Straw for mulching Strawberries

[cacran]

What are your views on actually using straw as a mulch for strawberries? Does it have to be Barley straw? Would it keep the weeds at bay as well as protecting the fruit? How much would I expect to pay for it.? Can shredded paper be used in it's place? ???

[cacran]

[daileg]

i planted my stawberrys in hanging baskets cant comment dont seei t doing any harm ,
local pet store should be cheap unless you cant find anyone with a horse

[Blista]

i was in Wilkinson's this afternoon and saw pet straw for £1.99, think they use it for bedding.

Also, i think i read somewhere that the optimum depth of the straw is a couple of inches. Hope that helps :)

[cacran]

Yes, that does help, thankyou.

[katynewbie]

Straw can be used for mulching absolutely anything. Those who remember Supersprout will vouch for this. She had straw everywhere, was the queen of mulch and grew magnificent things!

;) :'(

[syrahsuzie]

We have two strawberry beds.

One we have covered with black plastic - keeps weeds down, retains moisture, but strawbs are still muddy.

The other we have just planted and have mulched with pine needles.  Read on a site that strawbs like a bit of acidity and slugs/snails don't like sharp needles.  Easy enough to do but too early to draw any conclusions.

Will keep you posted

Suzie

[manicscousers]

we use straw, keeps the strawberries clean and we've only lost 2 strawberries out of 4 lbs to nasties  ;D

[star]

Welcome Syrahsuzie ;D ;D ;D

I use straw too even though mine are off the ground in pots and window boxes. It does help to keep them off the compost with the weight of this rain.

[PurpleHeather]

I always thought that strawberries were called that because they grew in an area with a lot of straw around them. Just seemed like logic.

I have seen them grown with straw, dried grass cuttings, black plastic, shredded paper and wood chips around them. The grower always tells me that the system works for them.

The few purpose made strawberry barrels where the strawberries  come out of the sides and top I have seen, some side plants had died, leaving gaps.

The hanging basket, garden pot or window box method needs daily attention for watering, but is a great idea where there is limited space for growing.

[Kea]

If you need a lot don't buy it from the pet store....the bales I bought (at least 10x more in a bale than pet store bag) cost £2-50 each.

[kt.]

Could be useful... check out this recent thread:
http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/smf/index.php/topic,42090.0.html

[cacran]

thanks for all your replies.

[Spookyville]

If you need a lot don't buy it from the pet store....the bales I bought (at least 10x more in a bale than pet store bag) cost £2-50 each.

where is the best place to buy bales from? (as in what type of store/shop/market etc?) thanks.

[Emagggie]

A stable yard if there is one near you, I take some black bags and fill them up with the stuff that's dropped on the floor of the barn. I get it for nowt as it's daughters yard, but I can't see how they can ask you for any money. Mind you a straw bale shouldn't cost more than £1.50-£2 at most if they can spare it.