Pine cone mulching: stylish, practical and almost free
This agrotechnical technique is used both in eco-farming and in classic gardening. It allows you to keep moisture in the soil longer, which increases its productivity by 30–40%. Meaning mulching - this is the cover of the top layer of the soil with special materials: compost, organic matter, films. Mulch challenge - optimization of air and water regimes. But mulching is not always combined with landscaping. Therefore, pine and spruce cones are one of the most aesthetically pleasing types of mulch. How to use them correctly - read on.
How to mulch with cones?
There are several important features in this procedure that must be observed.
- Before mulching, it is necessary to thoroughly weed the area to be treated. To avoid re-germination of grass, it is imperative to use geotextiles. Cover the area where the cone mulch will be.
- Cones brought from the forest cannot be immediately filled into the garden. Before use, they must be treated from mold, pests and other pathogenic microflora. This can be done with any wood preservative (bio-protection). Processing is carried out as follows: the cones are laid out in an even layer on a dry flat, preferably a concrete surface (in no case on vegetation - its antiseptic will destroy); further, the solution is applied to the cones with a garden spray; after that, the mulch must be allowed to dry.
- After treatment with an antiseptic, when the cones are completely dry, they should be rinsed with water from a hose. The chemicals need to be rinsed off so they don't get into the soil. Then you can put the cones in 2-3 layers on the so-called decorative patch.
If you want to save money on buying biosecurity, prepare it yourself. To obtain 9 liters of antiseptic, you need to mix 250 grams of boric acid with 750 grams of soda ash, and dilute all this in 9 liters of water. Boric acid should not be purchased from a pharmacy, but from companies that sell fertilizers and chemicals. In this case, homemade biosecurity will cost 18–22 rubles per liter.
It's important to know! Many gardeners do not leave cone mulch for the winter, but dry the material, put it in bags and put it in a dry, ventilated place. In the spring they spread it again. So cone mulch will last much longer.
The advantages of this method
This mulching technique is quite popular and for good reason.
- Firstly, cones can be collected for free in any coniferous forest. It is available to residents of most of the territory of Russia.
- Secondly, such mulching looks impressive, evokes a forest theme and fits into almost any landscape design. Cones are in perfect harmony with natural stone.
- Thirdly, the “carpet” of cones looks dynamic and always different: from rain / watering / moisture, the scales close, and when dry they open up - it looks spectacular and not boring!
And how do you mulch your vegetable garden and garden? Write in the comments!
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