[Arid_gardener] Re:Pine Needles as Mulch

[Olin Miller]

Web searching shows a lot of information about turpentine and rosins 
rendered from resinous pine needles.  Generally the needles used as mulch 
inhibit seed germination so while a pine needle mulch may inhibit weed 
growth it also is slow to break down and may inhibit seed germination in 
your fall garden.  I have used pine needles for years as a mulch under trees 
with no adverse effects and also note it is recommended as a mulch for 
citrus trees in  the U of A Pub. "... Irrigating Citrus Trees", e. g. Mulch 
can consist of pine needles, leaves, bark, wood chips, straw, compost, or 
any other organic materials.  ..." at
http://cals.arizona.edu/pubs/crops/az1151.pdf

Olin Miller, Master Gardener Volunteer
U of A Cooperative Extension, Maricopa County AZ
============================================

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <ncsmck11 at cox.net>
To: <arid_gardener at Ag.arizona.edu>
Sent: Tuesday, April 22, 2008 6:51 PM
Subject: [Arid_gardener] Question from Home-Hort WWW page


> McKiernan
> 85254
> ncsmck11 at cox.net
>
> Is it possible to use pine needles for mulch to help keep moisture in the 
> garden in the summer?