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Seeking Organic Hay/Straw Resources for use in Organic Vegetable Garden! #744602

Asked April 15, 2021, 11:39 PM EDT

Hi, I am Seeking Organic Hay/Straw Resources, as I would like to use the Hay/Straw in Organic Vegetable Gardening as a thick mulch and compost helper. I am concerned about contaminating my garden with herbicides that may hide in non-organic hay. Indeed, I read the OSU article which covers this topic as well (https://extension.oregonstate.edu/crop-production/soil/herbicide-carryover-hay-manure-compost-grass-clippings). I am having trouble finding Organic Hay/Straw sellers in the Portland, OR area. Do you have access to some Certified Organic Hay/Straw farm resources/listings for Portland, OR area?

Clackamas County Oregon

Expert Response

Hello,
For garden mulch, I'd stick with straw. Hay is more expensive and might bring unwanted weed seeds to your site.

In terms of organic straw, we don't have any resource that lists vendors for this kind of product.

Your best bet is to call organic farm supply stores (like Concentrates) or feed stores (Foster Feed and Farm, Linnton Feed and Seed, and Cully Farm Store). They might be able to order the product you want.

Or consider other kinds of mulch like arborist chips or bark mulch, which are unlikely to be contaminated.

I hope this information helps.
Weston Miller Replied April 16, 2021, 10:46 AM EDT

Hi Weston,

Thanks so much for the recommendations! Much appreciated! I frequent Concentrates, so I will ask them asap...

Cheers,

Timothy

Timothy Fitzpatrick | <personal data hidden> | Los Angeles, CA   Portland, OR









On Apr 16, 2021, at 7:46 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

The Question Asker Replied April 16, 2021, 2:32 PM EDT

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