Right now – during the heating season, there is a big problem with watering potted plants. Many people don’t know how often to do this. As a result, the roots of the specimens suffer from overwatering or drying out. However, you can retain moisture in the soil for longer and limit irrigation. We don’t have to buy hydrogels at all. All you need is a certain product from… a wine bottle.
We will prevent the soil in the pot from drying out quickly if we put… a wine cork in it. This part of the bottle has a porous structure that absorbs water like a sponge.
It is worth putting the cork into the plant’s pot because it will then absorb water. It will gradually release moisture into the soil, keeping it constantly moisturized.
Therefore, we will not have to water the specimens every now and then. The roots will be protected against both drying and sudden temperature changes. This trick may also be helpful in summer, when flowers are exposed to strong sunlight.
We can also cut the cork and put its pieces in a pot or spread them around the base of the plant. This method allows you to keep the soil loose and aerated. Therefore, it will not compact and there will be no root rot or mold growth.
Importantly, the cork is biodegradable and completely safe for the substrate of potted plants. This clever trick is often used in organic farming.
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For plants, we choose a cork made of natural wood, which does not have any paint or varnish. We can put it whole or in pieces in winter or place it on its surface – then we will limit the evaporation of water from the substrate.
Corks decompose slowly – it may take even several years. However, we recommend replacing them from time to time when they lose their elasticity.
This part of the bottle can be used not only for potted plants, but also for the care of garden specimens. For example, it is worth crushing it and using it as drainage to prevent water stagnation.
We recommend scattering crushed cork near plants where weeds grow. Such material will limit their development.
Moreover, we can combine it with and pour it onto the ground. This mixture will improve the structure of the soil and additionally provide it with valuable calcium. The condition of the specimens will be improved and the balance in the soil will be maintained.
