If you have conifers in your garden, you are regularly faced with the question of how to dispose of the needles correctly. If the needles fall to the ground, they create an acidic environment there. Alternatively, the material can be composted, provided certain aspects are taken into account.
Pine needles can be composted in moderation
properties
Needles have a tough structure and are covered with a layer of wax that protects the leaf structures from excessive water loss. For this reason, microorganisms need more time to fully utilize the plant material. However, there are differences between different tree species. While soft and thin larch needles rot quickly, spruce needles decompose within two to three years. Pine needles take twice as long to rot.
composting
The right compost structure is of great importance. When you sprinkle pine needles on top of the compost in manageable amounts, you improve composting. Kitchen waste that accumulates in the compost bin, especially over the winter, contains a lot of water. Dry needles loosen up the substrate structure and ensure better ventilation. This favors the decomposition processes because the microorganisms can work better. At the same time, the coniferous leaves are moistened by kitchen waste containing water, so that these are also decomposed more quickly.
How to do it right:
- pay attention to a well-structured layering
- Store garden soil, needles and turf layer on top of each other
- Mix nettle manure with water in a ratio of 1:10
- Pour broth over each layer to act as a compost accelerator
What the compost is suitable for
Compost soil can be used in many ways. Coniferous compost is suitable for plants that prefer a more acidic environment. Bog and heather plants grow in soil with a low pH, as do camellias, hydrangeas, rhododendrons and skimmias. If the material on the compost hasn't completely decomposed, you can still use it in the garden without hesitation. The partially rotting needles improve soil structure and ensure better oxygenation. Over time they are consumed by the bottom fauna.
tips
Fresh pine needles provide an ideal substrate for mulching. The layer keeps snails away and prevents the soil from drying out. A layer of mulch about two centimeters thick, which was enriched with some horn meal for better nitrogen supply. is sufficient.