Pine Needles in Compost
A popular addition to the compost pile, pine needles can cause a problem if the soil is already excessively acid. A little lime added to the compost will correct this. Among good materials to add to the compost pile are leafy bits from the kitchen, such as cabbage and lettuce leaves. Broadleaf prunings of evergreens make good additions. Care should be taken not to add weeds, which may contain seed. Some hardy weeds can have root systems that will overwinter in the pile.