Straw that has run through the mower or shredder works really well in my
garden. I line the paths with the stuff, spread right from the bale... and I
shred some of it for mulch in the beds.

Normal course of business, at the end of the season, I rake up and shred the
straw that was on the path, shred it, and cover over the beds for the
winter. I put down fresh straw on the paths, and let it begin it's job of
keeping my feet clean, and starting to compost.

Had done a great job of breaking up the clay.

BTW - I add shredded leaves when I have them, but I try really hard to keep
the pine needles out.


"Elizabeth Lyne" wrote in message
...
I will be planting my veg. garden this week and have traditionally used
leaves (chopped up with my mower, saved from the fall) as mulch at my old
house (which worked just fine). At my current house, I didn't have enough
leaf mulch (fewer trees) and the weeds took over at times during the
growing season last year. What else should I use for mulch that will be
effective and improve the soil over time (like next year when I till
again)?

Thanks, Elizabeth