Pickard Farm in Littleton sells straw and hay bales. Not exactly South Shore.

Have you considered Salt Marsh Hay? Many garden centers sell the Salt Marsh Hay. And it has the added benefit that the seeds wont sprout in your garden.

I'm not totally sure of the differences in straw, but I know that construction bales are not to be used for animal bedding. They have some how been "contaminated". Thus they tend to be the cheapest. I'm not sure if I would use construction hay for mulch - I'd want to find out what was "wrong" with it.

Here is a link that might be useful: Pickard Farm in Littleton

Are you mulching strawberries?

Try bay state farm supply in Taunton or an Agway in Rehoboth.

Good Luck..I'd look for feed/farm stores not garden centers. And I'll second that you should try Salt marsh hay Plus be sure the construction grade is compatible with food crops.

Thanks for the reply

I did find pickard farm searching online

also found someone selling it for $5 a bale in Rowley (also bit of a hike)

and also found it at Wilson Farm in Lexington, though it was $13 a bale....seemed a bit pricey to me

I am checking with Russel's Garden Center and Mahoney's as well, will post if I find something better than 13 a bale.

From what I've read its a bit more expensive than hay but I'm thinking 13 is somewhat overpriced.

Call Kennedy's Country Gardens in Scituate and ask them what they have.

Check the Family Pet and Garden Center in Pembroke at the corner of 53 and 139. I've purchased hay from them in the past. I don't remember the price.