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Posted: Apr/17/2006 3:35 AM PST
Hi folks, I know you can help the soil's acidity by mulching with pine needles, but how can you make soil more alkaline without buying potash? Are there some trees whose leaves will make the soil more alkaline? I'm specifically thinking of persimmon because mine drops lots of leaves in the fall and I left them there over the winter. Also, what would palm leaves or leaves from bulb plants do to the soil? I have several different kinds of bulb plants I don't know the name for, but they have tough leaves. I'd rather use what I have if possible rather than having to go out and buy something. Thanks, Cantate 
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Posted: Apr/17/2006 6:16 AM PST
Hi Cantate Oak leaves as well as decayed sawdust from oak, cypress or hemlock are also supposed to increase acidity in the soil. As for persimmon leaves I know that they're used as a tea in some countries, because of the ascorbic acid and antioxidant content. The persimmons I saw in China all had azaleas and camellias planted beneath them, both acid lovers. I've no knowledge about palm frond's acidity levels but with my own palm fronds and other like material perhaps purchase a mulcher and grind them up when still green. Or just runover them a few times with the lawn mower and use then as mulch as they take forever to break down. Good luck with your garden 
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Posted: Apr/17/2006 6:59 AM PST
Part of the reason I was wondering if the persimmon leaves were alkaline is that I also had azaleas under my persimmon tree and they all died! Lack of light, perhaps? Cantate |
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Posted: Apr/17/2006 10:12 AM PST
More likely lack of moisture or the soil was inherrently more alkaline than desirable for azaleas. Research has shown that pine needles alone seem to have little effect on soil pH. Very minimal. Probably same with tree leaves. Several things come to mind to to use to increase alkalinity. First is lime. Second is ample applications of cow or horse manure manure over several years. |
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Posted: Apr/20/2006 7:27 AM PST
hm... now I need to find a cow or horse.
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Posted: Apr/20/2006 11:53 AM PST
Quote: Originally posted by cantate7 hm... now I need to find a cow or horse.Ebay?? 
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Posted: Apr/20/2006 5:36 PM PST
HOLD ON HERE FOLKS... I DON'T BELIEVE I MADE SUCH A BONEHEAD STATEMENT ABOVE... DISREGARD THE ADVICE MAKE THE MAKE THE SOIL MORE ALKALINE FOR THE AZALEAS!!! Geese talk about a brain freeze. To make the soil more acid for azaleas the easiest method is to add sulfer in the form of aluminum sulfate. Its safe and will very effectlively reduce pH. Follow instructions on the bag. It will help if you get an acurate PH analysis done so you know the starting point. This will be needed to accurately follow the directions. Peat moss and well rotted saw dust are effective also. |
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Posted: Apr/20/2006 11:25 PM PST
Aha, I have well rotted sawdust, and peat moss too. Much easier to care for than a horse (though I always wanted one). Cantate
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