Hay for mulch ???

[jpcajun]

I know i am late responding but i would use it. Weeds may/may not be a problem but if thats all you have, use it. After the plants are done producing, take the hay off... do not work into the ground. In order for the soil to decompose the straw, nitrogen will have to be used which will deplete some of the N within the soil.

Some hay or straw is high is silica and is hard to break down if worked into the soil so thats another reason not to work it into the ground. If you arent planting in that area for some time, working it into the ground isnt bad but going from a fall/winter garden to spring garden, i wouldnt work it into the soil