> 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.
Well, most such mulches tend to be pretty close to neutral. Some are
slightly alkaline, some slightly acidic. They all add organic matter, which
is important.
Of course, with some plants (azaleas, rhodos, blueberries) you definitely
want acidic soils not neutral. There are a number of soil acidifiers you
can get at any garden center to help out. And no, they're not all synthetic
products, there are some natural acidifiers out there, too. Maybe a bit
harder to find, but certainly not rare.
As for the privet mulch specifically, I can't give you any info there. As
you note, in the first season, there is so little decomposition that it
isn't going to have much effect one way or another on your plants. But you
can certainly ammend the soil later if you need to.
Regards,
Bill
--
Bill Morgan
"Those who do not learn the lessons of science fiction are condemned to
live them."