In Canada, 3.5 billion bottles of wine are consumed every year, and so many corks are often thrown away. However, these little natural treasures can become truly eco-friendly allies in your garden. Here’s how to turn these corks into assets for your plants!
In Canada, we consumed 3.5 billion bottles of wine* in 2019, according to Intervin. These figures are dizzying! I mention these figures because that makes 3.5 billion cork stoppers, most of which end up in the trash! But that’s a mistake! If you’ve just spent a lovely evening with friends, the glasses have been emptied and the corks are piling up… don’t throw them away! For a big event, I usually keep the cork (the bird) and the guest, the ring (the cage), but that’s not what this debate is about! Did you know that these little natural cylinders can be very useful in your garden? Completely natural, biodegradable and with surprising properties, they are valuable green allies. Here are a few tips on how to give them a second life instead of throwing them away.
Tip 1: natural mulch and insulation against the weather
Corks are real champions of insulation! Cut into pieces and scattered around your plants, they form a natural mulch. The result: your roots stay cool in summer and warm in winter. This protective mat also limits evaporation and conserves precious moisture at the base of your plants. What’s more, it reduces weed growth and protects the soil against erosion. Easy to make, it’s a cheap and zero-waste tip. Why not try it on your potted plants or plants in the ground?
Tip 2: effective drainage for plants in top form
Are you over-watering your plants? Place a few corks in the bottom of your pots or incorporate them in small pieces into your potting soil. The cork absorbs excess water while allowing the roots to breathe. Bye-bye mould and rotten roots, hello healthy plants! This technique also promotes aeration of heavy soils such as clay. What’s more, cork is resistant to mold, prolonging the effectiveness of your drainage. A simple gesture for a more resilient garden!
Tip 3: a natural barrier against unwanted guests
Snails and slugs don’t like cork! Its rough appearance discourages them from venturing near your crops. Scatter it around your plants: 100% natural and environmentally friendly protection, without chemicals. This barrier can also slow down ants and other small pests. With a little creativity, you can even make decorative borders. The result: better protected plants and a healthier garden.
Tip 4: natural soil enrichment
What if your corks became fertilizer? As they slowly decompose, they release nutrients that are beneficial for the soil. A natural boost that promotes the growth of your plants, while aerating the soil thanks to their porous texture. This decomposition enriches the compost if you choose to add your corks. In addition, their aerated structure helps maintain the biological balance of the soil.
A simple, environmentally friendly solution that makes perfect sense! And you, have you already tried these tips with your corks? Do you have any other ideas for recycling them in the garden? Are you interested in this subject? Feel free to give us your opinion or share your experience with us. Please report any errors in the text, click here to post a comment.
