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breeindy

pine needles?

breeindy
16 years ago

it seems nothing grows under pine trees,like there needles do something to the soil. would they make it alkaline? will anything grow under them? Ive also heard to cover carnivorous plants in outdoor bogs in winter with pine needles. anyone know anything more about this? I would have though they wouldnt like the pine!

Comment (1)

  • leftwood
    16 years ago

    Pine needles are acid based, not alkaline. But not strongly so. Usually, it is not the needles that prevent or smother growth, rather, it is the pine tree roots underneath the fallen needles that steal the available nutrients and especially water. This effectively deters a lot of plant growth in that area. I am sure there are plants that are adapted to such conditions in your part of Australia, but I wouldn't have a clue which, since I am from the northern U.S.A.

    Bogs where carnivorous plants grow are naturally very, very acidic. Pine needles are a good mulch for protection in winter that will not change the pH (acidity) of the bog. That's a good thing.

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