If you have just started out in the gardening industry, you might not be absolutely sure about the hay and straw difference. Not only are they found in the same shops, but they also look pretty similar. However, when it comes to the uses of the two, there are quite a few points that separate the two.
How Do Straw And Hay Look?
Out of everything, the physical appearance and how each is derived are the basics of how you can differentiate each. To begin with, straws are yellow or golden in color and are mainly derived from harvesting grain crops like rye and wheat. The grain and chaff are removed from the crop, resulting in a by-product, commonly known as straw.
On the other hand, hay is either green or yellow in colors and is made from dried legumes and grasses. While straw is usually seedless and mainly used for animal bedding or compost, hay contains several seeds and is used as animal feed mainly because of its nutritious value.
What Are The Differences Between Hay And Straw?
It might be wrong to say that one is better than the other since both have their specific scenarios for use. Apart from the appearance, hay and straw are two very different components. Further mentioned below are a few points that can help you differentiate between both.
- As mentioned earlier, straws are made from grain stalks like wheat, rice, and oats and contain no seed. However, hay is made from dried grass or legumes and might have leaves or seeds.
- In the case of straws, the chaff and grain are removed, while for hay, the entire plant is dried and harvested.
- Straws have a relatively low nutritional value. On the other hand, hay has a higher nutritional value and is mainly used for feeding purposes.
- Straw is, by origin, very dry, while hay has to be dried under the sun after cutting and still has some moisture.
How To Buy The Best Quality Straw And Hay?
There are a number of shops you can find that sell both hay and straw. While having so many options is a boon, it can also make your decision quite confusing. This is why there are certain things you should keep in mind before you finalize where to buy your products from.
- Referrals:
It is always an excellent decision to ask your friends and family, especially if they are in the same industry. They will have already purchased some before and know which are the excellent shops in the community.
- Look Around:
The worst mistake you can make is choosing the first shop you come by. You should always look around and find the shop that provides you with the best price and quality of the product. You can also read some online reviews to make the process easier.
With the information mentioned in this article, you will surely be able to make the right decision for your purpose.
