Straw Season Is Here
Straw bales are the unsung heroes of fall. Sure, they look good next to pumpkins and mums, but straw pulls way more weight than just being a pretty backdrop. From pet shelters to muddy yards and freshly seeded lawns, straw is the season’s most practical must-have.
What’s the Difference Between Straw and Hay?
Before you toss a bale in your cart, let’s clear up the question we hear every year: What’s the difference between straw and hay?
Hay is green, leafy, and used as animal feed because it’s packed with nutrients. Straw, on the other hand, is golden, hollow, and used for bedding, covering, and decorating. Think of straw as hay’s chill, low-maintenance cousin. Not for eating, but perfect for just about everything else.
At Merriam Feed, our straw bales are clean, easy to handle, and perfect for indoor or outdoor use.
Fall Porch Décor
Let’s start with the obvious. Straw makes your fall porch look like it came straight out of a magazine. Add a few bales, stack some pumpkins, toss in a few mums, and suddenly you’re one PSL away from being the talk of the neighborhood. For a layered look, mix bales of different heights and add a vintage crate or two for contrast. Bonus points if you let your kids “help” and end up with straw everywhere
Keeping Outdoor Cats and Dogs Warm
As temperatures drop, outdoor cats, barn cats, and even dogs who like to hang out in the yard can use some extra warmth. Straw makes a great insulator because it traps air and stays dry unlike blankets, which can freeze when wet. It’s an easy, affordable way to keep your furry friends (and local strays) warm through the season. Line a small shelter, doghouse, or insulated box with straw, and you’ve just earned a gold star from every animal rescue group out there.
Mud Control
If your yard looks more like a swamp after a good rain, straw bales are your best friend. A quick layer across high-traffic spots like near coops, gates, or play areas. The straw helps soak up mud and keep things (and shoes) a little cleaner. Farmers and suburban homeowners alike use straw to create temporary walkways, dry out muddy patches, and protect grass from being trampled. It’s not glamorous, but it works.
Straw for Grass Seed
Here’s a trick landscapers have known forever: straw helps new grass seed actually grow. Spreading straw lightly over a freshly seeded area helps retain moisture, prevent erosion, and protect the seed from birds. Once the grass starts growing, you can rake away or mow over the leftover straw. It’s a simple, low-cost win for fall lawn prep and it helps your yard come back stronger in spring.
Straw isn’t just décor; it’s the secret weapon for every fall task from porches to pet shelters to patchy lawns. Merriam Feed + Seed in Merriam, Kansas has straw bales in stock for your fall projects. Swing by soon and load up before this season’s favorite staple sells out.
