A Gardeners Forum Forums Gardening Reference Gardening in 2004 i can't remember

i know that pine straw is adds something to the soil and i think it is acidic, but not sure. can anyone tell me? i have an abundance of it and was going to use it to break up some packed soil. just need to know what i can plant in it when i am done.

Yep, it's acidic!!
How about mater's?????????

Oh, no, I forgot you're not a mater'er able!!!

How about...........
BLUEBERRIES!!!!
Do you like those???

Weezie

Or strawberries, eucalyptus, gooseberry, hardy kiwifruit, Alliums, columbines and wild columbines, Arums (I love the one I have, very carefree and reseeds itself), ferns, scarlet runner beans, balloon flowers, rhododendron's,
azalea's....
Oh, there's a ton of stuff that likes acidity soils!

Weezie

Siberian Irises Iris's too!!

ok, that's what i thought, but i couldn't remember. the old noggin just ain't working right these days!

don't know what i'm putting there, but... it'll be good anyway. the spot gets good morning/mid day sun.

We have used pine straw for years for a general mulch all over our yard. We add more each fall and spring to replace and clean up things.

Of course we have great azaleas and a huge gardenia, but have had success with many other plants too! This old southerner from GA grew up with loads of pine straw available in our woods for mulching. I never knew it made the soil acidic.

Guess that's why the few alkaline lovers I've tried may not have succeeded.

Anyway, thanks for the info, and I can certainly let you know the plants in my yard that love it!

Judith in Tallahassee

The soil here in Mn. stays a fairly constant ph of 6.5 to 7, unless it is manipulated, all I can really suggest is get a ph tester and use it when ever you may have a doubt. Acidity or alkalinity can be adjusted easily though