Question From: Kalamazoo, Michigan, United States
Q: I HAVE LOTS OF WHITE PINE CONES AND NEEDLES IN MY YARD. CAN THEY STAY IN THE GARDEN AS "mulch" or should they be removed.
A: Pine needles make great mulch and pine cones are part of the mix mother nature uses. They are especially good for use on rhododendrons, azaleas and blue berries. The can also be use on veg beds, but they should not be mixed in with the soil. I don't till my soil, so I can rake them off the planting area, plant and move them back in place. In spring I'd toss the pine cones under the shrubs. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy.
