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Subject: Mulch - Alkaline or acid?
From: "Fred" <fred@vcsatlanta.com>
Organization: Prodigy Internet http://www.prodigy.com
Date: Sat, 25 Sep 99 02:57:52
Message-ID: <MOD$990924.2333@rec.gardens.ecosystems>



I recently read (current issue - Fine Gardening) that hardwood mulch
decomposition products are alkaline, and therefore should not be used for
plants that prefer acid soils, e.g. azaleas. The article recommended pine
mulch instead. It also said composted leaf pH varies between acid and
alkaline with species. I didn't know this, and thought all vegetative
decomposition produced slightly acid products.

I've been clearing out large amounts of Chinese privet, along with other
miscellaneous brush and vines, none of which is pine. I assume Chinese
privet is "hardwood." All of it goes through a chipper/shredder, and I've
been using the resulting mulch around azaleas that otherwise have no mulch
at all. The azaleas seem perfectly happy with this arrangement, although
this is their first season with it and not much decomposition has yet taken
place.

If anybody has information re whether I shouldn't use this for azaleas, I'd
appreciate your thoughts.

Thanks,

Fred