As you may know, too much soil retains too much moisture, which can cause numerous issues in your plants. By using pinecones, you’ll use less soil, which means less moisture!
Because they break down into the soil over time, pinecones will boost nutrient levels in the soil. Additionally, they can slightly raise acidity, which is super beneficial for acid-loving plants.
If possible, always select larger pinecones, i.e., the ones that have more space between bracts. Densely packed bracts won’t create enough air pockets, so you should avoid using them.
If you find some pine needles on the ground, add them to the bottom of your containers, too. They can enhance drainage but make sure they don’t carry any fungal diseases.