On Feb 19, 3:08*pm, JRStern wrote:
On Fri, 19 Feb 2010 11:36:01 -0800 (PST), troyc
wrote:

Make sure you get clean straw (straw can be full ofweeds& seeds),
and don't work it in to the soil - lay it on top. *Straw worked in to
the soil will rob nitrogen for a time as it decays.

How about some bark chips? *unlikely to include seeds.

J.


Up to you & depends. If the area will remain exposed, bark mulch will
certainly look nice (if a fresh layer is 'top-dressed' yearly). And
if applied thickly it will hold back weeds fairly well (you will still
have some weeds regardless - Mother Nature is tenacious).

If it's all going to be buried under your ground cover eventually
anyway, clean straw is probably better. DEFINITELY don't till in wood
chips unless you want to be adding N fertilizer for the rest of your
life.