5 Uses for Pine Cones
We are approaching a new season (hello autumn, you wonderful beast), and if there ever was a time to get out into nature, it’s now. Seriously folks, don those boots, stick two fingers to the world and its worries and go outdoors. It is life-changing.
As well as foraging for blackberries, crab apples and elderberries in the shrubs and trees this August and September, I’ll be looking for treasure on the woodland floor to fill my pockets. But why, you ask?
Pine cones can be found easily in autumn, on the ground in woodlands where there are conifer trees. Once dry, different shaped pine cones can be used for all sorts of things in the home and garden and it makes a great mindful activity when out walking too. Just make sure you are collecting them from the ground, not from the tree itself.
Image via Unsplash Annie Spratt
Without further ado, here’s my 5 uses for pine cones in the home and garden:
Mulch | Due to their open cone architecture, whole pine cones encourage air circulation and are perfect for adding to your beds, containers and borders. They provide organic fertiliser to perennials, suppress weeds while helping to hold moisture. Aesthetically they look great as ground cover too.
Kindling | Pine cones make an ideal kindling to start a fire. So, if you are planning a wild camping trip soon, start collecting now ready for your golden hour bonfires. Don’t forget the marshmallows!
Decorations | Wreaths, garlands, table decorations…the list goes on! My preferred way to use pine cones for decoration is on our Christmas tree. Simply tie twine to them and hang from the tree or add to your ribbon to perk up your festive wrapping.
Add to your compost | As pine cones break down in the compost, they release beneficial nutrients for your plants, so they make a great addition to your compost pile. Just make sure you break them up as they will take a long time to decompose, and ensure you have the correct balance of nitrogen (veggie waste) and carbon (brown waste). See the Gardeners’ World guide to making compost here.
Wildlife-Friendly Woodpile| Use pieces of wood, twigs, leaves and pine cones to create a wildlife-friendly habitat for them to live and nest in. We have a tiny yarden, yet we still have a corner dedicated for insects, and the creatures that like to eat insects too! We used some old pieces of wood from our open fire, bark and pine cones. Alongside planting nectar-rich plants for the bees and butterflies, I’m happy our tiny space is becoming a happy habitat for all. Me included.
Ready to forage?
