In This Article Show
I love keeping my garden organized — but let’s be honest, most of the cheap plastic plant markers don’t last more than a season. They fade, snap, or disappear into the soil like magic.
That’s when I started looking around my house for something sturdier… and found the answer in the recycling bin. Leftover wine corks.
They’re waterproof, easy to write on, and — best of all — free. If you’ve got a few corks lying around and a few minutes to spare, you’ve got everything you need to make garden markers that actually hold up.
Why Wine Corks Make Great Garden Markers
Corks are made to last through moisture, spills, and handling — which makes them perfect for the garden. They don’t fade like plastic labels, they don’t rot like wood, and they give your garden beds a fun, rustic touch.
Plus, I feel a little better reusing something I’d normally toss. It’s a simple way to cut down on waste while making your garden look even better.
How I Make My Wine Cork Garden Markers
Here’s how I put mine together:
What You’ll Need:
- Wine corks (real cork, not synthetic)
- Bamboo skewers, chopsticks, or old forks
- A permanent marker
- A small drill or thick nail (optional)
Step-by-step:
- Write Plant Names: I use a fine-tip permanent marker to write the plant name on the side of each cork. If you want to get fancy, you can add the planting date or variety, too.
- Attach to a Stick: I poke a bamboo skewer or chopstick into the end of the cork. If the cork is tough, I use a nail or small drill bit to start the hole so I don’t split it.
- Stick Into the Soil: That’s it! I press the finished marker into the ground next to each plant. The cork stays upright and readable through the sun, rain, and watering.
A Simple Upgrade That Adds Charm
Now my garden looks more polished, I don’t mix up my basil and oregano anymore, and I’ve found a great use for something that used to go straight in the trash.
So the next time you open a bottle of wine, save the cork. With just a few supplies, you can turn it into something useful that’ll last all season — and make your garden feel a little more personal.
