June to August - Pinus ponderosa cones

by Ember
(Saratogo)


I usually collect my pine cones for crafts any time during the summer. The best times are soon after they ripen and fall, as they sometimes get trampled and damaged by animals or traffic. If you have a good place where there is little disturbance, this is where the most well formed cones will be.

I check frequently on my walks, and as soon as I see a good selection of nice, undamaged ones (avoiding last years crop, as these can be starting to deteriorate and rot) I'll start collecting.

They do best if they are collected in a large onion sack, or burlap, as this gives them a chance to completely dry out. Don't, whatever you do, store them where mice or squirrels can get at them as they'll destroy them getting the seeds out.

It's best to actually put them on a metal tray and put them in a lukewarm oven, as they will open to release the seeds. Use these as bird feed for the winter by rolling a suet ball in them. The birds love them, especially Chickadees.

Once they're open and most of the seeds have fallen out, store the cones in paper bags if possible, or a cardboard box.

I make Christmas wreaths, and other seasonal decorations with my cones, or simply display them in a rustic bowl or basket for a fireside accent.



Click here to post comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Wildcrafting Calender.


Learn what it takes to be creative - we all have the gene but how do we develop it? Get the free guide!

Fill in the form below for your copy;

(Don't be disappointed - use an email address that will accept the free download - some .aol email addresses won't. 

If you don't see your download within a few minutes, try again with another email address - sorry for the bother.)

Find out more about the How to be Creative Guide

Free How To Be Creative Guide

Please note that all fields followed by an asterisk must be filled in.
 

Please complete the challenge that you see below.

  



Follow Blue Fox Farm on Pinterest
Follow Blue Fox Farm on Facebook
Follow Xeria on Twitter