Do not throw the needles under the conifers. In this way you can use them

The conifers shed the needles throughout the year, but the most of them are falling in the fall. Then it is worth gathering and using them in your garden. Thanks to this, we will take care of our plants, using a free, valuable ingredient, which is the needle. We suggest how it can be used.

Many gardeners wonder if you should get rid of needles from under. However, this depends on several factors. In the natural environment, the needles are distributed spontaneously and powers the soil.

However, in the garden, when there are plants nearby, we must consider their needs and better clean up the needle and use them on your own termsbecause the needle layer too thick could block access to water and nutrients, which would hinder the growth of adjacent specimens.

It is also worth knowing that Contrary to popular opinion, the needle does not acidify the soil. Although the needles have a slightly acidic reaction, but they do not significantly affect the pH of the substrate. In addition, they break down for a long time, so the acidification process would be very free. Therefore We do not have to worry about planting specimens that do not like sour soil near conifers.

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So let’s collect your needle regularly. However, instead of throwing them into compost, we can use them in our garden. It turns out that it is very much valuable organic material that can be used in several ways. Here’s what is worth doing from it:

• Natural mulch for plants – The needle is perfect for plants that like sour soil. We include, among others Hydrangeas, heathers or blueberries. Thanks to the needles, we can easily protect the substrate against excessive moisture loss and reduce weed growth. However, be careful not to create a too thick and compact layer. Spread the needle evenly, slightly slightly crushing the needles.
• Protection of specimens for cooler months – It is worth using in autumn to cover more sensitive specimens to protect them for the winter period. Needles will protect the roots from frost, insulating the soil. It is worth covering them with young shrubs, onions of decorative plants and perennials. This is a great solution because the needles will not rot like straw.
• Compost ingredient – The needles, as we mentioned, are distributed slowly, so they cannot be the main compost ingredient. However, we can add them in a small amount to complement other organic residues. It is best to gently crush the needle before throwing into the compost, and then mix them thoroughly with the ingredients. In this way, we will facilitate the work of microorganisms.

Remember, however, that despite the fact that the needle undoubtedly has many advantages, we must use them well so as not to harm plants. First of all, let’s not create too thick layer under the plantsespecially those that endure dryness badly. Let us also remember that the needles may contain resin, the excess of which can stop the development of seedlings. Let’s also avoid burying needle in the soil, as this can slow down soil processes.