Re: limestone

Cindy,

I've found that the process of composting neutralizes whatever you
put into the mix.  Have not done a pH test of a formal nature, but
have discovered that my finished compost is not acid enough for
potted azaleas, for instance.  I think that the "soil is acid under
oaks and pines" is simply because that is the type of soil they
prefer to grow in and are generally found in - not because of their
rotted leaves or needles.

Now, that said, it also seems to me that rhodies and azaleas prefer
mulch of pine bark or pine needles.  Perhaps the undecomposed
material does have a more acid content.  But when totally decomposed,
all turns pretty neutral.

The only truly acid material I have experience with is peat moss...it
is and remains acid whether decomposed or not.  It does not, however,
make a good mulch because it is so hard to re-wet when it gets dry
and water just rolls right off it instead of sinking in to water the
plants...not to mention the issues of mining peat bogs which I don't
want to get into:-)

Marge Talt, zone 7 Maryland
mtalt@clark.net
Editor:  Gardening in Shade
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From: Cindy Johnson <cidjohnson323@MEDIAONE.NET>

I have often heard that the soil must be acid under oaks, so I was
rather surprised to see that our soil averaged about 7.5 pH under our
huge old oaks where I took the samples.  I've since heard that the
process of composting neutralizes the acidity of the leaves.  Is that
true for everything?  I still hear recommendations for mulching with
pine needles around azaleas and other plants that require acid
soil....but if the needle mulch becomes neutralized as it decomposes,
are they really any better than other less acidic mulches?

Still puzzled,
Cindy Johnson
White Bear Lake, MN
zone 4a
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