Pine Straw (pine needles) in hanging baskets?

Greatgardens · February 22, 2018

I have experimented for several years using a good layer of coco mat in the bottom of my 12" plastic hanging baskets as a moisture retaining material which allows roots to easily penetrate. The results are promising. Now, I'd like to find a cheaper alternative.

I have a very large White Pine tree that sheds bunches of needles each fall. So I'm wondering about using a layer of these pine needles at the bottom of the hanging baskets. I'd do a test quantity to make sure that nothing really bad happens on a large scale.

I'd suspect that many folks have used pine needles as mulch on the surface, but using them on the bottom is a bit different. Anyone done this? Or are there potential issues from pH or the resins that may be in the needles? Any thoughts?

Another possibility is using several layers of burlap folded on the bottom/sides of the basket. But I like the pine needles better since they are absolutely free and I truly have an abundance.

-GG

Gardeneer · March 2, 2018

I think it should work. Newly fallen pine needles should last one season. It can regulate moisture well. Now I think that I will use it at the bottom of all my containers. As mulch, pine straw lasts one season under sun before it falls apart , becoming a good soil amendment.

February 22, 2018	#1
Greatgardens Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Indiana Posts: 1,124	Pine Straw (pine needles) in hanging baskets? I have experimented for several years using a good layer of coco mat in the bottom of my 12" plastic hanging baskets as a moisture retaining material which allows roots to easily penetrate. The results are promising. Now, I'd like to find a cheaper alternative. I have a very large White Pine tree that sheds bunches of needles each fall. So I'm wondering about using a layer of these pine needles at the bottom of the hanging baskets. I'd do a test quantity to make sure that nothing really bad happens on a large scale. I'd suspect that many folks have used pine needles as mulch on the surface, but using them on the bottom is a bit different. Anyone done this? Or are there potential issues from pH or the resins that may be in the needles? Any thoughts? Another possibility is using several layers of burlap folded on the bottom/sides of the basket. But I like the pine needles better since they are absolutely free and I truly have an abundance. -GG

March 2, 2018	#2
Gardeneer Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: NC - zone 8a - heat zone 7 Posts: 4,919	I think it should work. Newly fallen pine needles should last one season. It can regulate moisture well. Now I think that I will use it at the bottom of all my containers. As mulch, pine straw lasts one season under sun before it falls apart , becoming a good soil amendment. __________________ Gardeneer Happy Gardening !