Introduction

Pine trees are widely spread all around the world, and they are known as good guardians for their leaves' ability to supply organic matter to the soil. But, those same needles also make that soil dry, acidic and unfavorable for many plants and shrubs. Therefore, gardeners and farmers face the challenge of growing on this type of soil. In this article, we will focus on what plants are suitable for growing under pine trees in dry soil.

The Characteristics of Pine-Needle Soil

Before getting into the plants that can thrive in pine needles soil, it is essential to understand its characteristics. Pine needles are acidic, with a pH level between 4.5 and 5.5, and they take longer to decompose than other tree leaves, resulting in less organic matter. Furthermore, pine needles have a reputation for "stealing" the water from the plants' roots, making the soil in which they grow dry and not so welcoming to many plants.

Plants that Thrive in Pine-Needle Soil

Although it seems challenging, there are some plants that can take advantage of the pine needle's soil. One of them is the pine tree itself. As it is well adapted to its environment, the pine tree can grow well in soil that other plants cannot tolerate. Another plant option is the blueberry, which is a low-maintenance shrub that thrives in acidic soil. The cranberry is also an excellent choice for acidic soil, and it has the added benefit of being low-maintenance too. Additionally, it is drought-tolerant as well, making it one of the best plants to grow in pine-needle soil.

Plants that Do Not Thrive in Pine-Needle Soil

While there are some plants that could grow under pine trees in dry soil, others will struggle to survive. For instance, vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and kale are not suitable for growing in acidic soil. Moreover, other plants, including sweet peas, carrots, and beans, might grow in pine-needle soil, but they will not produce good results since they need plenty of nutrients to produce healthy fruits and flowers.

How to Improve Pine-Needle Soil

If the soil is not suitable for the plants that you are planning to grow, there are some actions that you can take to amend the pine-needle soil. One of them is to add organic matter like leaf mold or compost, which will help in breaking down the pine needles, increasing the soil's water-holding capacity and improving its structure. Besides, applying gypsum to the soil will help in reducing the acidity level. Lastly, you can add a layer of mulch, which will help retain moisture and keep the soil cool.

Conclusion

Pine-needle soil is challenging for many gardeners and farmers to grow, but it is not impossible. By understanding the soil's characteristics, planting the right plants, and amending the soil if necessary, you can successfully grow a thriving garden or farm under pine trees. So, whether you are planning to plant blueberries, cranberries, or even pine trees, remember that it is possible to succeed in growing plants under pine trees in dry soil.