what plants can i use pine needles on

Pine Needles are Useful: Here Are 15 Ways to Use Them

• 1. Make homemade natural soap with pine essential oil and pine needles. ...
• 2. Place pine needles under acid-loving plants such as holly, azalea, or rhododendron. ...
• 3. Make a “tea” with pine needles. ...
• 4. Pine needles, especially longer ones, tend to “knit” themselves together. ...
• 5. Place some pine needles in your winter garden to keep moles and voles out. ...

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Why do plants need pine needle mulch?

What is pine straw mulch?

What soil is good for growing vegetables?

What soil is best for growing herbs?

Can you use pine needle mulch on marigolds?

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What plants tolerate pine needles?

Some flowers, shrubs and trees that do great in pine straw:Amaryllis.Azaleas.Bluebell.Camellias.Chrysanthemum.Columbine.Dahlias.Daisies.More items...

Are pine needles toxic to other plants?

The pine needles contain acid, which goes into the soil when the needles start to decompose. This acid doesn't hurt the pine tree, but discourages or kills other plants growing near it.

Can I put pine needles in my garden?

Pine needles decompose very slowly, so that they don't need replacing as often as other mulches. However, eventually needles will breakdown and enrich garden soil. They moderate soil temperature in summer and prevent winter soils from freezing and heaving roots from the ground.

Do pine needles make good mulch for tomatoes?

Pine needle mulch is a great mulch option around tomatoes. There is a belief that the pine needles will change the pH of the soil but UT Extension Horticulture Specialist Carol Reese says it will not change it enough to matter. The mulch will reduce splashing on the lower leaves of the plant which will reduce blight.

What can I do with all my pine needles?

8 Brilliant Uses for Fallen Pine NeedlesCREATE FIRE STARTERS. Bundle a handful of dry needles with thread to use along with kindling wood and newspaper. ... USE AS MULCH. ... MAKE A DISINFECTANT. ... FLAVOR VINEGAR. ... BREW A FOOTBATH. ... COOK WITH THEM. ... FRESHEN UP A ROOM. ... FILL OUTDOOR PILLOWS.

Are pine needles good for roses?

Pine needles are therefore good for acid loving plants such as Rhododendrons, Roses, Azaleas, Hydrangeas, etc.

Are pine needles good for hydrangeas?

If you plant a hydrangea under a pine, the acidity of the degrading pine needles around the plant will most likely turn the flowers blue, from their pink color in soils with a higher pH.

Are pine needles good for flower beds?

Pine needles, also known as pine straw, make fine mulch for some flower beds. They are light and fluffy, so spreading them around is a piece of cake, and they don't compact much as they decompose, so you don't have to worry about them becoming too thick or forming a rain-impervious mat.

How long does it take for pine needles to decompose?

The pine needles composting process can take about 2-3 months for the pine needles to be fully broken down.

Should you rake up pine needles?

Pine and fir needles should be raked off hard surfaces such as pavement, decks, rooftops, gutters, and gravel-covered surfaces, and removed from the soil within 30 feet of all structures. Fallen branches and pine cones should be picked up throughout the property.

Can you put pine needles around squash plants?

0:102:25Using Pine Needles As Mulch For Vegetables - Garden Tip - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNo it doesn't the reason being is the breakdown process of pine needles takes such a long time thatMoreNo it doesn't the reason being is the breakdown process of pine needles takes such a long time that by the time the needles are broke down the pH level that was a 3/5 has neutralized 27.0.

Is pine straw good for flower beds?

Pine straw is a great choice for any landscapes or flower beds in Woodstock and surrounding communities that contain acidic-loving plants. Some plants and trees that grow well in pine straw landscaping include: Azaleas. Gardenias.

Are pine needles good for potted plants?

These needles are safe to use as mulch around most plants and especially perennial plants in your garden. Because pine needles contain high levels of resins, they repel water and decompose much more slowly than leaves from most deciduous trees. Their shape also helps them avoid becoming moist and composting rapidly.

Should you remove pine needles from under tree?

To some extent, this is a valuable practice. Pine and fir needles should be raked off hard surfaces such as pavement, decks, rooftops, gutters, and gravel-covered surfaces, and removed from the soil within 30 feet of all structures. Fallen branches and pine cones should be picked up throughout the property.

Are pine trees bad for other trees?

As pine trees mature, they shed needles that lie like an acidic carpet around their trunks. A myth exists that this gradually causes the soil to become acidic, killing nearby plants. In fact, however, pine tree needles barely affect the soil pH even when worked into the soil for that purpose.

Why do plants not grow under pine trees?

The number one reason that plants struggle when planted under pines is the lack of water. Evergreens have deep roots which can take up a great deal of water. New plantings under pine trees benefit from extra watering in their first year.

Pine Needle Mulch and Plants that Love the Acid - Custom Pine Straw

Pine needles interlock and stay in place even on landscapes that are on a slope. The interlocking of pine needles keeps them from being blown out of landscapes and gardens during strong winds and storms.

Pine Needle Mulch and Plants that Love the Acid

Get a Pine Straw Quote Now Get an instant pine straw quote now. If you have any questions about our pine straw, deliveries or other services please call us at (386) 935-6933.

How to get rid of weeds in a pine needle plant?

While mulching can help control weeds, it's easier for the mulch to do the job when you start with a weed-free area. Spread the pine needles around the plants to the drip line, leaving it about 2 to 3 inches away from the plant base or shrub trunk.

What flowers like acidic soil?

Flowers that love acidic soil include Lily of the Valley, dianthus, yarrow, iris, orchid, pinks, rue, hosta and veronica . Some of these flowers, such as hosta and Lily of the Valley, prefer the shade under pine trees.

How to make hydrangeas blue?

Gardeners use an acidic fertilizer to turn hydrangea's flowers blue. Try using pine needle mulch under the hydrangeas instead. Advertisement.

Can pine needles be used as mulch?

If your yard is covered with pine needles from several mature pine trees, use the needles as landscape mulch rather than bagging and discarding them, especially around plants that benefit from pine needle mulch. Pine needles are acidic when they're green and may increase acidity in soil, but they become more neutral over time as they decompose.

Can you plant pine needles in the ground?

If there is sufficient room between the tree's roots, you can plant these flowers directly to the soil so the pine needles naturally fall down around them. Mature pine trees have large roots that are difficult to plant around; build a raised bed for flowers under these trees.

Do pine needles make soil acidic?

Pine needles are acidic when they're green and may increase acidity in soil, but they become more neutral over time as they decompose. Planting acid-loving flowers and shrubs that benefit from the pine needle mulch reduces your work and benefit the plants. Advertisement.

What plants can you put pine needles under?

2. Place pine needles under acid loving plants such as holly, azalea, or rhododendron. Don’t forget the blueberry plants. They love acid too! 3. Make a “tea” with pine needles. Strain and use the liquid ...

What can pine needles be used for?

Longer pine needles can be soaked in warm water to make them pliable. Then they can be used to weave baskets. Many Native American tribes use pine needles in basketry. 10. Ground needles can be used to make a soft green dye for cottons and other natural fibers.

How to make tincture from pine needles?

You can also make a tincture from pine needles. Take a pint jar and fill it half way with dried needles. Cover the needles with vod ka and place in a sunny spot for a few weeks. Shake daily to release more of the oil s from the needles. I use 40% vodka which works very well for tinctures.

How to make a fire with a needle?

Place a handful of needles in a muffin paper and add a bit of melted wax. This works really well if you place the muffin papers in an old muffin tin first. Let the wax harden and place in a large jar. To use, build your fire as you normally would, but then place a fire starter under the sticks.

How to keep moles out of pine needles?

4. Pine needles, especially longer ones, tend to “knit” themselves together. Use them in a thick layer on a hill for mulch – they won’t tend to blow away or be washed away like other mulches. 5. Place some pine needles in your winter garden to keep moles and voles out.

Can pine needles be sprinkled on fire?

14. You can also sprinkle some pine needles on a fire just for the smell. Be careful not to use too many. They contain a lot of sap and can contribute to creosote.

Can you make tea from pine needles?

You will need to replace them often as the scent dissipates quickly. 6. If you didn’t use a preservative you can make a tea from the pine needles and drink it. The needles contain a lot of Vitamin C. This is true of all the pines – spruce, fir, and hemlock trees.

What is pine needle mulch?

Pine needle mulch is a natural soil enhancer that reduces erosion, slows down moisture evaporation and keeps down weeds. There are many more benefits to using pine straw as a natural mulch; read about pine straw benefits. Pine needles are also known as pine straw. Pine needles usually have a high amount of acid, ...

Why do pine needles interlock?

The interlocking of pine needles keeps them from being blown out of landscapes and gardens during strong winds and storms.

Do pine needles have acid?

Pine needles usually have a high amount of acid, so care must be taken when placing them in your whole yard or landscape, depending on pH levels. There are many plants that love all the pine straw acid.

Is pine straw mulch good for landscaping?

Pine straw has been a preferred choice of landscaping mulch in south ern states and across the United States for over 20 years by landscapers, homeowners and business owners.

What perennials grow well with pine needles?

Flowering Per ennials. “Flowering perennials such as daylilies, Shasta daisies, coreopsis and canna lilies grow well when mulched with pine needles. Pine straw also prevents mud from spattering on plants after a heavy rainfall.” (Source: GardenGuides.com.)

What shrubs thrive in damp soil?

Azaleas, Rhododendrons and Camellias. The vivid pinks, reds, whites and oranges of azalea and rhododendron shrubs add a dramatic beauty to any garden. These largely evergreen shrubs thrive in damp, acid soils.

Why do you put mulch on plants?

Adding mulch to your plants helps to contain soil erosion, retains moisture in the soil and provides a steady supply of valuable nutrients to the plants as the needles decompose . Pine straw is one of the most desired natural organic landscape mulches.

How much pine straw is in a bale?

Each pine straw bale contains over 3 cubic feet of highly compressed pine needles. Using pine straw as a natural garden mulch keeps down weeds, traps moisture, prevents topsoil erosion, and even keeps the soil around the plants at a stable temperature.

Do hostas need mulch?

Hostas. Broad-leafed hostas, also acid-loving plants, do well with a thick layer of pine needles spread around the base of each plant. Not only will the mulch keep the soil moist, but it will also provide a pleasing contrast to the lush blue-greens, greens and yellow-golds of different hosta varieties.

Is pine straw good for soil?

Pine straw boasts numerous benefits including the prevention of topsoil loss due to wind and water erosion, reduction of damage from trimmers or mowers, improving soil fertility, reducing weed growth, stabilizing soil temperature fluctuations and improving soil health.

Do zinnias need pine needles?

Because annuals mature and bloom relatively quickly during the growing season, pH levels in soil aren't as critical to them. Pansies, zinnias, snapdragons, dahlias and marigolds respond well when mulched with pine needles, especially since pine straw is light enough for young annual plants or bulbs to push through as they grow toward the sun.

Why put pine needles in your garden?

After you have your garden planted, put down a layer of pine needles in each row to help keep weeds down, and to prevent erosion. Pine needles can also be used to line paths around your home, giving your landscape a rustic look and feel to it. 22. Bedding for Chickens.

How to make pine needles into vinegar?

Put one 1/3 cup of pine needles into a jelly jar and top up with vinegar. I think white balsamic vinegar would pair exceptionally well with pine. Screw the lid on and give it a good shake. Let the pine needles meld with the vinegar for about three weeks. Strain into a clean jar to remove the needles.

How to get rid of pine smell in kitchen?

Boil fresh pine needles (and a few pine twigs) in a small saucepan filled with water to neutralize funky food smells in your kitchen.

How long is pine needle oil good for?

Add a splash of your pine needle oil to sautéed mushrooms, drizzle over baked fish, or top a peppery arugula salad. This should be good for approximately two months. But who are we kidding, you’ll run out long before then. Pine Needle Uses For Health and Beauty.

How long to boil pine needles?

Add the pine needles to a pre-warmed teapot. Pour in a cup of boiling water and steep for five minutes. Or bring water and pine needles to a rolling boil in a small saucepan. Turn off the heat, cover, and steep for five minutes. Strain and enjoy.

What kind of oil to use for cooking?

You’ll want to choose a good quality cooking oil, such as extra virgin olive oil, grape-seed oil, or even avocado oil.

What is the meaning of the name "pine tree"?

Pine trees are part of the conifer family. Therefore, they are gymnosperms, meaning they don’t have fruit or flowers that protect their seeds. The seeds are inside cones, which is where the name conifer comes from. In Latin, conifer translates to cone-bearing.

What to do with long needle pine trees?

If you have long-needled pine trees, just collect some of the fallen needles. Neighbors with long-needled pine trees often are willing to share.

What Is Pine Needle Mulch?

Pine straw is an organic mulch made from fallen pine needles , explains Mary Jane Duford, founder of the beginner gardening blog Home for the Harvest. Like any garden mulch, pine needles create a protective layer that insulates plants, keeps the ground moist, enriches the soil and blocks weed growth.

What is the best mulch for a yard?

If you’ve had trouble keeping mulch somewhere before, Duford recommends trying pine straw. “Pine needle mulch is especially effective in areas where other mulches tend to slip, as the long needles nest together and interlock to create a mat,” he says. It’s like the springy floor in a pine forest.

What is the pH of a needle?

According to Amy Jo Detweiler with the Oregon State University Extension Service, “Pine needles have a pH of 3.2 to 3.8 (neutral is 7.0) when they drop from a tree. If you were to take the freshly fallen needles (before the needles decompose) and turn them into the soil right away, you may see a slight drop in the soil pH, but the change would not be damaging to the plants.”

Is pine straw mulch good for the yard?

While mulch does serve a purpose in the yard, its aesthetic value can’t be ignored. That’s why so many wood mulches come dyed red or brown. Some people like the fluffy, natural appearance of pine straw better than other mulches. If the wild look isn’t your style, a dyed wood mulch might be better.

Can you compost pine straw?

If you do decide to remove your old mulch, pine straw is much easier to rake up than wood or stone mulch. You can also compost pine straw. It’s easier to compost if you cut it with garden scissors or a mulcher before adding it to the pile.

Can pine needles be used as mulch?

When used for mulching, pine needles break down and neutralize naturally. If you are concerned about the potential effect on soil pH, you can add a layer of compost beneath the pine straw.

Why do pine trees need needles?

This will ensure that your trees remain moist, while reducing native weeds and infestations of bark beetles. Pine trees need some needles at their bases to protect their health. Give the rest away to friends and fellow gardeners in the neighborhood.

How many inches of pine needles should I use for a turtle shell?

So, more than a 4” inch layer of needles creates an interlocking turtle shell effect that sheds water away from your plants. A 2-4 ” inch layer is ideal. No matter their drawbacks, I collect and use pine needles for my gardens.

What are the benefits of pine straw?

Needles are lightweight. Not only are they easy on gardeners’ backs, they don’t compact soils. Pine needles rarely bring weed seed with them. Also, they block sunlight from reaching the seeds that are already in the soil, preventing them from germinating.

How to make pine straw fluffy?

Shake and toss pine straw the way you would regular straw, so it forms a fluffy layer.

What is pine straw?

Pine straw is the name given to pine needles when they are used as top dressing mulch.

How to use pine straw for garden beds?

Just remember that a 2” layer settles down to a layer of about 1” inch. My experience recommends putting down a 4” layer of needles. Shake and toss pine straw the way you would regular straw, so it forms a fluffy layer.

What happens if you don't cover pine straw?

If it does not cover the soil fully, you still will have some weeds, and weeding in pine straw is not particularly pleasant. It may look light and fluffy, but those needles are sharp!

Why do plants need pine needle mulch?

Using pine needle mulch benefits plants in many ways, without the use of harsh chemical products. Mulch prevents weed growth and helps soil retain water, keeping plants hydrated. Pine needle mulch, in particular, allows soil to breathe and doesn't become dense and compacted. As it decomposes, pine needle mulch infuses soil with valuable nutrients like calcium, nitrogen and phosphorus. A layer of pine needle mulch also protects plants and soil during winter and from intense summer sun.

What is pine straw mulch?

Affordable, attractive, and easy to apply, pine needle mulch -- also known as pine straw -- has a multitude of benefits in the home garden. Not all plants tolerate the acidic soil created by pine needles, while other plants, from berries to vegetables, thrive with pine needle mulch, so plant accordingly.

What soil is good for growing vegetables?

Many vegetables and herbs thrive in the acid-rich soil conditions created by pine needle mulch. Typically, vegetables prefer soil with a pH level of 6.5 to 7 and pine needle mulch helps create such acidic conditions. Both potatoes and garlic fare well in acidic soil and garlic can grow even during mild winters. Onions, which come in many varieties, also like acidic soil in addition to lots of sun.

What soil is best for growing herbs?

Many vegetables and herbs thrive in the acid-rich soil conditions created by pine needle mulch. Typically, vegetables prefer soil with a pH level of 6.5 to 7 and pine needle mulch helps create such acidic conditions. Both potatoes and garlic fare well in acidic soil and garlic can grow even during mild winters.

Can you use pine needle mulch on marigolds?

Flowers. Plenty of flowers are a good match for soil treated with pine needle mulch. Brightly colored marigolds like pine needle mulch and also repel bad nematodes, though they may attract slugs. Zinnias are easy to grow, blossom quickly and are able to cope with intense heat and sunlight, in addition to acidic soil.

Benefits

Cultivation

• Shrubs that benefit from pine needle mulch include azalea, gardenia, hydrangea, jasmine, rhododendron, bayberry, Daphne rose and holly. Gardenias need a monthly application of an acidic fertilizer; replace it with a layer of pine needles smoothed around the base of the shrub. Gardeners use an acidic fertilizer to turn hydrangea's flowers blue; use ...

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