[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.

[Tilted Irish Kilt]

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

I would suggest that you use anything to add humus / fiber to the soil will keep it broken up , water permable, and the fibers will retain moisture for plants.
Use your leaves, and your neighbors leaves after they have been broken up with a lawn mower.
If your community bags leaves, get some and you can add them as you harvest crops so that you have a three season supply for next year.
If you have the space , create a compost pile for your kitchen (no meat/ no fat) scraps.
Also , worms which are 'natures soil enrichment converters' thrive in moist leaves and compost.
I would save the pine needles as a weed suppressent and to use as a top mulch for the garden.