Does anyone compost with straw?

Rj here,, I am expanding my front gardens as we speak.....I've added dirt, chicken and cow contributions, and black gold..from the compost bin. I was going to toss straw in with it, but I'm hesitating, because I'm not sure how well straw breaks down. Could you advise a panicky houston gardener that's about to roto till the whole lot before he has to return his - yes - rented rototiller..
I'm not sure where I'm thinking straw takes a while to break down...it's probably me that's breaking down...LOL
It's acting like spring here. I look like a happy dirt clod right now...thanks for anyones help!!
Rj

Howdy RJ. I use straw as a mulch. It breaks down in one season. Probably could till it in if you want.
The only down side I can think of is that it might have seeds in it. Mine always sprouts and drives me
crazy 'cause I'm using it to keep the weeds down.

I think it depends on how much you add and how soon you will plant.
I know that when you turn over Winter Rye in Spring, it's recommended to let it break down for 2 weeks. The break down process consumes nitrogen.
Andy P

Thanks guys.. I used just a tad, about 2 small slices and I sprinkled it thin. I'm hoping the high nitrogen in bat guano will help break it down. Come to think of it, after roto tilling, I didn't even notice the straw. Now I have almost a bale of it left. It'll always come in hand I'm sure. Thanks for your help!! Oh my back :)
Rj

Just watch out for the seeds. Even weed seed mixed in with some. Sometimes causes more problems than it fixes.

I use hay and it breaks down quickly into wonderful compost for me. The soil where I have used it is the best in the garden.
No weeds thank goodness, but I have had a problem with fireants; they seem to love it under the hay.

I did use some straw, not alot. You know....we usually have problems with fireants...but I haven't seen any since the year before. I figured it was because we had an unusually wet spring and summer.
Rj

I have used straw as a mulch with little weed problem but have four dogs and they manage to get it all over the yard so can anyone tell me the best kind of mulch to use given my dog problem? I have also used it in composting but very lightly and I am not very knowledgable about composting yet.

I love mulching with straw. If you use hay you will definately have seed of all sorts. But straw should and is usually pretty clean. It breaks down pretty quickly, and is a good soil aerator. I use it heavy in hot summer days to keep soil cool and conserve water. But I don't have a problem with fire ants either! :)

It must depend on where you live and perhaps on the variety of hay. I get Timothy and rarely have a weed from this stuff. I do put a very thick layer down - maybe that's the trick.
Count your blessings if you don't have fireants.

I mulched with very light amount amount based on a few discussions. I incorporated other mulch along with it. I tested the soil this week by throwing seeds on top...and it passed - they have sprouted !
Rj

Since I bed my horses with straw most of the time, it's a constant component of my compost piles. If allowed to rot down thoroughly before use in the garden, there isn't much of a weed problem. If spread on your beds as is, you will have grain sprouts. These aren't much of a problem if you weed them out as they appear; if you let them get too large tho, they can be difficult.

I dump a lot of straw & manure in my vegetable garden area during the late fall & early winter. By spring planting time, I have a nice thick dark crumbly planting area.

So I will be better off tossing the rest of my bale in the mulch bin and let it cook over the spring / summer it sounds like.
Rj

Yes, that's what I'd do. And where you are, it shouldn't take too long to break down.

But remember, in your climate you will need a heavy mulch of some type to keep your soil temps down and to preserve moisture. Houston's long hot summers can be brutal.

Yes..true...I keep it watered if it doesn't rain. I just cleared it out so need to build it back.