Corks, Don’t Throw Them Away: Why You Should Put Them in Your Plants

Slice or crush corks into thin bits.

Spread them evenly over the top layer of soil to lock in moisture.

Mixed with Potting Soil

Chop corks into very small chunks.

Mix them into your soil blend to improve aeration and drainage.

Extra Tips

Make sure corks are 100% natural (not synthetic). Natural cork is lightweight and breaks down over time, enriching the soil.

Don’t overdo it — just a handful per pot is enough.

You can also use corks as garden markers: write the plant name on the cork and stick it on a skewer or stick.

Conclusion

Before throwing away your wine corks, consider giving them to your plants. Whether used as drainage, mulch, or mixed into soil, corks provide natural benefits while reducing waste. It’s an easy, eco-friendly gardening hack that helps both your plants and the planet.