The cones develop and open, releasing seeds, and then break down into organic material - a natural glue often holds the woody tufts together for this long. As they decompose, conifer cones provide nutrients for growing plants. Because of these properties, cones can be used as mulch or compost in landscaping. Every hobby gardener should use cones as mulch! Read on to find out more about it.
In autumn and winter you can often see pine, fir (rarely whole) or spruce cones on the ground, as they mainly fall in autumn. They can be found under trees in parks, gardens and forests.
What are cones?
The reproductive organ and woody fruiting body of conifers are the cones. After pollination, the tree's female cones grow while the seeds mature. Until the seeds are mature and the environment is suitable for their release to grow into new trees, the scales - individual plates on the conifer cones - protect the seeds from harsh weather and predators.
Benefits of cone mulch
In addition to the ability to retain moisture and heat, suppress weeds, and reduce soil compaction, conifer cones as mulch have all the benefits of traditional wood mulch. However, the natural properties they possess are missing from commercial mulches. Additionally, cones can help prevent the spread of mold and rot and keep pests at bay since they are naturally antibacterial and antifungal.
As an alternative to the conventionally maintained look, spruce or pine cone mulch can give your garden or landscape a more organic, rustic or natural feel. Cones are not uniform in size and shape, but have a wide variety of shapes. You can also customize the mulch. This mulch retains moisture on hot summer days and keeps plant roots cool in winter by acting as an insulating blanket for the soil. As an alternative to expensive synthetic mulches, you can also use cones, which are easy to collect and protect the environment.
Note the following:To avoid soil saturation, consider using whole conifer cones as mulch if you water your plants frequently or live in a rainy region. This improves air movement in the soil. You can increase the moisture retention of your mulch by shredding it if you tend to water less.
Pine cone mulch against dogs and cats
If you want to deter dogs and cats from digging, scatter intact pine cones around shrubs and flower beds. If your pet tries to scratch or dig, the fragile pine cones will stop them from doing so. The lower scales of pine cones decompose first when they come into contact with moist soil, while the upper stiff scales serve as spiny protection from animals.
Applying mulch from conifer cones
For best results, distribute a variety of these small cones throughout your garden.
Garden tip:Pine cones are a good option fororganic mulch, as they last a long time before decaying, repel slugs and attract beneficial insects such as spiders, and they give your garden a more rustic look.
There are two main methods for using cones as mulch. Depending on your preference, you can either leave the cones as they are or use a wood chipper to shred them into a finer mulch and scatter them on the beds. A layer of mulch of 5 to 8 cm is a reasonable standard.
As the pine cones decompose, you can easily replenish the area with fresh pine cones by raking them. If you have access to pine trees, collecting pine cones is easy – just select those that appear to be in the best condition and discard those that show signs of decomposition.
Also interesting:Make mulch yourself: Helpful tips on how you can make mulch easily!
This is what you should know
- Cones do not immediately provide high organic value to annual plants because they decompose slowly. Pine cones, which decompose over months or even years, provide organic fertilizer to the roots of perennials.
- Cones are quite flammable because they contain a lot of resin. To avoid potential fire hazards, do not use them near houses or grills.
- Before using conifer cones in your garden, make sure they are not infected with fungal diseases that could spread disease.
In summary, pine cones are not only a beautiful addition to your garden, but they also promote plant health, soil management and provide an excellent and environmentally friendly mulching option.
Also read:Mulching trees: whether it is necessary and what you should know for each season
Titelbild: Vladimir Shulikovskiy/ Shutterstock
