This Dirt Road & Sawmill Scenery is a finely ground pine sawdust. Great for Lumber Mills / Sawmills / Craft Projects / Dioramas / Model Railroad Scenery.  A bi- product of our sawn pine board and shake shingles, this is approximately 5 oz of white pine sawdust for your dirt roads, sawmills, scratch-built layouts, mines, structures, and model railroad projects. Also great for diorama, terrain, doll houses, and other craft projects.

# How to Use Fine Ground Pine Sawdust in Your Homestead:

Pine sawdust is a common byproduct of woodworking, especially if you cut or mill your own firewood or lumber. But instead of throwing it away or burning it, you can use it for various purposes around your homestead. Pine sawdust has many benefits, such as retaining moisture, adding organic matter, repelling pests and creating a pleasant fragrance. Here are some ways you can use pine sawdust in your homestead.

## 1. Mulch Your Plants

One of the most popular uses for pine sawdust is to mulch your plants. Pine sawdust can help suppress weeds, conserve soil moisture, moderate soil temperature and add nutrients as it decomposes. Pine sawdust is especially good for acid-loving plants, such as blueberries, raspberries, hydrangeas and rhododendrons. To use pine sawdust as mulch, spread a layer of 2 to 4 inches around the base of your plants, leaving some space around the stems to prevent rotting. You may need to add some nitrogen fertilizer or compost to balance the carbon-rich sawdust and prevent nitrogen deficiency in your plants.

## 2. Make a Pathway

Another way to use pine sawdust is to make a pathway in your garden or yard. Pine sawdust can create a soft and natural-looking surface that is easy to walk on and reduces mud and dust. To make a pathway with pine sawdust, first mark the outline of your desired path with stakes or string. Then remove any grass or weeds from the area and level the soil. Next, lay down a layer of landscape fabric or cardboard to prevent weeds from growing through. Finally, spread a layer of pine sawdust over the fabric or cardboard, about 3 to 6 inches thick. You can also add some wood chips or gravel on top for extra stability and drainage.

## 3. Grow Mushrooms

If you are interested in growing your own mushrooms, pine sawdust can be a great substrate to use. Pine sawdust provides a rich source of lignin and cellulose for the fungi to feed on and can produce high yields of mushrooms. Some of the best mushrooms to grow on pine sawdust are oyster mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms and lion’s mane mushrooms. To grow mushrooms on pine sawdust, you will need to sterilize the sawdust first by boiling it in water for an hour or steaming it in a pressure cooker for 15 minutes. Then drain the sawdust and mix it with some spawn (mushroom seeds) in a plastic bag or container. Poke some holes in the bag or container for air exchange and keep it in a dark and warm place until you see white mycelium growing on the sawdust. This may take several weeks depending on the type of mushroom. Once the mycelium has colonized the sawdust, move it to a humid and cool place with indirect light and wait for the mushrooms to fruit.

## 4. Make Fire Starters

Pine sawdust can also be used to make fire starters that can help you light your fireplace, wood stove or campfire easily and quickly. Pine sawdust burns well and has a pleasant aroma when ignited. To make fire starters with pine sawdust, you will need some wax (such as candle wax or beeswax), some paper cups or muffin tins and some wicks (such as cotton string or twine). First, melt the wax in a double boiler or microwave until it is liquid. Then fill the paper cups or muffin tins with pine sawdust and pour some wax over it until it is saturated. Insert a wick into each cup or tin and let them cool and harden. To use them, simply light the wick and place them under your firewood.

These are just some of the ways you can use pine sawdust in your homestead. Pine sawdust is a versatile and useful material that can help you improve your soil, beautify your landscape, grow food and start fires. So next time you have some pine sawdust left over from your woodworking projects, don’t throw it away – use it!

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