Autumn secrets: Using pine cones to protect your hydrangeas
Hydrangeas delight our eyes in the summer. However, it is also important to remember their care during other seasons. In September, it's a good idea to create a woodland conditioner to protect them from pests and ensure proper moisture.
Hydrangeas are the true queens of the garden. Their large flower clusters are a beautiful decoration that draws attention even from afar. However, it is essential to water them regularly and take care of their maintenance. One of the key elements is fertilisation. Thanks to the woodland conditioner, they will receive protection for the winter, and next year, they will bloom like never before.
Autumn conditioner for hydrangeas
Online, you can find plenty of recipes for homemade hydrangea conditioners. One is made from coffee grounds, which is great, but only in the summer. In the autumn, it's worth reaching for an entirely different product, which can be found in the forest. Just take a walk and collect ordinary pine cones, an ideal hydrangeas fertiliser.
Few people know that pine cones are rich in calcium, potassium, and zinc, which are critical components in plant care. To turn them into a plant conditioner, simply gather about ten cones and crush them. You can do this, for example, using a pestle.
Homemade fertiliser from pine cones
There are two ways to use pine cones to create homemade fertiliser for hydrangeas in the autumn. Both are extremely simple and will take little time.
The first method is to pour the crushed cones into a bucket, add water, and then cover the bucket with gauze to allow airflow. The bucket with cones and water should be set aside for 3-4 weeks. During this period, you must not forget about it. Every few days, uncover the gauze and mix the contents thoroughly.
The second method is to spread the crushed cones around the hydrangea bush. This will create a natural mulch that should be about 10 centimetres thick. This will protect hydrangeas against pests and weeds and maintain proper moisture.
