Beginner Gardening: Recommendations for smaller tiller/WORKHORSE, 2 by NancyGroutsis

NancyGroutsis wrote:
Diana, yes hay tends to be more expensive than straw. I got hay early this year, so the hay man only had 1st cut hay which includes all the straw, weeds, etc. from last year's crop overwintering. He was worried I wouldn't want it because rabbit people usually prefer 2nd cut hay which is greener and softer and pure grass without straw or weeds. However, all my rabbits have preferred 1st cut hay and it's crunchier which is good for their teeth, and I like when my rabbits are happy (see picture).

Also, when the field is left to overwinter the plants decompose and add nutrients to the soil so the first crop of hay (1st cut) takes most of the nutrients, therefore, the 2nd cut and 3rd cut are not as nutritious. Thus, 1st cut hay is best for rabbits even though it's not the conventional rabbit hay. Anyway, for purposes of garden mulch, both hay and straw are great. So I look for the least expensive option of what's available that season. - Nancy G.