Using Hay and Grass as Mulch to Grow Food

For my returning video I really wanted to talk more about our use of grass and hay as mulch, and answer a couple of common questions to do with grass seeds. In this video I cover the benefits of using grass as a mulch, and how to maximize it for the best results as well as examples of what we have done in our garden for the past 3 years. In many places, grass is so abundant, therefore it makes complete sense to make the most of this fantastic resource.
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My name is Huw Richards, I live in Wales, UK and I am a teenager who loves vegetable gardening. Unusual right? I love to teach people around the world about growing their own food organically and my end goal is to get as many children as possible to have the experience of growing food which I believe is one of the most important things a child could learn. If you're new to HuwsNursery then please hit that subscribe button (and also notifications) so you can learn more about growing your own food inexpensively :)
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[@LibertyGarden]

On trash day, I drive down the streets of mature neighborhoods with mature trees -mostly oaks- and pick-up bags of leaves. I use them for compost and mulch. Great free resource.

[@HuwRichards]

That is the best way to do it! :)

[@ajaxtelamonian5134]

Got a mature oak in my garden which i use like that also because its pollarded free pea sticks.:0

[@crazysquirrel9425]

Oak leaves are a little allopathic. Best leaves (aka gold standard) are silver maple. But oak will work if you double mow them to make smaller pieces and let them sit all winter.

[@jimwilleford6140]

Liberty Garden Huw. Love your presentations. I do have a question about the acidity of the oaks. Maybe I have bad info?

[@crazysquirrel9425]

@@jimwilleford6140 Oak leaves are somewhat acid but the main problem is that they are a bit allopathic (similar to walnut trees but not as bad).

[@jeanmuehlfelt7942]

The old Ruth Stout gardening method. Keep the ground smothered in hay. Have been doing it for about 50 years. Good job explaining it, Huws. :-)

[@HuwRichards]

Thank you so muhc Jean! :D

[@tallcedars2310]

Jean Muehlfelt Love the way you said "keep the ground smothered in hay!" It absolutely works wonders. Have been using Ruth Stout's method for 5 years now and can say I'm glad she wrote the book Gardening Without Work. It has saved my back and given us great harvests compared to bare soil gardening. And great to see Huw keeping it out there!

[@jimwilleford6140]

Jean Muehlfelt Agreed!

[@nicolaiitchenko7610]

Here in the northern regions of Australia, costs and availability of hay, straw and other mulching possibilities are limited in that we rarely have an Autumnal leaf fall so we have had incredible success using sugar cane mulch. Three years of cane mulching (rough cut and dry) mixed with fresh cut grass from suburban areas (green grasses UNDER cane mulch) have developed 8 inch deep soils that have made our neighbors jealous, grown vegetables and ornamental flowers in abundance and made our front yard (in suburbia) a place where vegies and flowers are occasionally stolen and many people actually stop by to discover how. Your input in the original ideas for this were part of the inspiration for our suburban experiment so thank you.

[@dskhan8447]

We Farmers don’t tell the secret.But God blessings you guys help us the easy way.

[@katherinemahon9471]

I'm so happy I watched this video. I can find hay not straw. I get the hay, spread it and covered it with some landscaping cloth I had. I heard from everyone how I just ruined my lawn and the garden would be overrun with weeds. I removed the ground cover and planted my seedlings with potting mix in the hay. I mulched the top with my grass clippings and everything has been great.

[@vmcshannon]

Good to see you! I've been looking forward to your videos. This is a good one 😊

[@chantalgardner3157]

Thank you for specifying the benefits of hay over straw. Meaning the agreed nutrients. That is exactly what I thought that I was seeing. Great job.

[@bensurenian834]

I love your methods. I’ve been inspired to do a garden this year for the first time, thanks to you and Morag Gamble. Thank you for all your great ideas.

[@sallysmith7675]

I really appreciate this video. I live in a large city with a small garden. I have considered buying some wood chips, but there are so many people putting out bags of leaves for the city to pick up that I could use. I asked a neighbor for hers and she has been so good to share. I have also shared some of the vegetables from out garden with her, which helps her as well.

[@GetMeThere1]

Excellent information clearly presented. Thanks for putting this up for us.

[@elizabethglaser1397]

Wonderful video. Simple to the point and informative. Thank you

[@nickob55]

I have been doing this by instinct in my first serious year gardening in Bulgaria so you have just confirmed I am on the right track, also protects the soil from drying out.

[@HarrietFitzgerald580]

Very informative! Glad you addressed the hay-seed issue.

[@mytinykitchen8862]

What a great idea! Thank you so much for sharing, I really appreciate it.

[@jvb4960]

just put cardboard and or several layers newspaper on the ground and mulch over that with hay and or straw and watering well. no digging, no pulling weeds or disturbing the topsoil, if necessary i trampel down the tall weeds before putting the cardboard and or newspaper on. i plant directly in the mulch with some potting soil in the plant hole, and or for direct sowing put a layer of potting soil and or compost on top of the mulch, sow the seeds , cover with some potting soil and or compost if needed, water well and cover with row cover if necessary to protect from birds , frost etc. chicken manure pellets helps breakdown the mulch and feed the soil. bless you Ruth Stout!

[@gooiehoop20]

Wonderful! This is really inspirational. Thank you.

[@brandywagers9573]

Yes. One of the best videos I've ever watched about gardening. :)

[@xiaolinlin1862]

I like your talk, thanks for sharing the useful information!

[@duett445]

Love those stone buildings -. Great gardens

[@dinosaur0073]

Very helpful in hot climate or during fog time...thank you for sharing this valuable info.

[@lolar6085]

Thank you for how well you explained.

[@erowzer]

I was so glad to log on and see you had uploaded another video. I'll echo the sentiments - welcome back! :)

[@HuwRichards]

Awh thank you so much!!!

[@beautyforashes2230]

Thanks for addressing the seed/weed concern; that would have been my first question. :)

[@Earthy-Artist]

Good video Thankyou, nice tip about leaving bales out for one year before planting into them. Wales looks beautiful.

[@ingekaivola4685]

Happy to see you are back!!

[@pauldubczuk2916]

Great info man, you've given me some great ideas for my garden mate. Cheers

[@darleenadarrendamian9588]

it's really a great suggestion. I love gardening!

[@DonostiGros]

Really smart approach

[@OakKnobFarm]

+1 on this technique. I've always used grass clippings as mulch in my garden. I use the bagger when mowing every 3rd time I cut the lawn and get a nice sized pile from our 1.5-2 acres. I just keep building it up on the beds and walkways all spring / summer. It decomposes almost completely over fall/winter and I just lightly turn it in where I plant in the spring. My soil has been slowly improving each year, too I'm increasing my efforts this summer and will be using both grass clippings and shredded / partially decomposed leaf mold in an effort to boost the soil significantly more.

[@suebar5177]

Hi☺ Glad you're back🌷

[@jimkobe64]

Very good programs. Good quality production dialog and presentation!

[@allanbonnieguffey5634]

Thank you so much for this great information. I am starting a new area and am going to try your way with the hay. Enjoy your videos.

[@BeeVargaTheHulahooper]

Feeling super inspired, many thanks for your amazing content! We watch you with my toddler and you definitely have 2 super keen fans in Latvia 🤣 happy gardening and sending you lots of love 💚

[@treeforest1175]

Thank you that answered all my questions

[@romanadekic8866]

Excellent video, thanks!

[@awakesurfer121]

I admire your efforts by sharing your information. I will try your way next time on my backyard. I will let them grow and less cutting.

[@rosewood513]

Excellent video. I have been using hay, straw and grass for many years and you are right, if you pile it on you shouldn't get a lot of weeds. Thanks

[@frankl9103]

Thank you from Houston, Texas in the USA! A great day to you.

[@osmanflores5650]

Nice vid! Thanks for the tips, am going to try it myself.

[@johnnyaingel5753]

My first time on here and i love what you do with the mulching as i do the same here in America and the CLOVER is the best plant for your soil to enrich it and true it has plenty of minerals for the body my favorite is red clover

[@incognitoriaanonymousita]

I love the way he says grass and autumn and year...love that accent.

[@catfunksfabulousfinds]

I built compost piles all winter with free hay, straw & leaves I collected and brought home. My chickens helped activate it. It was all done in 100 days and I've added them all to the garden beds. Now I'm going to try your plan since my neighbor says I can have all her clippings.

[@thomasnathan7328]

I just came across your channel and absolutely enjoy it. It is very practical easy. I am Tammy all the way from Malaysia. Keep those video coming! God bless!

[@thuffman44]

Thanks for sharing your video Huw. Always appreciated your approach and your content. Hoping your have a fantastic day.

[@HuwRichards]

Thank you so much Tim, I really appreciate it.

[@jarredburnett8820]

Thank you.... I can't wait to try this method out

[@barbarafritchie2000]

So nice to see you. Great video.

[@HuwRichards]

Thank you so much

[@mgraman4955]

Bro.,the information is very useful, thanks a lot.

[@tkomla]

Thank you! Most helpful, as always 😊🌱

[@dollyperry3020]

Very good video. I would like to make one comment on the lawn clippings. Here in the US, many people use herbicides to get ride of dandelions in their lawn. That herbicide can wreck havoc on your garden area. So make sure you ask the people you're getting clippings from if they use any herbicides or pesticides on their lawn. :)

[@thainab85]

Hey I love watching you. Very smart and knowledgeable. Peace from NYC

[@DarrenClaxton]

Brilliant as always Huw! Like your signature 🎶 tune 😊

[@Rose-nu6wf]

Awesome! Looking forward to the free mulch material video you mention at the end :D What a great idea

[@HuwRichards]

Thank you very much! Should be a fun one!

[@paulsavident]

Nice to have you back.

[@DarrenClaxton]

Brilliant as always Huw

[@HuwRichards]

Thank you Paul :)

[@katjaz9047]

I've been considering hay, since I have a lot grass. So thank you for this video, I'll look no further ;)

[@spoolsandbobbins]

Definitely inspired Huw!! Thanks.

[@nicolajolly7638]

Awesome, I've got hordes of old hay, and a bunch of squash that need planting. Definitely going to try it!

[@jmmichael188]

Great video and info, well spoken!

[@ThuNguyen-ow3vd]

Hi, I'm from Vietnam, It's nice to watch this video. you have a stunning farm!

[@livelifesurvive6375]

Great info. Thanks from the Philippines.

[@milanetc4865]

Looking good Huw!

[@nawallebanese]

Good explanation I love the way u talk and explain clear well done 👍

[@markedwards9247]

Super video Huw. Good to see you back. Missed your channel over the last few months.

[@HuwRichards]

Thank you Mark! Really appreciate it :)

[@dustysgarden2254]

Thanks to watching the Ruth Stout Method video from ‘ Back to Reality’ i have embarked on using hay to compost and grow our food in. Absolutely love these methods.

[@snezhanasz]

Thank you for wonderful video🌷🍀🌷

[@watermelonlalala]

4:15 The answer to my worst problem in the yard. Thank you!

[@wowpets9457]

Thank you so very very much !! What a good idea

[@simplybyellika5308]

Great to see you back. 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@HuwRichards]

Thank you Ellika!

[@rocko777p.8]

Thank you for the video! From USA California!

[@cathymackay5534]

Good video! I have lots of hay from the nine guinea pigs I look after...usually it goes on the compost heap but I may try using it as a mulch as well. Cheers, xx

[@msannechannel9815]

Wow I will try that also to my garden too thanks cutie for the nice info

[@thu7068]

Welcome back!!

[@marijoheitman2577]

This is great info, thanks

[@luckydesilva6733]

Thank you sooo much darling . Bless you always .

[@msdaisy6949]

Great video! Nice!!!!

[@adrianmarson9585]

Thanks for the advice great video

[@LibertyGarden]

Love the buildings on your farm.

[@HuwRichards]

Thank you, they are like 300 years old!

[@nancyword3814]

This type of gardening is a lifesaver to an older gardener...me!!

[@FoodForThought.]

Thank you for this information. it's given me confidence to use hay in the garden

[@HuwRichards]

Wooh that's awesome to hear!

[@terrachaochao5990]

Good idea!

[@CatalinCiprian]

Good job, all my garden is already covered with the hay, im in the first year we will see what happen in the next years. We dont have much watter thats way we put hay in all garden.

[@SriYukteswarGiri]

Your video helped me a lot, we are currently laying out a vegetable garden and our grass clippings have not been used yet. Thank you

[@davesterchele2679]

As a straw bale gardener for three years now, I've started creating raised beds which are first filled with mostly old straw from my previous year, and then a layer of soil (about 4") on top. They start out full at the beginning of the season and break down to about 3/4 full. I plan to put this year's broken down straw bales on top of the beds once everything is done and then just plant into the mulch next spring. Over the winter there will be a sandwich layer of 2-3 year old straw mulch, dirt and then 1 year old straw compost on top. I will probably clear out some spots to grow spinach, kale, arugula and bok choy under a mini plastic dome green house. I expect the straw will do a good job of keeping it warm at least through December here in Michigan. I also have 4 35 lb bags of Promix that I picked up at Menards for about $13/bag (cheap!!) I will use those to cover this year's straw next spring before direct seeding carrots and other things like lettuce and spinach over the top of this year's straw. If anyone is interested, I still see a couple Menards still have it in compressed blue bags in the back of the garden sections!

[@toneyjohnson8910]

I have been wanting to try this thanks

[@bludelphinium994]

Great video 👍

[@obroadieswimmer]

Brillaint. Love your vids Huw.

[@HuwRichards]

Thank you so much Ollie!!!:D

[@joedegorostiza8305]

Great vid - thanks a bunch!!!

[@eswaribalan164]

I love your method.

[@freiyas]

Excellent!

[@user-ue2rg9sn8c]

Super duper!!! Thank you 🌻

[@devbachu7072]

Great well done

[@67tichi]

Good to see you again :)

[@HuwRichards]

Thank you :)

[@MissyRoselle]

Very inspiring!

[@peggykeating]

Muchas gracias!!! Many thanks!

[@springbooth3547]

Wonderful!

[@wndrfullife]

I live in Indiana, United States, and have dense clay soil. I was trying to figure out how the heck I was going to grow anything in this awful clay/dirt. I started experimenting with a straw bale garden last year, and the results were great! When I moved here there wasn't any garden at all. After 1 year with the straw bales, I got an incredible harvest last year, from the straw, after conditioning them, mostly herbs. The tomatoes didn't do as well in the bales. This spring the bales had all broken down, and we have WORMS finally! Also, seeds from last years garden self sowed and are growing like crazy, versus the same species of seeds that I have growing in containers with store bought potting mix. The difference in growth is incredible. Straw is more readily available for me, than hay, but I would use hay in a minute, if I had some. To start my NEW garden, in bad dirt, I put down a layer of cardboard, then put the straw bales on top. I conditioned them, loosely using the straw bale method by Joel Karsten. I found that you don't really need to follow his method exactly. If you get hay or straw bales in the fall, let them sit through winter, they are ready to be planted in the following spring. When they break down, you have a happier ecosystem. Keep mulching, planting, repeat. Your dirt will turn into healthy soil in no time. And the weeding is barely worth mentioning. It's so easy! You're building soil that gets better every year. Search for Ruth Stout Gardening, and you will see one of the pioneers of this method. It is fantastic! I love to experiement. Right now I am experimenting with burying buckets of compost in the garden, with holes drilled in them, so worms can get in, eat, then leave their castings. Worm castings are an excellent fertilizer for your garden, and they till the garden naturally for you.

[@janetg1691]

Thank you, that was helpful.

[@denisecarter3381]

Thank very much I love this idea

[@wysuyjk]

Hello from Russia! Great idea to use hey and grass as mulch! These ideas have become popular in Russia as well.

[@horizontbeskrajneinovacije6440]

Thank you...Great video

[@havfaith56]

I get grass clippings and leaves. I run the lawn mower over the leaves and use them as mulch. This year I put whole leaves as mulch in my front yard. I may cover with wood chips, maybe. It's working as I am growing wild mushrooms.