[OUVickie]

I have 2 grape tomato plants that I just transplanted. They are about 10" high at this point and starting to fill out. This is my first try at raising tomatoes. I read somewhere that they like acidic compost and I have plenty of pine needles, but I don't want to overdo anything and lose them.

Here's what thier planted in:
1/2 whiskey barrels

1st layer: about a foot of pine bark & cedar mulch on the bottom. (recycled dog house bedding)
2nd layer: about 8" red clay/sandsoil w/leaf, cow manure and top soil mixture.

I thought of adding the pine needle mulch on top.

 

[mamajohnson]

Being in Northeast Texas, we pretty much have the same soil types you do.
I use pine mulch for everything. Mainly because that is what we have, and we have tons of it! The tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, squash, cucs, have all loved it. I cant seem to get carrots to grow, but maybe that is because it is so rocky out here. I dont know.
Good luck, and I would say, mulch away!

 

[OUVickie]

Being in Northeast Texas, we pretty much have the same soil types you do.
I use pine mulch for everything. Mainly because that is what we have, and we have tons of it! The tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, squash, cucs, have all loved it. I cant seem to get carrots to grow, but maybe that is because it is so rocky out here. I dont know.
Good luck, and I would say, mulch away!

Wow, I didn't realize it was good for so many plants! Now I know I can put it to good use. Thanks!

 

[Idahofarmergal]

Just watch your acidity level, as pine needles tend to make the soil more acid. Maybe that's good in your soil. Mine is acid already, so I throw a handful of lime around before spreading the pine needles. Tomatoes appreciate the calcium, too.

 

[OUVickie]

Just watch your acidity level, as pine needles tend to make the soil more acid. Maybe that's good in your soil. Mine is acid already, so I throw a handful of lime around before spreading the pine needles. Tomatoes appreciate the calcium, too.

I figured I'd try one application and see how that goes. Our soil here is a sandy/clay mix and usually tomatoes do pretty good for my neighbors. If they need calcium I could use banana peels like some do for roses.
They're already getting pretty good size and I pinched off the first flowers because I read that would make make first fruits healthier if it didn't bloom too soon. It's gotten a little cool at night here, although its been way above freezing.