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Nh

lives next to my patch. my patch is also kind of exposed and the soil dries out quikly. I water like crazy but the next day it is remarkably dry again. I was wondering if all my watering is being sucked up by the tree or if it is the pumpkin plant or the wind??????

8/24/2007 1:32:01 PM

Topsfield, Ma.

I recently read where 1/3 water in the soil evaporates daily. I think it was in Organic Gardening Magazine? Much greater loss than I ever imagined!

8/24/2007 8:13:33 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

What sort of pine is it? What kind of soil structure do you have. The more organic matter you can add the better water retention you will have. If it is to bad you may have to use a mulch.

8/24/2007 11:45:08 PM

Ray, North Dakota

I agree with Shannon, get lawn clippings, leaves etc and build up your organic matter.

Pine trees are very thirsty and hungry trees. They take some nutrients away from a garden, and they love sulpher. A soil test will give you a good idea of what you need to do.

My garden borders a row of pine trees, and when I first started the plot three years ago, I noticed the veggies closer to the pine trees did poorly compared to the rest of the garden. I amended with composted manure and fertilizer, and it really paid off this year, especially for sweet corn.

8/25/2007 12:32:16 PM