6 Alternatives To Straw For Grass Seed

So, you’re planting new grass seed and trying to figure out what to cover it with? 

Most people grab a bale of straw and call it a day. Straw can be messy, full of weed seeds, and honestly, not always easy to work with. 

The good news is that straw isn’t your only option.

If you’re looking for other ways to protect your grass seed, you’re in the right place. 

In this post, we’ll go over some awesome alternatives to straw for grass seed that work just as well (and sometimes even better).

#1. Grass Seed Mulch Blankets

Grass seed mulch blankets are probably the best alternative to straw for grass seed. It’s a low-maintenance and very beginner-friendly option. 

These blankets (also called erosion control mats) are pre-made mats that you roll out right over the top of your grass seed. 

Done and done.

They’re made from stuff like coconut fiber, straw, or even biodegradable paper. 

The cool thing is that they stay in place. No blowing around. No birds stealing your seed. And they break down over time, so you don’t need to clean anything up later.

Also Read: How to Refresh Your Yard This Season

If you’re working on a slope or somewhere prone to heavy rain, these mats are a total win. They hold everything together and keep your seed from washing away.

#2. Compost

Compost is one of the most underrated covers for grass seed. 

A thin layer of screened compost, about a quarter inch thick, works wonders. It holds in moisture, adds nutrients, and keeps the soil temperature steady. That means your seeds get a healthy start right from the beginning.

The trick here is not to overdo it. Too much compost can smother your seed. Just enough to lightly cover is perfect. 

You’ll also appreciate that compost improves your soil while the grass takes root.

And bonus: it doesn’t blow around like straw, so you don’t have to chase bits of it across the yard every time the wind kicks up.

#3. Peat Moss

Peat moss is another good alternative to straw for grass seed. 

It’s light, fluffy, and excellent at holding moisture. If you’ve ever had trouble keeping your seed damp during germination, peat moss can help solve that problem. 

It also creates a protective layer that keeps birds from snacking on your seed.

That said, it can be a little pricey if you’re doing a large area. It makes more sense for smaller patches or touch-ups. Still, if you’re dealing with bare spots or just don’t want to deal with straw, peat moss is a solid option. 

Plus, it gives your lawn a cleaner look compared to straw scattered everywhere.

Also Read: Peat Moss For Bare Spots In Lawn

#4. Hydroseeding Mulch

Hydroseeding is that green spray you sometimes see on big commercial sites or along highways. 

It’s a mix of seed, water, fertilizer, and mulch fibers all blended together and sprayed onto the soil. The fibers lock the seed in place, the water keeps it moist, and the fertilizer gives it a boost.

For homeowners, this isn’t always a DIY option unless you’re renting equipment. But if you’re planting a large yard and want even coverage with minimal hassle, hiring a pro to hydroseed might be worth it. 

It’s quick, effective, and delivers fast results.

The downside is the cost, but the upside is consistency. You don’t have to worry about uneven spreading or patchy growth. Everything goes down evenly in one go.

#5. Grass Clippings

Sometimes the simplest solutions are right in your backyard. 

Grass clippings can be used to cover seed as long as you’re careful with the amount. Spread them out in a very thin layer, almost like dusting the ground. 

The clippings help retain moisture and add a little organic matter as they break down.

You must keep it light. If you pile clippings on thick, they’ll mat together, block sunlight, and suffocate the seed. Think of it more like a sprinkle than a blanket. 

Let them dry out a bit before spreading, too. That way, they won’t clump as easily.

Also make sure the clippings are dry and from a healthy lawn. You don’t want to introduce weeds or diseases into your fresh new lawn.

Also Read: Will Cayenne Pepper Kill Grass?

This method is basically free, so if you’re on a budget and don’t mind doing a little raking, grass clippings are awesome.

#6. Excelsior Mulch (Shredded Wood Fiber)

Excelsior mulch might not be as well-known as straw, but it’s a fantastic straw substitute. 

This mulch is made from shredded wood fiber (usually from aspen trees), and it’s surprisingly great for new grass seed. It’s lightweight, breathable, and clings to the ground even in wind or rain. 

You’ll usually find it in mats (kind of like those erosion control blankets) or loose-fill form. Both work well. And it breaks down over time, so you don’t have to worry about cleanup.

It’s especially useful on slopes, but honestly, it works just about anywhere.

Wrapping Up

You don’t have to stick with straw just because it’s the old-school way of doing things. There are tons of great alternatives that are cleaner, more effective, and sometimes even cheaper.

Here’s a quick recap:

• Grass seed mulch blankets are neat and super beginner-friendly.
  
• Compost adds nutrients while protecting your seed.
  
• Peat moss is clean and holds moisture like a champ.
  
• Hydroseeding mulch gives pro-level results if you want to go big.
  
• Grass clippings are free but need to be used lightly.
  
• Excelsior mulch is tough, eco-friendly, and low-fuss.
  

Each option has its own little perks, so it really depends on what you’re working with like your budget, area size, weather, and how much effort you want to put in.

FAQs

Do I Need Straw For Grass Seed?

No, you don’t have to use straw. The main purpose of covering grass seed is to hold in moisture, protect it from wind and birds, and help it stay in place. Straw works, but it’s not your only option. 

Compost, peat moss, mulch blankets, or even a light layer of grass clippings can all do the job just as well, sometimes better.

Can I Use Paper Mulch For Grass Seed?

Yes, paper mulch works great for grass seed. It’s usually made from shredded or recycled paper fibers, and it helps keep the seed moist and anchored in place. It’s also clean, biodegradable, and doesn’t carry weed seeds like straw sometimes does. 

Many erosion control mats and hydroseeding mixes actually use paper mulch for this reason.