinthegarden Thanks for explaining at least Jacques!

    • @waynespringer501
      @waynespringer501 ปีที่แล้ว +27

      @@jacquesinthegarden You should have pointed them to get organic Alfalfa from Tractor Supply for around $34 a bale. Not only is it a 1/3rd of the price but it also fertilizes your plants every time you water unlike using straw.

    • @Neenerella333
      @Neenerella333 ปีที่แล้ว +22

      @@waynespringer501 But isn't an alfalfa bale full of seeds that may sprout and compete with the crop you're trying to grow? I know it's a great cover crop for between times.

    • @PungentMango
      @PungentMango ปีที่แล้ว +17

      The price of straw is why i still have a grass lawn. As long you dont put down weed killer or heavy fertilizers it’s free mulch. just let it dry in the sun first.

  • @umiluv
    @umiluv ปีที่แล้ว +36

    I use dried grass from the lawn which acts very similarly to straw. My husband dethatches the lawn every spring and there’s enough to last me the whole season and then some.

    • @jacquesinthegarden
      @jacquesinthegarden  ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Grass is also a great option and tends to be high in nitrogen as well!

    • @baneverything5580
      @baneverything5580 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I just put green grass clippings right out of the mower bag in my garden and around fruit trees.

    • @Zn0nimus
      @Zn0nimus หลายเดือนก่อน

      Are you concerned about weeds from your lawn? I'm always afraid to use my grass clippings because of weeds.

  • @leslieeide6721
    @leslieeide6721 ปีที่แล้ว +26

    I use gardenstraw that I’ve purchased from Epic Gardening. The bags are extremely compressed. I’ve used 2 of the small bags to top my 40+ grow bags. In California where water is expensive and we’ve been in a drought for three summers it made more sense to buy straw mulch to help keep my soil cool and retain moisture. When a few wheat seeds do sprout I let them grow and then remove the plants. I get free straw this way.

    • @jacquesinthegarden
      @jacquesinthegarden  ปีที่แล้ว +5

      It is truly impressive just how much straw is in that bag!

    • @Ret2Play
      @Ret2Play 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Can I use seeding straw sprayed with tactifier? I found it at Home Depot.

    • @killerspyder1
      @killerspyder1 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Well, you should be getting plenty of rain now. Be safe out there man

  • @heatherpatel2550
    @heatherpatel2550 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    I love the GeoloJacques academic integrity, giving a disclaimer before spitballing. This helps me feel more confident in the other information!

  • @mantis7419
    @mantis7419 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    I buy straw bales, spread out one sleeve at a time and run over it with my lawn mower.. I have the bag on and it does a great job of shredding the straw up for my garden.

    • @jacquesinthegarden
      @jacquesinthegarden  ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Great idea!

    • @carlkrohn6034
      @carlkrohn6034 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Same here! It just makes it better especially for potted plants.

  • @COLDad
    @COLDad 29 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    Bought a compressed cut wheat straw bale from Anderson Straw and then saw this video. I did some checking and wasnt able to find much online before I put it on my garden. I was not crazy about waiting a few weeks to test. I went to Anderson's site and asked if they used any persistent herbicides. They replied within 24 hours and assured me that the wheat straw was safe and they use an herbicide early on in the growing cycle and it is out of the plant after three weeks and they follow regulations that guard food production and the straw was completely safe and is used in gardens across the country.
    I am confidently putting it on my garden today and will update if anything goes south, but I was stoked they actually got back to me so quickly. So kudos to Anderson for reaching out so quickly.

    • @ruby7741
      @ruby7741 4 วันที่ผ่านมา

      herbicides kill off all broad leaf vegs there is no way they wash out in 3 weeks it take years. I know farmers that can't have there own Cow poo in there garden cuz the cows eat that herbicide sprayed on there... then the farmers garden has herbicides in it from the cows eating it and just like that you have vegs yellowing slow growing and dying off. Many ppl don't know this but it's the reason why some smart farmers wont even use there own poo from there cows in the garden now just image using the straw in your garden. That company just sold you a bunch of... PLEASE UP DATE US on your garden

  • @ceecee-thetransplantedgardener
    @ceecee-thetransplantedgardener ปีที่แล้ว +14

    I absolutely love straw as a mulch for all the reasons you've named. However, for my recent experience, the pill bugs have gotten so bad, they totally ignored the straw mulch and took out several plants by eating away the fine root hairs of newer plants. Right now - I am stuck between keeping the soil cooler and moister for the plants but also keeping the pill bug population thriving - or - staving off the pill bugs by letting the soil get drier and warmer, which creates unhappier plants. THAT said, I have a feeling this video is the reason EVERY place is sold out of GardenStraw. 🤣

    • @jacquesinthegarden
      @jacquesinthegarden  ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Hahaha it is a balance! Sometimes I will drop fresh cuttings on the bed as well to give them something else to eat besides the straw!

    • @MyFocusVaries
      @MyFocusVaries 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      When I started using wood chip mulch on my flower beds, I noticed a lot of pill bug activity. But I need mulch, so I kept using it. In the many years since I've continued using it, I don't notice much of a pill bug problem. So I'm wondering if it was a coincidence that I had a pill bug problem that year and just assumed it was because of the mulch.

    • @bonniemelton6265
      @bonniemelton6265 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Me to loving my beds

    • @648Roland
      @648Roland 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Have you tried using protective collars made from used drink bottles cut to suit? Mostly works for me and reuses a throw away item. Great as mini-greenhouses too.

  • @emac1177
    @emac1177 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    My tomatoes and peppers that were ruined from herbicide looked really good for a long while before the damage appeared...so I think longer testing is warranted.

    • @sonnyamoran7383
      @sonnyamoran7383 ปีที่แล้ว

      Wow. Usually, they germinate, and you can see right away as they put in true leaves. I test mine with beans. They will germinate, but the true leaves tell the story.

  • @industrialtumbleweed3849
    @industrialtumbleweed3849 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I’m in SoCal and I switched from straw mulch in most of my beds to course wood shavings. I have a duel problem with straw in that the wind blows it all over the place & what the wind doesn’t blow around the birds fling & scratch everywhere. So far the wood shavings have stayed in place from the wind, the birds have been leaving it alone & my plants seem happy. I’ll see at the end of this season.

    • @jacquesinthegarden
      @jacquesinthegarden  ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Truly the best mulch is what works for your context, glad the woodchips are proving to be more useful.

  • @sonnyamoran7383
    @sonnyamoran7383 ปีที่แล้ว

    Its been plenty of time. I'm so glad you showed everyone that test.

  • @sheilahamilton2568
    @sheilahamilton2568 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you this was the most helpful information I had about the use of straw. It was to the point.

  • @Waterlily480
    @Waterlily480 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Thank you. I’ve been using good straw for a couple years but it’s nice to learn about it!

  • @user-dn3pg5dw6f
    @user-dn3pg5dw6f 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I love Epic. Thank you for all info. I don't have the ability to garden yet, but I'm getting ready by binge watching the channels.

  • @drevinatorslaw7356
    @drevinatorslaw7356 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I’m very thankful for this video. I’m in San Diego as well, and bought straw for mulch a month ago. I was stressing out watching this video just now until I realized, I have it on my pole beans, which have grown 7’ in one month and have gorgeous perfect leaves, so thankfully it looks like that straw was great, too! 😅😅😅

  • @hollydrouillard5115
    @hollydrouillard5115 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I just bought a bunch of straw! Thank you so much for all the detail in this video!

  • @BigboiiTone
    @BigboiiTone 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Wow! I learned SO much from this, not only about pesticides but also the difference between hay/straw. Thanks and I subbed because I like the other channels you work with and this one! 🤓

  • @tonigeorge3775
    @tonigeorge3775 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I have been using organic Garden Straw for the last 3 years. I love it for all the reasons you described, but also how beautiful it makes my garden. I love growing flowers and shrubs, as much as, I love growing vegetables! Straw makes everything look tidy. I live in zone 5b and use a few bags to winterize my roses. Of course,I first heard of Garden Straw from Epic Gardening! I'm extremely happy I found it being sold in an animal feed store 30 minutes away, at a very decent price. As a matter of fact I bought some 2 days ago to mulch after I finish planting all the warm weather crops.

  • @123loveyourland
    @123loveyourland 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    GREAT video!!! I love using straw too! My entire 4x24’ flower bed was struggling with the CO heat, until I put down straw and then it took off like crazy. I love it in tomato beds too to reduce soil splash with our heavy rains. I did a video about it years ago. :)

  • @SEAZNDragon
    @SEAZNDragon ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I use straw for my balcony garden. I live in Texas for the summers are a constant battle to keep my garden moist. I found straw was relatively easy to use, kept the soil moist, and I was able to repurpose for compost in my tumbler.

  • @hands2hearts-seeds2feedamu83
    @hands2hearts-seeds2feedamu83 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I am also learning how to get by with little water because our well quite back in Oct

  • @janice303
    @janice303 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    You have a really nice way of explaining things. I am learning a lot from you. Keep it up!

  • @odimarbatista3976
    @odimarbatista3976 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Scientific method in the garden. Love it!! Great job! Thank you!

  • @Kay-xi9kv
    @Kay-xi9kv ปีที่แล้ว

    Your videos are excellent and thanks for showing how to set up the experiment- I like your teaching style

  • @HillCountryGardenGirl
    @HillCountryGardenGirl ปีที่แล้ว

    I always learn something cool from your videos. Thank you!

  • @sheliadean9548
    @sheliadean9548 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you for sharing this information with us

  • @suekuly4723
    @suekuly4723 ปีที่แล้ว

    Always enjoy your videos. So informative.

  • @leighannf.4730
    @leighannf.4730 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    I am loving the GardenStraw I got from Epic. I have to water WAY less often (for certain crops) because it retains moisture so well! My veggie plants all love it.

    • @onemoredoll5791
      @onemoredoll5791 ปีที่แล้ว

      Which crops?

    • @leighannf.4730
      @leighannf.4730 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@onemoredoll5791 Strawberries, onions, all my brassicas, lettuces unless it gets very hot, beets, carrots, green beans (again, unless it's very hot). We're in zone 6 here. I use the straw in my Greenstalk, too, and it helps!

    • @jacquesinthegarden
      @jacquesinthegarden  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      👏

  • @scottkuppers
    @scottkuppers 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    what a beautiful space - great work!

  • @lunarbloom3587
    @lunarbloom3587 ปีที่แล้ว

    So helpful Jacques, thank you!

  • @MidwestMikulyukHomestead
    @MidwestMikulyukHomestead ปีที่แล้ว

    Well I’m sold. Thank you Jacques!

  • @7thsluglord363
    @7thsluglord363 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    I use two or three year old straw/hay. I use some for wind protection against the house over winters, and i feed livestock with it, so ill gather up all the loose stuff or moldy stuff and use it for top dressing, walkway covering, and even to mix into my homegrown compost. It has done me great so far along with home sourced aged goat pellets. I love spreading some old hay that riddled with mycelium, im sure its great for my soil biome.

    • @johnsmith9330
      @johnsmith9330 ปีที่แล้ว

      Roundup is absorbed only on leaves. Your test is watering from button. This is the design flaw of your test.

    • @sonnyamoran7383
      @sonnyamoran7383 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Roundup loses its killing abilities quickly. The persistent herbicide stays for years. And even in the poop from animals.

    • @colleendemaio
      @colleendemaio ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @@johnsmith9330 Roundup isn't a persistent herbicide. He's talking about pyralids, which are a nightmare, passing through the digestive system of animals and contaminating manure in addition to the field for years. (This isn't a defense of Roundup, fwiw.)

    • @hecfd98casillas
      @hecfd98casillas ปีที่แล้ว

      Oo
      Ooo

  • @judymckerrow6720
    @judymckerrow6720 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you Jacques. 🌷💚🙃

  • @jeremycharbonneau8031
    @jeremycharbonneau8031 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I've watched this video and can only thumbs up it once but wanted to maybe 20 times.

  • @janelord6648
    @janelord6648 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I really enjoy watching and listening to you , your very easy to understand and you have so much information to share. Fantastic. Thank you

  • @Lunaluv639
    @Lunaluv639 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thanks, Jacques! Valuable info. Appreciate it.

  • @MrGRockin
    @MrGRockin ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I crunch up bags of leaves in the fall and keep them for mulch in the spring 😊

    • @ale347baker
      @ale347baker ปีที่แล้ว

      Do you get any fungus gnats or pill bugs when you use leaves as mulch?

    • @MrGRockin
      @MrGRockin ปีที่แล้ว

      @@ale347baker pill bugs yes gnats no. The pill bugs seem to eat more of the decaying matter though. The only thing they ate before I could was my wine cap mushrooms in the strawbed I have lol. They always beat me to it.

  • @johnliberty3647
    @johnliberty3647 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I have been collecting dried up wild grasses growing in ditches to replace straw since grazon became ubiquitous. Dry season is about to end and I will likely have to find an alternative

    • @jacquesinthegarden
      @jacquesinthegarden  ปีที่แล้ว

      Yeah its brutal, I think Grazon is out now but some other similar form has replaced it..

  • @tombroen3
    @tombroen3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Thanks for this video! I’m happy to report that my local hardware store carries organic garden straw and I’ve been looking for an alternative to regular mulch because it can carry jumping worm eggs which is an issue in my area.

    • @joanies6778
      @joanies6778 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Can you say what store? I would drive several hours to a store that carries it... cannot find it locally.

    • @tombroen3
      @tombroen3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@joanies6778 I’m in Canada Home Hardware is the store.

  • @skreebop
    @skreebop ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Thanks Jacques! I'm hankerin' to add straw to my garden but it's surprisingly hazy how to source it. I've done the cursory google search in the past but it seems like the answer is to call around ag supply stores in nearby(ish) rural areas. It's silly but that switch to a more old-school process is enough to put me off dealing with it. The pros seem abso-lutely overwhelming, though.

    • @MyFocusVaries
      @MyFocusVaries 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I found some on Facebook marketplace!

  • @forrestberg591
    @forrestberg591 ปีที่แล้ว

    great presentation! respectful of the viewers' time

  • @meltemfahliogullari
    @meltemfahliogullari ปีที่แล้ว

    We trust in Jacques. Thanks for another great video learned a lot from you 🎉

  • @inezvasquez8104
    @inezvasquez8104 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    One could go to a livestock feed store and buy straw. Summer is a good time to buy. Once winter sets in, they will sell out due to purchasing bedding for animals.

  • @italiana626sc
    @italiana626sc ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Totally agree! But wow those flowers at 8:16 ! Gorgeous.

    • @patriciamoore3166
      @patriciamoore3166 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      they are called Pride of Madeira and agree they are beautiful!

  • @splitarrowfarm
    @splitarrowfarm 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great and super helpful!

  • @brightantwerp
    @brightantwerp ปีที่แล้ว

    Great info. Thank you!

  • @nancyhjort5348
    @nancyhjort5348 14 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Great class. Thanks!

  • @christythompson6692
    @christythompson6692 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Your Pride of Maderia is magnificent.

  • @taunmoondy6869
    @taunmoondy6869 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    You are a very good teacher!! Thank you*

  • @mygardenofthings
    @mygardenofthings ปีที่แล้ว

    Excellent video, thank you

  • @jaymeelaws1139
    @jaymeelaws1139 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I switched from straw to shredded cardboard. I bought a heavy duty paper shredder that will take multiple sheets and I cut up all our recycling cardboard and feed it through. The cardboard mulch looks great, holds the moisture really well, it’s free and zero weed seeds. I love it!

    • @Earthy-Artist
      @Earthy-Artist 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Another great idea! The heavy duty paper shredder for cardbord, mind sharing where I can buy one? !Wow I love reading comments, so many great idea options!

  • @racebiketuner
    @racebiketuner 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Excellent info. Thanks.

  • @kgille
    @kgille ปีที่แล้ว +2

    When I cut down all my ornamental grasses in the spring, I put it through my Worx mulcher. I get the most beautiful fine straw and I know it's completely safe.

    • @jacquesinthegarden
      @jacquesinthegarden  ปีที่แล้ว

      That is awesome, I have thought about getting a mulcher, seems like fun!

    • @Lunaluv639
      @Lunaluv639 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Great tip!

  • @jillwentworth6711
    @jillwentworth6711 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I use the remains of my ornamental grasses from prior year. I KNOW it's organically grown, and I have less lawn to cut with each new planting (mostly divisions).

  • @JustaBitofBravado
    @JustaBitofBravado ปีที่แล้ว +2

    1) great video. I love using straw for mulch and as a compost ingredient
    2) please tell your dog we love them

  • @randydeshane9991
    @randydeshane9991 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    The last 3 years I have used only straw for mulch in the garden and my containers. I have a plastic fence material to hold it down when the wind blow in the spring. My plants have done very well using the straw. Years previously I used leaves and or compost. The straw holds moisture better.

  • @JodiMontano
    @JodiMontano 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great video! I just subscribed. Your gorgeous Pride of Madeira makes me miss California.

  • @baneverything5580
    @baneverything5580 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I use all my grass clippings in my gardens or around fruit trees along with mowed chopped leaves and pine straw.

  • @mdgraller
    @mdgraller ปีที่แล้ว +10

    I like to buy straw feed at Tractor Supply. Many kinds have the added benefit of being lightly coated with molasses for the livestock which is also really good for soil microbiology as it's loaded with micro and macro-nutrients. The only downside is that the closest stores are not that close lol. Hey, just another reason to take a day trip up to Temecula! ;)

    • @kath2606
      @kath2606 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Hi Matt. What is this product called? I have a Tractor Supply about 5 minutes from me and would like to try it. Thanks!

    • @brainharrington
      @brainharrington ปีที่แล้ว

      Yeah where is this at TS?! I’ve been using the wood flakes

    • @pear92
      @pear92 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      My closest Tractor Supply is 47 miles away 😫

  • @StillOnTrack
    @StillOnTrack ปีที่แล้ว +3

    That Garden Straw you guys sell is free of seed heads but not free of seeds. I got a surprising amount of little grass sprouts in mine. Not too hard to spot and manage (yank out), but more than I expected. Otherwise it's great.

    • @jacquesinthegarden
      @jacquesinthegarden  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      This is definitely true, I didn't notice the distinction in the wording before! Luckily straw ,as you mentioned, is easy to terminate.

  • @Callyisthebomb
    @Callyisthebomb ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Your garden looks great. I think the yellowing is because the plants are over crowded. Each pot that you buy from the nursery has multiple plants in it so you can split them up and plant separately rather than the whole pot at once.

  • @adigmon
    @adigmon ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The cheapest mulch is always local. Where we live, I’m able to get 40 lb bags of certified organic rice hulls for $5 to use as mulch.

  • @lindasoaft9303
    @lindasoaft9303 ปีที่แล้ว

    I used a bag of straw I bought local but not organic and used it on my asparagus bed. I planted bare root asparagus plants and they have never grown well and most are now dead. I may have killed then off with the straw I bought! I’ve previously only bought organic straw in the past and all the rest of my garden beds are doing well. Live and learn.

  • @ramonasurprenant2122
    @ramonasurprenant2122 ปีที่แล้ว

    I use straw and seaweed. Works great 😊

  • @knottyneedle
    @knottyneedle ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I love my straw. At 65 and living alone, using a bale of straw is much easier for me. Any grass seeds in the straw which germinate are easy to pluck out. I did straw around my potatoes and can't wait to see how it works. I've grown potatoes in containers in the past and would like to see how it compares.

    • @jacquesinthegarden
      @jacquesinthegarden  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Agreed! The straw "weed" is really not too bad to eliminate

  • @ninavandenabbeele9667
    @ninavandenabbeele9667 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I'm using straw for the first time this year because it's auposed to help with bad molds . I hope it works . I just bought normal straw . It still has a few seeds heads but i can pull them out when they grow .

  • @davefigthe3rd
    @davefigthe3rd 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    My research indicates that the store bought Timothy hay people buy for horses is also a great mulch. You can get these bails for like $20-$30

  • @samartinez1988
    @samartinez1988 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I've used bales of alfalfa as mulch for years, and I couldn't be happier with it.

    • @jacquesinthegarden
      @jacquesinthegarden  ปีที่แล้ว

      That's awesome, I have always been warned against the seed spreading. Once broken down it should be a very rich source of nutrients!

    • @samartinez1988
      @samartinez1988 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@jacquesinthegarden the bales I get from our local ag store are harvested at peak flowering, due to it being at the peak nutrient level. It'sgot a carbon to nitrogen ratio of 25:1, which is nearly perfect for composting. I highly suggest giving it a try.

    • @jacquesinthegarden
      @jacquesinthegarden  ปีที่แล้ว

      Very cool, I will look out for that

  • @jeannamcgregor9967
    @jeannamcgregor9967 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    This is 100% the gospel truth for dry-climate gardening! I've tried lots of mulching methods and always come back to straw as the best method for mulching. My favorite method is to buy the straw bales in the fall and let them sit out in the rain all winter so they are a bit degraded by spring so the straw is soft and pliable and forming mats. That's the best mulch and compost brown layer! Thanks, Jacques!

    • @jacquesinthegarden
      @jacquesinthegarden  ปีที่แล้ว

      It is such a great material in the garden! The old bales do get a bit moldy which isn't as fun to work with but I agree, it does mat down really easily

  • @bluedogron
    @bluedogron หลายเดือนก่อน

    @Jacques in the Garden, If the straw has a bonding agent in it is it still OK for the vegetable garden? Love watching your videos.

  • @shelliehayden-sauer5192
    @shelliehayden-sauer5192 ปีที่แล้ว

    We were thinking of getting straw bales from Tractor Supply.

  • @thedude7319
    @thedude7319 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    08:51 that plant in the back is an amazing backdrop

  • @thefishfin-atic7106
    @thefishfin-atic7106 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I just found out about this today, in several videos. OMG, I wonder if this is why my garden has struggled over the past few years?! This really angers me - nobody is telling us that they are poisoning our straw, and therefore our manure - now we have to test for poison instead of assuming it's organic! Thanks for sharing this, and spreading the word - I am so angry right now, this chemical society we live in now, just needs to stop!

  • @JG-uo3fq
    @JG-uo3fq ปีที่แล้ว

    Your channel is so informative! Thank you! Question: how do you apply granular fertilizer when using mulch such as straw?

    • @jacquesinthegarden
      @jacquesinthegarden  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I like to pull the mulch back lay the fertilizer down and lightly scratch it in. Then bury with straw again and away you go.

  • @lurklingX
    @lurklingX ปีที่แล้ว

    i'm convinced. (only problem is trying to source it though.... i feel like maybe you didn't go into enough detail on that.) the potato thing was amazing. easy ability to check on how they are doing, too.

    • @jacquesinthegarden
      @jacquesinthegarden  ปีที่แล้ว

      Start by calling around to Local small nurseries and asking them after that look for any "Feed" stores that supply to people with livestock. Craigslist has also worked for me in the past!

  • @thestrangegreenman
    @thestrangegreenman ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Grazon needs to be banned ASAP. Anything thats that toxic and that persistent shouldnt exist

    • @babystepsgarden6162
      @babystepsgarden6162 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      💯 A+ ❗❕❗

    • @mcgritty8842
      @mcgritty8842 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Unfortunately lobbyists and big companies run the country and they get to dictate what’s allowable… 😢

  • @simonem.3092
    @simonem.3092 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hi Jacque! I can attest that straw is a wonderful mulch and it looks pretty too! Where did you get yours? I’m in San Diego too and mine is not as pretty as yours. Yours looks clean and bright and has very little junk in it. Thanks for the video.

  • @benderaviation
    @benderaviation ปีที่แล้ว

    City farmers straw bale is decent albeit comes with some weed seed. It's nice to support them so I but It there over other places.

  • @musaabhasan6450
    @musaabhasan6450 ปีที่แล้ว

    You can get straw directly from farmers if you live in a city surrounded by farmland. Its super cheap, like 1000 pounds 4×4×8 ft for 40 dollars cheap, or smaller 2 ft bales for 2-5 dollars a pop.

    • @jacquesinthegarden
      @jacquesinthegarden  ปีที่แล้ว

      Sounds amazing! Especially if you know their practices

  • @Merb.
    @Merb. ปีที่แล้ว

    last year I was dropping things off at the eco station and noticed a bunch of bales someone left. The staff let me take a few home AND I PUT IT ALL OVER MY GARDEN WITHOUT A SECOND THOUGHT. Thank God nothing bad came of it but when I think of how that could have gone, my stomach turns😅

  • @Khalinjai
    @Khalinjai ปีที่แล้ว +2

    This is such a clutch video for me, i just bought 4 straw bales yesterday, the farmer did admit to using some chemical spray 3 times spread from seed starting to harvest, but he told me it should not hinder my vegetable growth since hes growing vegetables aswell after the grain harvest, but ill first go and set up some tests now before using this. Also for warmth loving crops i assume it would be best to wait a bit for the ground to warm up first before applying the straw mulch right? Since they love a warmth tempature in the ground aswell, our ground is very cold at the moment, we had a lot of rain and the coldest may and april since years.

    • @jacquesinthegarden
      @jacquesinthegarden  ปีที่แล้ว

      Good that they were at least honest with you! Yes you can avoid mulching to keep the beds warmer in the early season! It is a balance however as you will need to water more so its all about your most pressing need at the moment.

  • @michaelrose5154
    @michaelrose5154 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great video, wanted to ask if there’s a place here in SD you recommend to buy bails from?
    Thanks

  • @IsabelleIsabelle01
    @IsabelleIsabelle01 ปีที่แล้ว

    In Quebec, Canada starw is too expensive but I have tons of dried pine needles to a point I don't know what to do with it all so I use it as mulch

  • @MD-ki7qw
    @MD-ki7qw ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I’ve been seeing a lot about electroculture do you have any information about it or might be able to make a video? Thank you for all the information you give us!

    • @jacquesinthegarden
      @jacquesinthegarden  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Personally my stance is that it is based on nothing. There has been a lot of proper research done and there doesn't seem to be an conclusive benefit. You will also notice that most people who push this information offer ZERO specifics. Like how deep do you put it? How many do you need? Does shape matter.....and so on. To run a proper test would require a lot more effort than I am willing to put in and I am comfortable accepting that it is not worth pursuing personally.

    • @MD-ki7qw
      @MD-ki7qw ปีที่แล้ว

      @@jacquesinthegarden I love your information always and thank you for the response!! I love watching both, Jacques and Epic, I think the same way and I will continue using great techniques from many gardeners to improve my skills!
      Let’s grow bigger this year!

  • @oldmanfigs
    @oldmanfigs ปีที่แล้ว

    I have spoken to more than a few farmers, and they say that the spray thing is a myth, and “they say they couldn’t afford to do that even if they had to”….and they say they don’t even need this treatment at all..

  • @svetlananash8622
    @svetlananash8622 ปีที่แล้ว

    @Jacques In the Garden Love the video! Are you allowed to share with your San Diego followers where you source straw bales locally?

  • @robertmcauslan6191
    @robertmcauslan6191 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I raise Isopods and pill bugs will 100% choose live plants over debris when reproducing. Their hierarchy of preference is based on protein needs/timing in lifecycle.

    • @jacquesinthegarden
      @jacquesinthegarden  ปีที่แล้ว +4

      This is very interesting, thanks for sharing that tidbit. A lot of people still claim they never eat fresh material and it always left me baffled.

    • @katroshka
      @katroshka ปีที่แล้ว +1

      There are hundreds (thousands?) of different species of isopods and they have different feeding habits

    • @robertmcauslan6191
      @robertmcauslan6191 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@katroshka there are over 10,000 named isopods, 5,000 of which are terrestrial. What makes all crustaceans successful is they are some combo of detritivore/scavenger/predator/grazer. Females right before a molt prioritize protein as that's also when they breed. In droughts you'll see them eating live plants at night, as they have "gills" and need high humidity and the moisture from live plants.

    • @robertmcauslan6191
      @robertmcauslan6191 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@humanbeing1168 If it happens again you can try sprinkling some fish flakes around, they most likely will go for the protein over the seedlings. a shallow dish of water may help too to give them a drinking source.

    • @robertmcauslan6191
      @robertmcauslan6191 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@jacquesinthegarden My colonies live in a varied and deep mixture of bark and leaves. They will always swarm a fresh slice of any veg or a lettuce leaf.

  • @MrEzekiel1982
    @MrEzekiel1982 ปีที่แล้ว

    You’re right to say what you said about using hay in the garden. However once it is old enough it isn’t good for much else other than mulch or goat food. At that point it is safe to use as mulch, but Takes experience to know when that is

    • @sonnyamoran7383
      @sonnyamoran7383 ปีที่แล้ว

      Years if it's greyzon. And stock animals can digest it with the herbicide still in it. Be careful!

  • @katiez5660
    @katiez5660 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Me personally if I get some green on potatoes I generously peal them. It’s never been bitter or have I got sick. That’s me. You can use a knife to get way past green.

    • @jacquesinthegarden
      @jacquesinthegarden  ปีที่แล้ว

      Yeah I am not concerned about it! They only have very light greening on one area, will just peel them back.

  • @ahamra
    @ahamra ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I have used organic Gardenstraw brand straw for the last 3 years as a mulch for my raised bed garden after I saw Kevin use it on the Epic Gardening channel. Everything that you say about it is true; I live in California and it really helps to cut down on watering costs. Also, the worms love it! HOWEVER, this last batch that I ordered has SO many seeds! I've been pulling up grass shoots by the THOUSANDS. Never had this problem before and like I said, I've been using the same brand for years and I have a large garden (14 raised beds).
    I will continue to use Gardenstraw brand, because I haven't found a comparable alternative, but I'm not as happy with it as I have been in the past. I'm pretty obsessive about the grass and HAVE to pull them all up, so I've spent hours and hours doing this task when I have other things I need to get done in the garden. Have you found this to be the case this season, Jacque?

    • @susanriggs8896
      @susanriggs8896 ปีที่แล้ว

      Ditto Gardenstraw brand straw I bought from Kevin/Epic Gardening, have really liked it .I haven't had a problem with seed so far.

    • @jacquesinthegarden
      @jacquesinthegarden  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Interesting, perhaps you got a particular bad batch, I can't say that it has no seed for sure but usually its not a substantial amount. It may be possible to quickly drop your straw against like a 1/4" hardware cloth screen to separate out seeds but that is extra labor.

    • @adamg7377
      @adamg7377 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      We were in a heat wave here in Canada, weeks without rain. I went from watering twice a day to watering twice a week. I couldn't believe the results!

  • @helenmcclellan452
    @helenmcclellan452 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I don't use straw because it brings more slugs (too much rain & humidity), instead, I use woodchips.

  • @tishhyde6778
    @tishhyde6778 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thank you for all this information. Very helpful. One question, if you don't mind: what is that gorgeous purple flowering bush behind you?

    • @jacquesinthegarden
      @jacquesinthegarden  10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Pride Of Madeira! A beautiful perennial in warm zones

  • @summerw.1425
    @summerw.1425 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'm curious about your thoughts on pet bedding? I'm a first time gardener, limited on space on a balcony, and also money, shipping on straw is outrageous. Pet bedding is technically wood chips but a much finer cut. I wood love for you to do some testing or just hear your thoughts in general about this. I'm using them and they seem pretty great lol

  • @-crazypants-3199
    @-crazypants-3199 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    For anyone with Conifers, or cone-bearing trees.
    Like me. You can rake the old natural mulch up and use that.
    I do it and if your property or woods is anything like that you may have a completely free never-ending supply of mulch. Siting untouched.
    You’ll want to be pretty thick on the application of it because it is very loose

    • @jessicakennedy2332
      @jessicakennedy2332 ปีที่แล้ว

      Conifères are very acidic, great for berries and roses. Not si much for veg

    • @-crazypants-3199
      @-crazypants-3199 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@jessicakennedy2332 ooohhh. Great. 🫡

    • @VaryaEQ
      @VaryaEQ ปีที่แล้ว +1

      ​@@jessicakennedy2332Apparently the acidity of pine needles is so minimal, the difference is negligible. I haven't used it myself, so I can't confirm

    • @tristan.bevins
      @tristan.bevins 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@-crazypants-3199 I've been using only pine straw in my vegetable garden for 3 years now and I still struggle with my soil being too alkaline. I've learned that a lot of what people will tell you about gardening is either not true, specific to their situation, or they're just repeating it without having tested it themselves. I found gardening is much too complicated to go by most specific advice. I find the best way to learn is just to try it. It sucks to fail but that failure will make you remember to not make that mistake again.

    • @-crazypants-3199
      @-crazypants-3199 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@tristan.bevins Pine needles themselves are acidic but do not have the capacity to appreciably lower the soil pH. To do that, it is necessary to incorporate a soil acidifier such as sulfur or aluminum sulfate. If you are unsure of the pH in your garden, you should have the soil tested. As pine needles break down and are incorporated into the soil, decomposing organisms gradually neutralize them. Thus, there is no harm in using pine needles to mulch shrub borders, flower beds and vegetable gardens. Even a 2 to 3 inch layer of pine mulch will not change the soil pH enough to measure.
      There is a long list of benefits to using pine needle mulch, including that it is free and often readily available. Pine needles provide all the advantages of any other mulching material, including conserving soil moisture, suppressing weeds, adding soil nutrients, moderating soil temperature and keeping plants and fruit clean during heavy rains. Additionally, pine needles have a tendency to stay loose and light, not forming an impenetrable crust like wood mulch. They are quite stable and do not tend to wash out of beds during heavy rains. In spots where it is difficult to keep mulch in place on a slope, pine needles may be the answer. Finally, pine needles are longer lasting than other types of organic mulch, and their fine texture is quite attractive against most permanent plantings.

  • @ronaldyoung9241
    @ronaldyoung9241 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Jacque, what are the amazing looking purple plants in the background of the intro portion of the video? I’ve googled it, but I can’t tell if you’ve been able to grow a super version of what I am searching for or if I just don’t know what to search.