Pine straw??

[Chucknbob]

So I was searching craigslist for straw today and ran across a few places for pine straw. It's a couple of bucks more per bale than regular straw. What is pine straw and is it better for bedding and veggie garden mulching? This is what I usually use wheat straw for.

[Helena]

Probably someone from the south will help you more than I...from the north. Our daughter lives in SC and they use pine straw like we would would use mulch around their trees etc. I guess it works OK..but I think it would encourage bugs. And heaven knows they south has some large bugs !! I would buy wood chips or make my own using a chipper. Perhaps with the humidity and heat the straw would stay wet and mold ?? I would call around to some local plant nurseries and ask them or call cooperative extension. Good Luck !!

[7thswan]

If it's the pine straw that I know of,it's pine needles. Good for mulch around plants that like acid. Good to add to compost for plants for the same reason. I add them to areas where I plant potatoes,my azalas....

[canecutter]

Pine needles.. As common as dirt here.. For bedding I think it would be a matter of personal preference.. I know they do not cake up or mold and will allow water to flow to your plants.

[unregistered353870]

Its used as a decorative mulch in some areas but I wouldnt use it on most veggies because it kills plants.

[Country Lady]

Pine straw or pine needles (same thing) is common around here. I've been using it in beds around the house, but I'm trying to get away from using it. I don't like the possibility of snakes getting in it. Also, when dry a single match can send it up in flames very fast.

[Ramblin Wreck]

It will acidify your soil, which could be good or bad depending upon the plants you are mulching. It can be applied very quickly, which is a plus. Most of the bales sold around here are small, much smaller that the typical wheat straw bale. I use aged bark or chips rather than pine straw/needles, primarily because it holds up longer.

[dkhern]

like has been said doesnt last very long. it will pack down like wheat straw i dont think it would harbor snakes better than any other mulch. it will change the soil ph. you have to be selective as to what plants to mulch.

[EDDIE BUCK]

They are pine needles http://eastnc.craigslist.org/grd/3652254061.html

[charged]

Originally Posted by Country Lady

Pine straw or pine needles (same thing) is common around here. I've been using it in beds around the house, but I'm trying to get away from using it. I don't like the possibility of snakes getting in it. Also, when dry a single match can send it up in flames very fast.

Pinestraw has its uses, but like Country Lady said - Snakes like to hide under pine straw. Ask me how I know. Argentine ants love to nest in pine straw. Dry pine straw is soooo flammable.

[Jolly]

All true, but pinestraw is great for azaelas.

Which are in full bloom right now...

[wannabechef]

Pine straw is used around here (georgia) for all ornamental beds (flowers/shrubs) I would not use it in veggie gardens.

It lasts as long as wood chips (they both fade at the same rate).

[danielsumner]

Pine Needles. We use them like mulch. I'm getting 120 bales next week. I'm paying $4 a bale installed.

[wannabechef]

Originally Posted by danielsumner

Pine Needles. We use them like mulch. I'm getting 120 bales next week. I'm paying $4 a bale installed.

Better count them...