Overview

• Gardeners are increasingly adopting repurposed corks in potting mixes and as surface mulch after detailed July 21 usage guides
• The step-by-step guides recommend placing whole or crushed corks at the base of containers, mixing them into soil or using them as organic mulch
• Cork’s highly porous cell structure moderates moisture retention while improving oxygen flow around plant roots
• Incorporating corks enhances drainage to prevent waterlogging and supplies nutrients such as phosphorus, potassium and magnesium as it decomposes
• As a top layer, cork pieces deter small pests like compost mosquitoes and slugs, suppress weeds and buffer soil temperature extremes