Hay is not just for horses! There are many uses for hay around your farm, yard, or even your business. Using hay is a sustainable resource and good for the environment, but many people find themselves asking what to do with hay.

The Many Uses of Hay

Surprisingly, there are many uses of hay. Not only is it a great food source for horses and other livestock, but you can use it throughout your farm. It is a great material to use in your chicken coops to help your hens’ nest. The material also helps keep the ground dry by absorbing moisture. It is easy to change out and helps keep your coops more sanitary. Here are some other hay uses that you might want to try:

• Nesting and bedding areas for animals
• Weed and unwanted plant smothers 
• Path or trial lining 
• Cover up mud patches 
• Create walkways 
• Flower beds 
• Seating if it’s in bale form 
• Cover newly planted grass seed
• Use for Fall decorations 
• Hayrides 

Using it in your gardens and flower beds helps replace the need for mulch. Hay helps to keep the roots of your plants and crops from drying out or being damaged by weather. In the summer months, it also helps keep the roots of your plants cool and the soil moist. It keeps the weeds at bay by smothering out many annoying plants that may try to overrun your garden. If you need to clear an area or patch of land, you might want to think about using hay to smother out and kill the plant life.

How To Use Hay Around Your Yard

Certain types of hay can germinate or spread seeds, so it’s important when using it in your gardens or flower beds that you use mulch hay so that it does not do this. If you were to utilize the kind that does seed, it would eventually grow into more grass. This would cover your garden and destroy your flower beds.

This material is a great way to line walkways, driveways, and gardens. Covering your soil with hay helps lock in moisture. This also attracts decomposing organisms like worms to your garden. It is also great to put in your compost pile. 

Best Ways To Store Hay

Hay storage is often a tricky thing as it takes up a large amount of space. You have to store it inside a dry space that won’t be exposed to moisture. It usually lasts for about three years when stored properly.

It is best to store hay bales inside a large barn or shed. Keeping it out of the elements will ensure it lasts and retains as many nutrients as possible. If you do not have a barn or shed large enough you can always store it outside on pallets under a tarp. Keeping it off the ground and fully covered from rain is crucial. Here are some creative ideas on how to store hay:

• On raised wooden pallets
• Underneath tarps
• In an old airplane hanger
• In an industrial shipping container 
• Create an industrial-sized hammock or netting between trees
• On top of a fence under a covering 

Contact Us Today 

Need help storing your hay? Please contact Western Packaging today! They have some amazing experts who can assist with all of your hay packaging needs. Western Packaging has some wonderful products that help you save money and conserve your supply. Anything from bulk bags, Bopp bags, stretch film, hay sleeves, and much more. 

Storing and packaging are not always easy to do. Some people lack knowledge and resources, while others have an issue with space. Getting creative with the way you use and store hay will help you make the most of your product.