Kitchen Garden Forum

I was hoping to collect a few pine cones today but not a single one did I find.
When is the best time to do this? Am I too late now? I would like to dry them to use in displays, baskets etc.

Beryl.

After strong winds is a good time.
Depends on the tree a bit, Scots Pine usually have a collection around them in wilder areas.

Dear Beryl,
the best time is during the summer as they tend to fall then. I usually collect mine then and boy do I get some funny looks.
Regards Sally Wright.

Thanks Sally and Peter I will remember that.
Not something I have done before till I saw the price of them this year in the garden centres.
Our little park in Gosport is full of pine trees and usually the squirrels are everywhere to - not a sign of them either. I guess its too cold for them as well.

Best Wishes for the New year.
Beryl.

Hungry squirrels will reduce a pine cone to a caricature of a candle in a flat candleholder.
They bite off the cones "arms" to get at the seeds, leaving the bottom set, a white core and the top, smallest set as a flame.

Oh Peter, the little devils, no wonder there was none about.
Will do my best to get to them next year before they do.
Or maybe I will have to find somewhere where there are no squirrels.

Thanks
Beryl.

A nice idea but you are very trusting Springtime. I don't think the basket would be there for long. probably get used for a football or something.

I will just have to try and beat the squirrels to it next year.

Beryl.