straw mulch

[Muppet194]

I've been looking at Ruth Stouts methods and wondered whether anyone recommends a thick straw mulch on their plot? And if so, how do you stop it blowing around? Also, is this the wrong time of year to think of doing it - should it be done when the ground is warmer? thinking I should mulch in the rain we've been having to keep a nice moist soil but maybe it'll stop the soil warming up?
Thankyou in advance for all advice.

[PAULW]

always used this on my spuds keeps the weeds down the moisture in and puts humous in the soil does not blow away, garlic and shallots will grow through a mulch after planting but onions need mulching after they have appeared

[mothhawk]

Sadly Supersprout is no longer with us but take a look at these pics of the straw mulches on her lottie. I keep them bookmarked as they are quite an inspiration to me.

[Jungle Jane]

thinking I should mulch in the rain we've been having

It will rain through the summer too I use straw round my corn,beans,melon & potatoes,after they've been planted out in about June. Keeps the moisture in,weeds out. I'd worry about slugs living happily under it,if put down now? It would hide them from birds?

[Mark Lottie]

if the straw/hay gets wet after being placed, it will compact a bit and dry in position and will be less likely to blow off but some of it just will, nothing you can do apart from weight it all down

I always give my mulch a good soak after laying it

[datz]

I've never wanted to use straw in our garden as it's such a great home for the vast varieties of rodents we have here. On a lottie maybe not so much of a problem.

[snakeshack]

I've used thick straw mulch in the past and always had great success,as stated above it does tend to stay put if watered after laying,I always mulched up to 6 ins thick but only after planting to suppress weeds and lock in the moisture.I now have a friendly local tree surgeon who delivers partially composted wood chip,which I find lasts longer and is free