I rarely see pine bark mulch in my area and had an idea as I was cutting the grass. I have some pine trees that drop a tonne pine cones. They are the small pine cones ..about 1 inch by 2 inches.. They are not a thick "skinned" pine cone like some other types so would break down quicker. Would they be bad if used in the potting mix? Are they the same as pine bark or would they be acidic and not be good? Any thoughts???

Dr Hanna told me they were great for soil and kill nematodes. Better if ground up.

hi Tylerj,
IMO:
Mulch has to retain moisture and for that it needs to be dense .
I would crush at least half of the pine cones, and that should help.
If mulching in ground trees, I would be concerned by the fact that pine cones are easily set on fire and then burn quick .
That is a huge difference between the bark and the cones .