If you have an abundance of this one item lying around your garden, experts say you can use them to improve plant growth – without it costing a penny
Summer is almost here and most of us want our gardens to look as lush as possible – luckily, there’s one easy-to-find item that will give your soil a much-needed boost. Experts advise that pinecones can be used in multiple ways to help your plants grow.
It may sound surprising, but these nobbly seed-carriers make more than just great Christmas decorations. They are also rich in many important nutrients like phosphorus and manganese which are necessary for plant development As pine cones decompose they release minerals into the soil, in turn benefitting the wildlife around them.
Better still, they are also known to slightly lower the soil’s pH. This makes them fantastic for popular acid-loving plants like blueberries and rhododendrons.
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Additionally, pine cones can be brilliant for soil structure. They naturally retain water and oxygen, as well as helping to make the soil more compact.
So, how best to use these natural wonders? Experts from DIY Everywhere recommend adding them to your compost pile so that they decompose into a ready-to-use fertiliser.
They advise: “They decompose slowly, adding organic material to the soil and helping to improve its structure. When mixed into your compost, pine cones provide essential nutrients needed for plant growth.”
If your garden is enduring a dry spell or you have fast-draining soil, pinecones can also make a fantastic mulch. This is because their fibrous scales are composed of different layers, designed to soak up water.
They’re known pest-deterrents, too. If your garden is being ravaged by curious cats, greedy foxes or disease-ridden rodents, then planting pinecones will help keep them at bay.
This is because their spiky layers can irritate animals that are snuffling for food. DIY Everywhere explain: “Many pests find the texture of pine cones unpleasant and are less likely to invade areas where they are present.”
An added benefit is that you no longer have to resort to using chemical pesticides. These toxic chemical bombs can cause massive damage to surrounding wildlife and harm innocent creatures.
Similarly, pine cones are also effective weed killers. Simply arrange them around your plants in a protective layer. This will make it harder for weeds to break through the soil and proliferate.
If your soil is prone to erosion or on a slope, these spiky cones can also help. DIY Everywhere advises that their presence helps weigh down the soil, which reduces the risk of erosion during heavy rains or strong winds.
