Green Thumb
Gardening has been a lifelong passion for Wende and she’d like to share her passion with her readers. Follow her as she writes about her gardening adventures, lists tasks to do depending on the season, and gives easy to understand gardening advice.
What Can I Plant Under Pine Trees?
I've been asked this several times and last week I responded off the top of my head azaleas, rhododendrons, hydrangeas, and some types of berries. But then I got to thinking.... it would be nice to be able to plant a bigger variety of things under pines, since that understory of empty space seems like such a wasteland. I did some online research and came up with many choices and some that I will definitely try!
But first I need to warn anyone that is considering this - you need to commit to doing a lot of watering. If you have one of these stately trees in your yard go take a look at the ground under them. It's probably very very dry. Pine trees tend to have roots that grow just under the soil in order to soak up as much moisture as they can. This means that anything you plant under them will compete for the water the tree needs. You really need to water a lot, in fact leaving a soaker hose out there and turning it on frequently is the best option. Leave the pine needles there as they make great mulch and contribute to the acid that these plants thrive in.
I found a lot of info, but one of the best links I found is: http://www.phancypages.com/newsletter/ZNewsletter4816.htm . I think I'll try strawberries next year! Try you own choices, all you need are plants that like a lot of shade, are OK with dry conditions, and like acidic soil. Native plants will do the best. Another link I found interesting is from Susan Johnston in Ontario: http://www.icangarden.com/document.cfm?task=viewdetail&itemid=3524.
Enjoy the hot dry summer with this perfect place to dress up with some color.
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