I need to know why I changed out my straw????
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Melissa K on Jun 07, 2012Old pinestraw is best. I took some new bark and straw from some trees that were cut down and found out that they leach some type acid into the soil. My plants did not appreciate this. Now I go down through the woods behind my house and rake up old straw. Did read later that new pine material should be allowed to weather for awhile.Helpful Reply
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Walter Reeves on Jun 07, 2012It's a myth that pine straw acidifies the soil. Here's an article that discusses the phenomenon: http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/2702/ I like wheat straw because it is a good home for beneficial spiders that control many garden pests.Helpful Reply
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Sherrie S on Jun 07, 2012I get mulch from dried out leaves from my neighbor's trees. They look horrible on the ground so I use a vacuum/mulcher to pick them up and save a lot of money using the leaves and it gives my plants the best natural mulch.Helpful Reply
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Nancy Rhodes C on Jun 07, 2012I will go back to my pine straw next year. I am well convinced. My great garden is the result of my playing in the dirt and pulling out roots for a week. Nothing is any better than it's maintenance and preparation. Thank you all.Helpful Reply
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Erica Glasener on Jun 08, 2012Nancy, I am glad Walter posted the article about pine straw. It is a great mulch for many gardeners in the south especially. Happy gardening.Helpful Reply
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Jeanette S on Jun 08, 2012Not only is pine straw great for your garden, in the south it is plentiful and easy to put out. We also use our leaves to mix in with the straw which biodegrades and makes top soil.Helpful Reply
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Melissa K on Jun 11, 2012AmenHelpful Reply
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Nancy Rhodes C on Jun 11, 2012Pinestraw forevermore ladies. I have always been a pine straw lady. Don't know why I suddenly have been letting people lead me astray when I know better. Thanks to you all and to Douglas.Helpful Reply
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Merry_sherri on Jun 23, 2016I detest pine straw! I always seemed to have loads of scorpions wherever I used it, snakes and insects too. Since I've moved to Florida (from Georgia), I use wheat straw so I can more easily see the creatures that come to visit the garden.Helpful Reply
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