green~acres
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Location: Kershaw,S.C.

Pine Straw Mulch

Is there any disadvantages to using pine straw for veg garden mulch. I lay down the newspaper first and add mulch on top of it.I have been using hay, but it is too weedy. TIA.

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applestar
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Location: Zone 6, NJ (3/M)4/E ~ 10/M(11/B)

I believe pine straw can acidify the soil. I use it for acid-loving/benefits from slightly lower pH plants like blueberries and potatoes. Never on higher pH plants like tomatoes, carrots, lettuce, etc. STRAW and grass clippings are a better choice than hay.

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hendi_alex
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Pine straw can also harbor disease. One year I decided to mulch all of my tomato plants. Almost overnight most of them died from wilt disease. Since then I have limited the use of pine straw mulch to around shrubs, foundation planting, and flower garden areas.

green~acres
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Joined: Tue Mar 03, 2009 4:38 pm
Location: Kershaw,S.C.

Thanks you all for your replies. It saved me from making a big mistake.I am so glad I found this forum with such knowledgeable folks. Have a super day.



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