If you’re a gardener, here’s why you should collect as many pine cones as you can outside

7. Free and Plentiful (Hello, Budget Gardening!)

Perhaps the best reason to collect pine cones? They’re completely free. No trip to the garden center required — just take a walk, bring a basket, and start gathering. Mother Nature provides all the mulch, filler, and bug housing you could want — no packaging, no chemicals, no cost.

A Final Tip: Clean Before You Use

If you’re collecting pine cones from outdoors, give them a quick rinse and dry (or bake them at a low temp for 30 minutes) to get rid of any insects or sap before using in your garden.

The Bottom Line: Don’t Overlook the Pine Cone

So next time you’re out in nature and see pine cones scattered around, don’t step over them — scoop them up! These prickly little powerhouses are more than just forest litter — they’re one of nature’s most useful freebies for gardeners.