Soils - Mulch
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  Mulching is becoming critical in my garden to help conserve water this season. I have a lot of pine needles in my yard. Would it be ok to use these in my vegetable garden, or will they bring too much acid to the soil? (Carlisle)

  Pine needles can be used in a vegetable garden, and shouldn’t alter pH too much this season, but over time they will make your soil more acidic. They are also slow to break down, so tilling them into the soil will be different than using shredded leaves. But if you have them, I would go ahead and use them this year. The benefits greatly outweigh the downsides. Test your soil this fall and you may get a lime recommendation to counteract the acidity.

  Can you please tell me some of the things that I should not use pine needles for mulch on? I had gone to my farm and loaded my vehicle with several bags and now friends tell me I have to be careful how I use them. I have flowers and a few veggies.

Pine needles are a great mulch for ornamentals. I hesitate to use them in a vegetable garden, simply because they are slow to break down and can create a more acid environment. They can be used, but monitor for pH periodically and lime if needed. They should be fine for any ornamental and fruit crops.

  The city where I live provides free mulch for anyone who wants it. It is my understanding that this mulch comes from limbs and branches picked up by the city for disposal. Is there a risk of diseases or pests from the mulch affecting my plants? Would you advise avoiding this mulch? (Searcy)

  The likelihood of transmitting a disease through the mulch would be slim. I suppose if you had a highly diseased plant, and you used the mulch around the exact same plant there may be a problem. Typically the mulch is from hardwood trees and you are using it around shrubs and flowers, so I see no problem. Mulching is a beneficial practice and when you have the opportunity to get it free, I would go for it.

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