What was your experience with alfalfa hay as mulch?

I just got 2 bales of alfalfa hay to use as mulch. I'm putting it over my garlic. Do I have to break it up or is it okay to leave it in the three or four inch chunks that it kinda flakes off as. I was told to put on 6 inches of hay as mulch.

darlindeb. I use Alfalfa hay for mulch, that is if it is second cutting. In this area the first cutting often has too much cheat grass and the seed so creats a weed problem. I use it in flakes, 3 or 4 inches thick but try not to cover up whatever I am mulching. Sorry never mulched garlic, as didn't think it was needed. Actually what i like best to do is use the hay over magazine or catalogs, lasts a couple or three years that way.

DonnaS