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Post by Latitude33 on Jul 18, 2024 17:22:06 GMT -5
One of the gardening issues in my new environs is the lack of organic materials available (read free) to use as mulch or to add to compost. At the old digs I had multiple sources readily available, but here what I have found is mostly pine needles from a nearby golf course. Can anyone that does or has used pine needle share your experience?
Thanks,
Lat
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Post by pondgardener on Jul 18, 2024 17:34:15 GMT -5
Latitude33 ,I've been using long pine needles in the garden, mulching around tomatoes, green beans and peppers for over 15 years. The needles gradually break down and are replaced in the Spring when I can locate a source. Southern Colorado's soil is on the alkaline side, so i am not concerned too much about the soil becoming too acidic. They pretty much stay in place and water penetrates easily. And at season's end, I rake up the majority of them to heap on the compost pile to offer a bit of protection from the winter cold and reuse them the next year.
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Post by desertwoman on Jul 18, 2024 18:53:50 GMT -5
Go for it! Latitude33, They are a great mulch. I have an unending supply of pine needles from two ponderosa pine trees in the yard. Been using them for about 15 years, as well. They are great, don't blow away, and get heaped on when things start to warm up mid to late Spring. I also place them on top of the final layer of leaf mulch in the Fall (to hold the leaves down during the winter). When I first moved to this house I researched, since I had heard that pine needles are too acidic for the gardens. From what I have read, pine needles being too acidic is a myth. Brown needles are not at all acidic and fresh green ones are barely acidic- not enough to change the soil pH in any significant way.
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Post by Latitude33 on Jul 18, 2024 20:43:06 GMT -5
Thanks! Do you typically use them whole or break them down?
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Post by desertwoman on Jul 18, 2024 21:36:41 GMT -5
I use them whole, which is called pine straw. Latitude33,
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