[Tilted Irish Kilt]

oldvirginian :" ..I had also thought about leaving them in a pile until next year and using them between rows in the garden to keep down grass and weed growth."

Good Idea to use the pine needles as a much, but as they breakdown and enrichen the soil, they will slightly acidify the soil.
The use of a small amount of lime would sweeten the soil, thus counteracting the soil acidification.
I would reccomend a soil test in the spring to see if lime is necessary, because soils react differently (ie: clay, sandy loam, loam, gravelly, glacial debris, etc.)

[oldvirginian]

I have red clay that can be hard as concrete during a dry summer.

I have been using a good 10—10-10 fertilizer and adding powdered lime in the planting furrow with good results.
I plan to expand the garden area so I will be doing a soil analysis on the entire area.

I grew up on a farm,, but we only had hardwoods, no pines, so using pine needles is new to me.
So when in doubt, I ask.

Thank you.

[cherry]

we are surrounded by pine needles so I'll chime in and say that they don't break down very well....even if you mix them a little at a time into your soil, you'll still see them in their form for a good long time...

however, I think putting them in your rows or as mulch for berry plants or apple trees is a good idea....

I had my husband pile a whole bunch along the fence to prevent weeds from encroaching into the garden area, and it works....

and pine needles are excellent if you live in the cold climes to cover your roses or similar plants that need a little protection....