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nafex - Re: [nafex] Pine needle mulch

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  • From: Andrew Hahn <andrew.p.hahn@gmail.com>
  • To: "nafex@lists.ibiblio.org" <nafex@lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [nafex] Pine needle mulch
  • Date: Sun, 16 Dec 2012 10:55:52 -0700

I also mulch my blueberries with conifer needles, spruce in my case. While
it dose not acidify the soil any more than any other mulch, compost in
general is much more acidic than our soil here. I make sure to mix in some
of the well composted duff from under the trees as well, to inoculate it
with the fungi that can break it down. Whit as much moisture as blueberries
need, 8" of needles breaks down to about 1" over the summer.
Blueberries are a challenge here and only 2 of my 6 bushes are doing well.
Of the rest, one died this year and the other 3 are some where between the
two extremes.
So far it looks like Duke hates our climate and Elliot and Bluecrop will
tolerate it.
Anyone else having luck with blueberries in dry climates with alkaline
soil? If so what varaties?

As for rosemary, I found mulching it dries it out faster here. Last winter
I mulched a plant with straw and kept using the green branches that were
sticking out in the kitchen. When those ran out in jan-feb in dug into the
mulch only to find the rest of the plant to be completely dedicated.
Uncovered with monthly watering is probably the way to go. Mine is now
sharing a pot wthi one my figs, in the garage. Looking good so far now that
it is out of the drying wind.

Andy


--
"The trouble with being poor is that it takes up all your time." - Willem
de Kooning




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