{"id":3310,"date":"2024-01-18T12:22:46","date_gmt":"2024-01-18T20:22:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/digitvsolutions.com\/2025\/12\/10\/14-brilliant-uses-for-pine-cones-in-your-home-garden\/"},"modified":"2025-12-10T05:22:47","modified_gmt":"2025-12-10T13:22:47","slug":"14-brilliant-uses-for-pine-cones-in-your-home-garden","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/digitvsolutions.com\/?p=3310","title":{"rendered":"14 Brilliant Uses for Pine Cones in Your Home &#038; Garden"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"entry-content mvt-content\">\n<style><![CDATA[img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-5{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-6::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-6{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-7::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-7{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-8::before{padding-top:150.08333333333%; }img#mv-trellis-img-8{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-9::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-9{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-10::before{padding-top:149.83333333333%; }img#mv-trellis-img-10{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-11::before{padding-top:150%; }img#mv-trellis-img-11{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-12::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-12{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-13::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-13{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-14::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-14{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-15::before{padding-top:150%; }img#mv-trellis-img-15{display:block;}]]><\/style>\n<div class=\"dpsp-post-pinterest-image-hidden\" style=\"display: none;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/14-Brilliant-Things-Y-150x150.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/14-Brilliant-Things-Y.jpg\" class=\"skip-lazy a3-notlazy no-lazyload dpsp-post-pinterest-image-hidden-inner  dpsp-post-pinterest-image-hidden-single\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-1\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='1200'%20height='800'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%20800'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-29753 perfmatters-lazy\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Pine-Cone-Uses-Hero.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-2\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Pine-Cone-Uses-Hero.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Pine-Cone-Uses-Hero.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Pine-Cone-Uses-Hero-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Pine-Cone-Uses-Hero-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Pine-Cone-Uses-Hero-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Pine-Cone-Uses-Hero-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Pine-Cone-Uses-Hero-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Pine-Cone-Uses-Hero-150x100.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/figure>\n<p>There\u2019s something about pine cones that\u2019s appealing to all of us. Their pattern, their natural symmetry \u2014it\u2019s no wonder we find ourselves picking them up while walking in the woods. These lovely little wonders offer plenty of practical and decorative uses in our homes and gardens. <\/p>\n<p>Whether you\u2019ve got nearby conifers supplying you with an abundance of pine cones or you\u2019ve gathered a basketful from a walk in the woods, there are plenty of brilliant ways to put them to good use.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-which-pine-cones-should-i-use\">Which Pine Cones Should I Use?<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='1200'%20height='800'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%20800'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"Hemlock cones\" class=\"wp-image-29745 perfmatters-lazy\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-12.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-3\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-12.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-12.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-12-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-12-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-12-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-12-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-12-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-12-150x100.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/figure>\n<p>Really, it depends on what you plan on using them for. For outdoor use, it doesn\u2019t really matter, although smaller cones, such as hemlock, require quite a few more and may not lend themselves well to some of these suggestions. Softer cones often have more sap than harder cones, but will break down sooner than the hard ones, so keep this in mind when deciding what to use your pine cones for.<\/p>\n<p>In the end, using whatever cones you have on hand is usually the way to go. But if you have your heart set on crafting with pine cones or using them around the house and you come up short on pine cones, good ol\u2019 Amazon can save the day. You can purchase cleaned and bug-free pine cones here. <\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-before-you-bring-pine-cones-into-your-home\">Before You Bring Pine Cones Into Your Home<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='1200'%20height='800'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%20800'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"Pine cones in basket\" class=\"wp-image-29744 perfmatters-lazy\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-7.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-4\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-7.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-7.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-7-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-7-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-7-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-7-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-7-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-7-150x100.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/figure>\n<p>You don\u2019t need to do anything with pine cones if you plan on using them outdoors. However, if you want to bring them inside for crafts or d\u00e9cor, then you\u2019ll want to be sure you bake them. Baking pine cones at a low temperature has three important outcomes: it kills any insects hitching a ride on them, it removes excess sap, and it opens them up.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019m going to assume that, like me, you only want to bring pine cones into your home, not bugs. To ensure you don\u2019t allow any unwanted hitchhikers to take up residence, baking is key!<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019ve got pine cones that are extra sappy, baking will help melt off most of the sap, making them much easier to work with. Plus, you get the added benefit of your house smelling wonderful while they bake.<\/p>\n<p>Pine cones close up in cooler temperatures, so even if you\u2019ve collected closed pine cones, placing them in the oven will \u201cfluff\u201d them up a bit and make them look great. If you like the look of closed pine cones or have a craft that uses them, you can place them in a plastic storage bag and put them in the freezer for an hour or so, and they will close again.<\/p>\n<p>Baking will also dry out damp cones, preventing them from getting moldy and gross.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-bake-your-pine-cones\">How to Bake Your Pine Cones<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='1200'%20height='800'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%20800'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"Woman's hand taking baking sheet with pine cones out of oven\" class=\"wp-image-29743 perfmatters-lazy\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-10.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-5\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-10.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-10.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-10-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-10-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-10-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-10-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-10-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-10-150x100.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/figure>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Preheat your oven to 250\u00b0F. This temperature will effectively kill bugs, open the cones and, most importantly, melt sap. Lower temps are often recommended, but these will not melt sap. If your pine cones are not sappy, then you can lower the temperature to 200\u00b0F.<\/li>\n<li>Cover a baking sheet with aluminum foil.<\/li>\n<li>Remove any debris, such as pine needles and leaves, and place the pine cones on the baking sheet, spreading them out so they don\u2019t touch. You may need to work in batches if you have a lot of cones.<\/li>\n<li>Bake the pine cones for 30 minutes if you only need to kill bugs and open them up. If you are melting excess sap, let them bake for one hour.<\/li>\n<li>Keep the door slightly ajar to vent any moisture, and keep a close eye on your pine cones; sap is flammable.<\/li>\n<li>Once finished, remove the pine cones and let them cool. If you\u2019re melting sap off of them, you\u2019ll want to remove the pine cones from the baking tray and cool them on aluminum foil or parchment paper.\n<p>Now, your pine cones are ready to be used around your home for decorating and crafts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Let\u2019s take a look at all the ways they can be used.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-using-pine-cones-indoors\">Using Pine Cones Indoors<\/h2>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-make-scented-pine-cones\">Make Scented Pine Cones<\/h3>\n<p>Ah, scented pine cones. Nothing announces the arrival of fall more poignantly than walking into your local grocery store and being punched in the face with the scent of cinnamon or pumpkin spice. Those bags of scented pine cones are an assault to the senses, which is a shame because the idea is nice.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='1200'%20height='800'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%20800'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"Woman's hand spraying essential oils on pine cones in bag\" class=\"wp-image-29741 perfmatters-lazy\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-14.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-6\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-14.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-14.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-14-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-14-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-14-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-14-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-14-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-14-150x100.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/figure>\n<p>You can easily make your own scented pine cones that are more subtle and less likely to be classified as a bioweapon. Place the pine cones in a single layer inside a Ziploc bag. In a clean spray bottle, mix 10-12 drops of your favorite essential oil, \u00bd cup of distilled water, and \u00bc cup of vodka. Shake well. Now spritz the dickens out of the pine cones in the bag and close it up. Let it sit for an hour or two for the pine cones to absorb the scent. Now they\u2019re ready to place around your home.<\/p>\n<p>My favorite scent to spray on pine cones is, ironically, balsam fir.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-pine-cone-place-card-holder\">Pine Cone Place Card Holder<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='1200'%20height='800'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%20800'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"Formal table setting with pine cone place card\" class=\"wp-image-29742 perfmatters-lazy\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-7\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-150x100.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/figure>\n<p>I love hosting dinner parties with full place settings, including place cards. These days, such formalities have become a rarity, but it\u2019s great fun and makes my friends feel extra special. Whether it\u2019s a casual supper with friends or Thanksgiving dinner, pine cones make the perfect place card holder for fall gatherings.<\/p>\n<p>You can keep it simple (I like the understated look of using only the pine cone), or dress your pine cones with glitter, fake snow, or gold paint. Add some fresh herbs or dried flowers to make them extra special.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-keep-cats-out-of-houseplants\">Keep Cats Out of Houseplants<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1801\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='1200'%20height='1801'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%201801'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"Two kittens sitting in a Christmas cactus.\" class=\"wp-image-25668 perfmatters-lazy\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/kittens-christmas-cactus.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-8\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/kittens-christmas-cactus.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/kittens-christmas-cactus.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/kittens-christmas-cactus-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/kittens-christmas-cactus-768x1153.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/kittens-christmas-cactus-720x1080.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/kittens-christmas-cactus-640x960.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/kittens-christmas-cactus-800x1200.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/kittens-christmas-cactus-150x225.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\u201cWhat, mom? Your Schlumbergera truncata is comfortable.\u201d<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The UCDS (Universal Cat Distribution System) visited my house, and I\u2019ve been adopted by two sweet cats, Yuki and Verstappen. They\u2019re incredibly well-behaved young ladies; however, they do like to dig in my larger houseplants. I put a nice thick layer of pine cones on the top of the potting soil so they can\u2019t reach it. There\u2019s something about the texture or smell of the pine cones that they don\u2019t like, so I no longer find potting soil all over my floor.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-fire-starters\">Fire Starters<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='1200'%20height='800'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%20800'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"woman's hand dipping pine cones in paraffin wax\" class=\"wp-image-29746 perfmatters-lazy\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-13.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-9\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-13.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-13.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-13-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-13-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-13-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-13-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-13-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-13-150x100.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/figure>\n<p>Pine cones are fantastic for starting fires. Use them on their own, or dip them in paraffin wax. (A thin coating works best.) For the best fire starters, roll the wax-dipped pine cones in dryer lint before the wax dries. Set them on parchment paper to dry.<\/p>\n<p>These handmade fire starters make a great gift for anyone with a fireplace, backyard fire pit or the camping enthusiast.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-bleached-pine-cones\">Bleached Pine Cones<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1798\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='1200'%20height='1798'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%201798'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"Bleached pine cones\" class=\"wp-image-29740 perfmatters-lazy\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/How-to-bleach-pinecones-hero-3.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-10\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/How-to-bleach-pinecones-hero-3.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/How-to-bleach-pinecones-hero-3.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/How-to-bleach-pinecones-hero-3-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/How-to-bleach-pinecones-hero-3-768x1151.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/How-to-bleach-pinecones-hero-3-720x1079.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/How-to-bleach-pinecones-hero-3-641x960.jpg 641w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/How-to-bleach-pinecones-hero-3-721x1080.jpg 721w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/How-to-bleach-pinecones-hero-3-801x1200.jpg 801w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/How-to-bleach-pinecones-hero-3-150x225.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/figure>\n<p>Bleached pine cones? Yes! They are super easy to make and have a beautiful \u201cbeachy\u201d look to them. If you want to try something different or give a softer vibe to your pine cone crafts, try bleaching a batch. They look great on wreaths or simply piled in a basket. <\/p>\n<p>You can learn how to bleach pine cones here.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-crafting-material\">Crafting Material<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1800\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='1200'%20height='1800'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%201800'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"Centerpiece on table with pine cones around the bottom of silver tray\" class=\"wp-image-29747 perfmatters-lazy\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-15.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-11\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-15.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-15.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-15-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-15-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-15-720x1080.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-15-640x960.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-15-800x1200.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-15-150x225.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/figure>\n<p>Whether or not you have a plan for them, having pine cones on hand, ready to use, is always a good idea for the crafty household. They\u2019re wonderful natural crafting materials for kids\u2019 crafts and more elevated, adult crafts, too.<\/p>\n<p>I like to have them on hand to display in baskets or bowls and to tuck around centerpieces for fall and winter decorating. For some fun holiday projects, check out all the great Christmas crafts you can make with pine cones.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-using-pine-cones-outdoors\">Using Pine Cones Outdoors<\/h2>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-peanut-butter-pine-cone-bird-feeders\">Peanut Butter Pine Cone Bird Feeders<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='1200'%20height='800'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%20800'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"Peanut butter bird seed pine cone bird feeders\" class=\"wp-image-25792 perfmatters-lazy\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/pine-cone-feeder-1.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-12\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/pine-cone-feeder-1.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/pine-cone-feeder-1.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/pine-cone-feeder-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/pine-cone-feeder-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/pine-cone-feeder-1-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/pine-cone-feeder-1-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/pine-cone-feeder-1-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/pine-cone-feeder-1-150x100.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/figure>\n<p>Many of us made these easy peanut butter pine cone bird feeders as kids. But did you know that they can be an important source of calories for birds in the cold weather? Grab some pine cones and revisit this childhood craft if you want to help out the local feathered visitors to your backyard.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-use-pine-cones-as-mulch\">Use Pine Cones as Mulch<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='1200'%20height='800'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%20800'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"Pine cones used as mulch around beets\" class=\"wp-image-29748 perfmatters-lazy\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-5.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-13\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-5.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-5.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-5-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-5-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-5-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-5-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-5-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-5-150x100.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/figure>\n<p>If you have lots of conifers, then it\u2019s pretty likely you have lots of pine cones, too, which means you\u2019re probably searching for a great way to put a ton of pine cones to good use. Mulch is the way to go. Whether you use them whole or chip them first, pine cones make great mulch material. They look especially nice in ornamental gardens.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-pathway-border\">Pathway Border<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='1200'%20height='800'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%20800'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"Pine cones as decorative border to stone pathway\" class=\"wp-image-29749 perfmatters-lazy\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-4.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-14\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-4.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-4.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-4-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-4-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-4-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-4-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-4-150x100.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/figure>\n<p>If you want a beautiful and natural-looking border for garden and landscape pathways, pine cones look great, and, as mentioned above, if you have plantings in those borders, it also doubles as mulch.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-use-pine-cones-in-raised-beds-and-hugelkultur-beds\">Use Pine Cones in Raised Beds and Hugelkultur Beds<\/h3>\n<p>If you have access to a lot of pine cones and want a great way to use them up fast, this certainly fits the bill. Not to mention, using pine cones as filler for raised beds will help you save money on expensive garden soil. The pine cones will break down slowly over time, providing good drainage and organic matter.<\/p>\n<p>A note about acidity: Many gardeners are concerned that pine cones will raise the acidity of their soil. This is not an issue. While the ground under pine trees is naturally acidic, this is due to years and years of pine needles and pine cones breaking down in the soil. Adding pine cones to your raised beds isn\u2019t enough to change the acidity of your soil; otherwise, it would be on this list as a tip!<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-drainage-for-houseplants-and-container-gardens\">Drainage for Houseplants and Container Gardens<\/h3>\n<p>Every houseplant owner and container gardener knows the importance of good drainage when it comes to growing plants in pots. Pine cones are a natural choice to ensure your potted plants have great drainage.<\/p>\n<p>For houseplants, place one over the drainage hole in a pot before adding your potting mix. For larger containers, place a layer of pine cones on the bottom before you add potting soil and your plants.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-beneficial-bug-hotel\">Beneficial Bug Hotel<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1800\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='1200'%20height='1800'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%201800'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"Pine cones in garden for ladybugs\" class=\"wp-image-29750 perfmatters-lazy\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-6.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-15\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-6.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-6.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-6-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-6-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-6-720x1080.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-6-640x960.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-6-800x1200.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pine-cone-uses-6-150x225.jpg 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/figure>\n<p>The ladybug \u2013 it\u2019s one beneficial bug you want to invite into your garden every year. Of course, it helps if you set them up with a nice little Airbnb. Ladybugs prefer to hide, lay their eggs, and winter over in sheltered and secluded spots. Pile a few pine cones in different areas of your garden to give them a place to stay and encourage them to stick around.<\/p>\n<p>Pine cones are much better for bugs than the commercially made bug hotels that were so popular for a while. You can easily swap them out each year to prevent the spread of disease among beneficial insect populations.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-correct-a-soggy-compost-pile\">Correct a Soggy Compost Pile<\/h3>\n<p>Pine cones are certainly compostable, especially if you don\u2019t plan on using them in other ways; they\u2019re a great source of carbon (browns). But it\u2019s important to realize they take forever to break down. You\u2019ll want to put them through a garden chipper first. Added whole to your compost, it can take years for them to break down.<\/p>\n<p>That being said, if you have a compost pile that\u2019s too waterlogged and soggy for the microbes to do their job, turning in pine cones can help. Their natural shape helps create better drainage, allowing the pile to dry out slightly so that it can break down more effectively.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-spread-onto-muddy-paths-and-walkways\">Spread Onto Muddy Paths and Walkways<\/h3>\n<p>If you have an area of your lawn with high foot traffic that often gets muddy and stays that way, spreading pine cones onto that spot is a smart move. As they\u2019re walked on, they will keep shoes from getting covered in mud, or worse, sinking into the ground. What\u2019s more, the pine cones are pushed down into the mud and, over time, are worked into the ground, helping to improve drainage and correct this muddy issue.<\/p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\"><![CDATA[\n#af-form-1000191877 .af-body{font-family:Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:11px;color:#000000;background-image:none;background-position:inherit;background-repeat:no-repeat;padding-top:15px;padding-bottom:15px;}\n#af-form-1000191877 .af-body .privacyPolicy{font-family:Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:11px;color:#000000;}\n#af-form-1000191877 {border: 0;}\n#af-form-1000191877 .af-standards .af-element{padding-left:15px;padding-right:15px;}\n#af-form-1000191877 .af-quirksMode{padding-left:15px;padding-right:15px;}\n#af-form-1000191877 .af-header{font-family:Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:16px;color:#FFFFFF;border-top-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-bottom-style:none;border-left-style:none;border-width:1px;background-image:url(\"https:\/\/forms.aweber.com\/images\/auto\/body\/888\/888\/222\/222\");background-position:top left;background-repeat:repeat-x;background-color:#222222;padding-left:10px;padding-right:10px;padding-top:9px;padding-bottom:9px;}\n#af-form-1000191877 .af-footer{font-family:Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:12px;color:#000000;border-top-style:none;border-right-style:none;border-bottom-style:none;border-left-style:none;border-width:1px;background-image:none;background-color:transparent;padding-left:15px;padding-right:15px;padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;}\n#af-form-1000191877 .af-body input.text, #af-form-1000191877 .af-body textarea{border-color:#000000;border-width:1px;border-style:solid;font-family:Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:16px;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;text-decoration:none;color:#000000;background-color:#FFFFFF;}\n#af-form-1000191877 .af-body input.text:focus, #af-form-1000191877 .af-body textarea:focus{border-style:solid;border-width:1px;border-color:#5E5E5E;background-color:#FFFAD6;}\n#af-form-1000191877 .af-body label.previewLabel{font-family:Verdana, sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;text-decoration:none;color:#4D4D4D;display:block;float:left;text-align:left;width:25%;}\n#af-form-1000191877 .af-body .af-textWrap{width:70%;display:block;float:right;}\n#af-form-1000191877 .buttonContainer input.submit{font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:18px;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;text-decoration:none;color:#000000;background-color:#FCB900;background-image:none;}\n#af-form-1000191877 .buttonContainer{text-align:center;}\n#af-form-1000191877 .af-body label.choice{font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;text-decoration:none;color:#000000;}\n#af-form-1000191877 .af-body a{font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;text-decoration:underline;color:#000000;}\n#af-form-1000191877, #af-form-1000191877 .quirksMode{width:100%;max-width:326.444222px;}\n#af-form-1000191877.af-quirksMode{overflow-x:hidden;}\n#af-form-1000191877{overflow:hidden;}\n#af-form-1000191877 button,#af-form-1000191877 input,#af-form-1000191877 submit,#af-form-1000191877 textarea,#af-form-1000191877 select,#af-form-1000191877 label,#af-form-1000191877 optgroup,#af-form-1000191877 option {float:none;margin:0;position:static;}\n#af-form-1000191877 select,#af-form-1000191877 label,#af-form-1000191877 optgroup,#af-form-1000191877 option {padding:0;}\n#af-form-1000191877 input,#af-form-1000191877 button,#af-form-1000191877 textarea,#af-form-1000191877 select {font-size:100%;}\n#af-form-1000191877 .buttonContainer input.submit {width:auto;}\n#af-form-1000191877 form,#af-form-1000191877 textarea,.af-form-wrapper,.af-form-close-button,#af-form-1000191877 img {float:none;color:inherit;margin:0;padding:0;position:static;background-color:none;border:none;}\n#af-form-1000191877 div {margin:0;}\n#af-form-1000191877 {display:block;}\n\n.af-clear{clear:both;}\n.af-form{box-sizing:border-box; margin:auto; text-align:left;}\n.af-element{padding-bottom:5px; padding-top:5px;}\n.af-form-wrapper{text-indent: 0;}\n.af-body input.submit, .af-body input.image, .af-form .af-element input.button{float:none!important;}\n.af-body input.submit{white-space: inherit;}\n.af-body input.text{width:100%; padding:2px!important;}\n.af-body .af-textWrap{text-align:left;}\n.af-element label{float:left; text-align:left;}\n.lbl-right .af-element label{text-align:right;}\n.af-quirksMode .af-element{padding-left: 0!important; padding-right: 0!important;}\n.af-body.af-standards input.submit{padding:4px 12px;}\n.af-body input.image{border:none!important;}\n.af-body input.text{float:none;}\n.af-element label{display:block; float:left;}\n\nbody {\n}\n\n#af-form-1000191877 .bodyText p {\n  margin: 0 0 1em !important;\n}\n\n#af-form-1000191877 .af-body {\n  padding-top:\n}\n\n#af-form-1000191877 .af-body .af-textWrap {\n  width: 100% !important;\n}\n\n#af-form-1000191877 .af-body .af-element {\n  padding-top: 0px!important;\n  padding-bottom: 0px!important;\n}\n#af-form-1000191877 .af-body .af-element:first-child {\n  margin-top: 0 !important;\n}\n#af-form-1000191877 .af-body label.previewLabel {\n  font-weight: 700 !important;\n  margin-top: 0.25rem !important;\n  margin-bottom: .25rem !important;\n}\n#af-form-1000191877 .af-body input.text,\n#af-form-1000191877 .af-body textarea {\n  border-radius: 3px !important;\n  box-sizing: border-box !important;\n  color: #444444;\n  font-size: 1rem;\n  margin-bottom: 0.75rem !important;\n  padding: 8px 12px !important;\n  -webkit-transition-duration: 0.3s;\n          transition-duration: 0.3s;\n}\n\n#af-form-1000191877 .af-body select {\n  width: 100%;\n}\n#af-form-1000191877 .af-body .af-dateWrap select {\n  width: 33%;\n}\n#af-form-1000191877 .choiceList-radio-stacked {\n  margin-bottom: 1rem !important;\n  width: 100% !important;\n}\n#af-form-1000191877 .af-element-radio {\n  margin: 0 !important;\n}\n#af-form-1000191877 .af-element-radio input.radio {\n  display: inline;\n  height: 0;\n  opacity: 0;\n  overflow: hidden;\n  width: 0;\n}\n#af-form-1000191877 .af-element-radio input.radio:checked ~ label {\n  font-weight: 700 !important;\n}\n#af-form-1000191877 .af-element-radio input.radio:focus ~ label {\n  box-shadow: inset 0 0 0 2px rgba(25,35,70,.25);\n}\n#af-form-1000191877 .af-element-radio input.radio:checked ~ label:before {\n  background-color: #777777;\n  border-color: #d6dee3;\n}\n#af-form-1000191877 .af-element-radio label.choice {\n  border: 1px solid #d6dee3;\n  border-radius: 3px !important;\n  display: block !important;\n  font-weight: 300 !important;\n  margin: 0.5rem 0 !important;\n  padding: 1rem 1rem 1rem 2rem !important;\n  position: relative;\n  -webkit-transition-duration: 0.3s;\n          transition-duration: 0.3s;\n}\n#af-form-1000191877 .af-element-radio label.choice:before {\n  background-color: #FFF;\n  border: 1px solid #d6dee3;\n  border-radius: 50%;\n  content: '';\n  height: 0.75rem;\n  margin-left: -1.3rem;\n  position: absolute;\n  -webkit-transition-duration: 0.3s;\n          transition-duration: 0.3s;\n  width: 0.75rem;\n}\n#af-form-1000191877 .buttonContainer {\n  box-sizing: border-box !important;\n}\n#af-form-1000191877 .af-footer {\n  box-sizing: border-box !important;\n}\n\n#af-form-1000191877 .af-footer p {\n  margin: 0 !important;\n}\n#af-form-1000191877 input.submit,\n#af-form-1000191877 #webFormSubmitButton {\n  border: none;\n  border-radius: 3px !important;\n  font-weight: bold;\n  margin-top: 0.5rem !important;\n  margin-bottom: 1rem !Important;\n  padding: 0.6rem 1.5rem !important;\n  -webkit-transition-duration: 0.3s;\n          transition-duration: 0.3s;\n  }\n#af-form-1000191877 input.submit:hover,\n#af-form-1000191877 #webFormSubmitButton:hover {\n  cursor: pointer;\n  opacity: 0.8;\n}\n\n#af-form-1000191877 input.text:hover {\n  cursor: pointer;\n  opacity: 0.8;\n}\n\n.poweredBy a,\n.privacyPolicy p {\n  color: #000000 !important;\n  font-size: 0.65rem !important;\n}\n]]><\/style>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"667\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='500'%20height='667'%20viewBox='0%200%20500%20667'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" class=\"perfmatters-lazy\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ruralsprout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/rural-sprout-newsletter.jpg\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h2 style=\"line-height: 1.2;\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-get-the-famous-rural-sprout-newsletter-delivered-to-your-inbox\">Get the famous Rural Sprout newsletter delivered to your inbox.<\/h2>\n<p style=\"line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 15px;\">Join the 50,000+ gardeners who get timely gardening tutorials, tips and tasks delivered direct to their inbox.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100 has-custom-font-size is-style-fill has-medium-font-size\">\n<form method=\"post\" class=\"af-form-wrapper\" accept-charset=\"UTF-8\" action=\"https:\/\/www.aweber.com\/scripts\/addlead.pl\">\n<div style=\"display: none;\">\n\t\t\t\t<input type=\"hidden\" name=\"meta_web_form_id\" value=\"1000191877\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<input type=\"hidden\" name=\"meta_split_id\" value=\"\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<input type=\"hidden\" name=\"listname\" value=\"awlist5482536\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<input type=\"hidden\" name=\"redirect\" value=\"https:\/\/www.aweber.com\/thankyou.htm?m=default\" id=\"redirect_5dcc9fd1e523242cbf5da5d508d386eb\"><\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t<input type=\"hidden\" name=\"meta_adtracking\" value=\"endarticle\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<input type=\"hidden\" name=\"meta_message\" value=\"1\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<input type=\"hidden\" name=\"meta_required\" value=\"email\"><\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t<input type=\"hidden\" name=\"meta_tooltip\" value=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div id=\"af-form-1000191877\" class=\"af-form\">\n<div id=\"af-body-1000191877\" class=\"af-body af-standards\" style=\"padding:0;\">\n<div class=\"af-element\" style=\"padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0;\">\n\t\t\t\t<label class=\"previewLabel\" for=\"awf_field-116812902\">Email:<\/label><\/p>\n<div class=\"af-textWrap\"><input class=\"text\" id=\"awf_field-116812902\" type=\"email\" name=\"email\" value=\"\" tabindex=\"500\" onfocus=\" if (this.value == '') { this.value = ''; }\" onblur=\"if (this.value == '') { this.value='';} \">\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"af-clear\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"af-element buttonContainer\" style=\"padding-left: 0; padding-right: 0;\">\n\t\t\t\t<input style=\"margin-bottom: 5px !important; width: 100%; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: 0px;\" name=\"submit\" class=\"submit\" type=\"submit\" value=\"Sign Me Up! (It\u2019s Free!)\" tabindex=\"501\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"af-clear\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"af-element privacyPolicy\" style=\"text-align: center\">\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 0 !important;\">We respect your email privacy<\/p>\n<div class=\"af-clear\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"display: none;\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20width='0'%20height='0'%20viewBox='0%200%200%200'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"perfmatters-lazy\" data-src=\"https:\/\/forms.aweber.com\/form\/displays.htm?id=jAwMDIycjBzs7A==\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/form>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\">\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>There\u2019s something about pine cones that\u2019s appealing to all of us. Their pattern, their natural symmetry \u2014it\u2019s no wonder we&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3311,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[127],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3310","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-diy-projects"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/digitvsolutions.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3310","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/digitvsolutions.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/digitvsolutions.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/digitvsolutions.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/digitvsolutions.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=3310"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"http:\/\/digitvsolutions.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3310\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3440,"href":"http:\/\/digitvsolutions.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3310\/revisions\/3440"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/digitvsolutions.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/3311"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/digitvsolutions.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3310"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/digitvsolutions.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=3310"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/digitvsolutions.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=3310"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}