Pine Needles

Stan

We had a very bad hail storm on June 23, we live on a farm and have a fair size garden. The garden is surrounded by tall pine trees. After the storm it left needles all over the garden (just covered) I worked most of them in before I realized that it was probably the wrong thing to do. Everything produced well considering the hail (especially the root crops) When I cultivated it was only between the rows. Will these needles acidify the ground, and what should I put on for next year. Please E-mail me too, as sometimes I am unable to listen to all the show on Sunday.

Thanks
Len

Len - Your concern about the pine needles is not all that bad. The amount of needles it would take to make any difference in the Ph of the soil would be many many times more than you have. A mixed garden should be slightly acid anyway. If you were to pick up a cheap 4 dollar test kit from most any of the garden supply stores, you would be able to prove your Ph. To sweeten the soil, if necessary, use carbonated lime at the rate of one ice cream size bucket to 45 gallons of water. Keep stirring as you take it from the container and use a watering can to apply. You can do it now or in the spring, two weeks before planting.

Keep in touch.