skip to main content

Organic Gardening

Mulching Plums/Roses

17 years ago

These plums were bare-root planted, last spring. I kept the ground open, so far, in order to be sure the roots settled in w/out staking. The roses were, pot planted, last fall an never mulched.

Now with winter coming on, it is time to mulch them in. I always like to use woodchips, but I don't have any this year.

I am unsure about pine needles, as they may leach acid, and other leaves, mat down so much.

What are your suggestions? Thank you.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

jean001
17 years ago
Pine needles are fine. And the leaves won't mat if they're shredded.
Kimmsr
17 years ago
It is a old myth about Pine Needles, or Oak Leaves, leaching acids, just does not happen. Research by Dr, Abigail Maynhard at the New Haven Agricultural Research Station in New Haven, Conn found that soils amended with either did have significant changes in pH. Use those pine needles.
Related Professionals
Hot Springs Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Nashua Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Albany Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Altoona Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Richmond Landscape Contractors · Natchitoches Landscape Contractors · Victoria Landscape Contractors · Clarksburg Landscape Contractors · Detroit Landscape Contractors · Niles Landscape Contractors · Manhattan Landscape Contractors · Santa Barbara Landscape Contractors · Medford Landscape Contractors · Forrest City Architects & Building Designers · Rockford Architects & Building Designers
maplerbirch
Original Author
17 years ago
Sorry for the delayed thank-you, have been busy. :(

Thank-you.
I have often heard both ways with pine needles, and needed confirmation that it is safe.
The needles are starting to come down now.

Related Stories

FRUIT TREES How to Grow Your Own Juicy Plums

By Marianne Lipanovich

Easier than other stone fruits and with a variety of colors to choose from, plums are a versatile garden addition

GARDENING GUIDES New Ways to Think About All That Mulch in the Garden

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Before you go making a mountain out of a mulch hill, learn the facts about what your plants and soil really want

GARDENING GUIDES How to Pick a Mulch — and Why Your Soil Wants It

By Jocelyn H. Chilvers

There's more to topdressing than shredded wood. Learn about mulch types, costs and design considerations here

EDIBLE GARDENS Grow Plum Hybrids for Your Favorite Fruit Flavors

By Marianne Lipanovich

Plums are cozying up with apricots, peaches and even cherries — here’s how to grow these hybrids for the best aspects of each

SPRING GARDENING How to Grow a Rose Garden in Pots

By J. Peterson Garden Design

Everything can come up roses, even without a plot of soil in sight. This step-by-step guide to growing roses in containers shows you how

GARDENING GUIDES 5 Sweet to Spirited Pink Roses for an Enchanting Garden

By J. Peterson Garden Design

Whether you go demure or daring, there's a pink rose here to make you flush with garden pride

WINTER GARDENING Pruning Secrets for Exquisite Roses

By Annie Thornton

Encourage gorgeous blooms year after year with this time-tested advice on how to prune your rosebush in winter for health and shape

PLANTING IDEAS Great Garden Combo: Rose + Clematis for Small-Space Impact

We all need somebody to lean on. And when a rose supports a climbing vine, the results can totally transform a small garden

GARDENING GUIDES 6 Wonderfully Easy Roses for Any Gardener

By J. Peterson Garden Design

Look like an expert even if you're just starting out, with these low-maintenance gems of the rose world

GARDENING GUIDES Learn the Secret to Bigger and Better Roses

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Grow beautiful roses using both ordinary and unusual soil amendments

Sponsored

More Discussions

Looking for humidifier recommendations for my indoor plants—what featu

3

Do you prefer your snails punumreed ,sautéed or chocolate covered

8

Garden Tales >>> September/Aug 2026

14

Garden Tales >>> October 2026, the Spookiest month...

6

Biochar(do not do this at home!)

4