I would appreciate your input.

I'm planning to be away from my garden for at least two, maybe more weeks. I put some straw around the beans and potatoes, but do not know if I did it right.

My purpose is to help keep the weeds down and maybe some moisture in. Should the straw be ON the plants or just next to them?

How deep should the layer of straw be?

Thanks so much. I know someone (or more ) will have an answer for me.

bw

budgetwise:

Should the straw be ON the plants or just next to them?

iI depends on your plants.  Potatoes won't mind if you cover the lower branches, or even up to the last few branches, but beans won't like it and you'll need to mulch next to them. Snuggle the straw up near the stems if you can. I never mulch more than a couple of inches, but I think some do deeper than that. If you put more than that on, I'd keep it a couple of inches away from the stems. 

 I agree with Pat.  I use a couple of inches, but keep it away from the stem, or the slugs will LOVE you. I mulch everything except my lettuce, because I have too many problems with the slugs on the lettuce leaves if I do.

Thanks, Ladies.

Do you mind another question?

I put down a loose layer of straw. Should I have a thick/dense layer, or leave it loose?

bw

budgetwise:

I put down a loose layer of straw. Should I have a thick/dense layer, or leave it loose?

If it's too loose, it won't do much good, but don't pack it down tight. It's hard to explain! Think of it this way: You're shielding the earth from sun and dry air, but you don't want to suffocate it. Does that help?

Yes, thanks.

Looks like I need to add a little more without packing it down.   

bw

 I think you've got it.