Is it a good idea to use hay as a cover around the garden plants?

I would not recommend that.I would use a cedar mulch which also is good to aid in insects.

The problem with hay is it most likely will contain weed seeds . An alternative would be your grass clippings it's best to use grass catcher, for help with prep put them in a bit of a heap rake through them untill they dry out, then use as mulch you will need to add nitrogen furtalizer to the soil as the grass clippings break down.

Never hay, it has seeds. Use straw. If possible, rice straw is great.

Never use hay! Regular straw can be bought easily! Use it

hay is not the best solution, but you never know where it was grown or what other plant seeds are lurking in it....you may be planting unwanted guests

i used grass clippings, too. Like that better

I also use grass clippings, just spread them out as get them and put on more as needed, just try not to put any dandelion flowers with the grass. I also use shredded leaves in the fall from the many mature trees on our property. I till in all in the spring and cover with a heap I keep in the corner of the garden over the winter since grass cannot cover the garden soil yet until later.