Have you ever wondered what happens to the wine corks you drop off for recycling? Most recycled wine corks that are received are ground into cork granules, which are used in many industries, from film and theater to industrial capacities. However, one of our favorite ways to use cork granules is a little closer to home - in fact, it's in our home garden.
Cork aggregate is made by mixing equal parts compost, peat, and granulated cork.
There are three main reasons cork is an ideal additive to your garden's soil.
Improves Soil Drainage and Aeration
All Natural Product
Naturally Mold & Mildew Resistant
In 2015 we began a rooftop garden using raised bed planters. Before doing anything else, we laid out a protective layer of landscape fabric between the roof and the bottom of our new beds to keep everything contained. We then layered the components on a nearby tarp to make our aggregate. We mixed it well to ensure an even spread of the three parts.
Next, we filled the raised planters with our aggregate before planting our garden. Each planter is a mix of plants to ensure the best nutrient balance in the soil. We grow cucumbers, peas, basil, peppers, and tomatoes yearly.
Since planting our garden in 2015, we have only had to add to our aggregate once. In 2021 we added more compost.
Tip from the gardener:
"Overwatering or flooding can cause some cork granules to rise to the surface similar to what happens with other light aggregates found in common potting soils - like perlite or synthetics such as styrofoam. However, cork will generally rise to a lesser extent than these alternatives as it bonds better to the soil. That said, before the start of each new growing season I blend the soil by turning it over with a hand shovel to ensure that all components are uniformly distributed." - Sonny