Garden designer David Domoney has shared a genius way to repurpose old wine corks in the garden to benefit your plants.
David, who currently appears on ITV's Grow Your Own at Home with Alan Titchmarsh, told gardening fans on Instagram that corks make great pot feet to lift plant containers off the ground, which allows for better drainage.
The Love Your Garden presenter explained: "Use wine corks instead of buying pot feet for containers. By elevating your pot you're creating a gap between the container and the patio allowing the pot to drain effectively and preventing the soil from getting waterlogged."
Plant pot feet is a container gardening essential and a surefire way to help your plants thrive. "Great idea", said one user, while another commented: "And the best bit you get to empty the bottle of wine!"
While you can buy plant pot feet/risers from garden centres and online marketplaces like Amazon, cork is a cheaper and sustainable alternative, so the next time you finish a wine bottle, keep hold of the cork and put it to good use.
David also shared a tip for cleaning succulents without breaking the leaves. He explained: "Succulents are known for their visually interesting layered structures, as such when you are potting them bits of compost can get stuck in between the leaves. To avoid any unpleasant fungal disease, use a fine, soft paintbrush to clean them."
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The best outdoor plant pots for your garden or patio area
Dobies Ninfea Water Reservoir Planters
These roomy pots come in three different colours and, thanks to the bung at the bottom, can be used even without a saucer for indoor use.
Material: Plastic
Size: 22cm x 17cm
Keep the emphasis on your colourful flowers by keeping them in these understated rattan-effect pots. Buy individually or, if you've got plenty of plants to show off, you can order a bumper pack for just under £60 right now.
Material: Plastic
Size: 25cm x 22cm
We think this is a great price for two sturdy iron planters. They're really large too — use them to house any lemon trees or palms in your garden, or they'd also look lovely by your front door. Choose from several different shapes.
Material: Iron
Size: 30cm x 30cm and 40cm x 40cm
If you're still not over the terrazzo trend, then you need this set of planters from Made. There's also a matching stool.
Material: Stoneware
Size: 38cm - 45cm tall
Made Colleta Fibre Cement Splatter Effect Planters, Set of 2
The industrial materials palette of these planters is softened by the curved edges for an on-trend look that's perfect for urban gardens.
Material: Fibre cement
Size: 26cm/34cm high
Love the look of terracotta but don't have the budget for it? (Some of the bigger pots can be quite pricey!) This plastic version from Wilko is the next best thing.
Material: Plastic
Size: 41cm x 43cm
Here's another good budget option — this decorative pot is sturdy, hard wearing and looks far more expensive than it actually is.
Material: Clay and fibreglass
Size: 30cm x 30cm
World Menagerie Bowls Fibreglass Plant Pot
With its wide rim and shallow depth, this bowl is a perfect shape for cacti and succulents. It's available in three colours and two sizes.
Material: Fibreglass
Size: 12cm/18cm high
Gardening Express White-Washed Terracotta effect Tuscany Planter
If you're looking to create a more European-style vibe in your garden, this roomy, terracotta-style planter is the perfect accompaniment for fruit trees, as well as your larger leafy shrubs.
Material: Resin
Size: 5L capacity
Keep baby plants safe with this set of 10 classic terracotta pots. We think they'd look great displayed on an outdoor plant rack.
Material: Terracotta
Size: 13cm x 11cm
Weston Mill Pottery Terracotta Plant Pots With Saucers, pack of 10
Or, go for this terracotta set with saucers, if you want to be able to bring your plants indoors without re-potting them.
Material: Terracotta
Size: 13cm x 11cm
Delivered flat, this planter can be painted or stained whatever colour you please, if you fancy a DIY job for lockdown.
Material: Wood
Size: 60cm x 34cm
Short on outdoor space? No problem. Utilise the walls instead with these planting bags and create your own vertical garden.
Material: Felt cloth
Size: 30cm x 100cm
Liven up your outside space with this inexpensive set of colourful planters. They can be used indoors too, if you prefer.
Material: Felt cloth
Size: 10cm x 14cm
Create some serious zen in your garden with these minimal stone-effect planters.
Material: Fibreglass
Size: 50cm x 50cm/40cm x 40cm
Give your garden a bold update with one of these striking geometric pots — there are several shapes to choose from in black and white.
Material: Fibreglass
Size: 51cm x 34cm
Another inexpensive option; these square faux-wooden pots will look smart and understated on your patio.
Material: Plastic
Size: 40cm diameter
Perfect for smaller trees, this pair of planters would look great either side of your home's entryway.
Material: Plastic
Size: 56cm x 38cm
Good for those with limited outside areas, or for balconies, this minimal planter ensures you can stack as much greenery into your space as possible.
Material: Metal
Size: 40cm x 43cm
This set looks like its made from cast iron but, fortunately, is much easier to move around.
Material: Plastic
Size: 30cm and 38cm in diameter
Create a bright and beautiful herb garden by stocking up on a few of these lovely yellow pots. The reactive glaze gives the colour some real depth. It's available in orange too,
Material: Ceramic
Size: 12cm x 12cm
These would look great lining your decking or adding a finishing touch to steps.
Material: Metal
Size: 53cm, 49cm and 44cm in length
Unlike most rattan pieces, this planter is hardy enough to withstand outside, so you can bring some of its relaxed charm to your garden space — or use it indoors too.
Material: Rattan
Size: 33cm x 40cm
If you're interested in improving your home's eco-credentials, this is a good choice. It's made from FSC-certified spruce taken only from sustainable sources within the EU. Just give it some TLC with some wood treatment once a year to keep it looking its best.
Material: Wood
Size: 40cm x 40cm and 60cm x 60cm
Alternatively, there's this tapered version, which makes an elegant option for large shrubs, bushes and trees.
Material: Wood
Size: 50cm x 50cm and 60cm x 60cm
Add some trailing plants to a few of these inexpensive little wall planters to add some interest to your garden wall or fence. They're currently on sale!
Material: Pewter-effect steel
Size: 13cm x 13cm
Use this versatile trough for herbs, as a window box, or even as an ice box for beers and wine bottles in the summer. Available in two sizes.
Material: Steel
Size: 10cm x 40.5cm and 15cm x 40.5cm
Dibor Personalised Sage Green Deep Garden Planter Bucket
Looking for a gift for a gardener? This sweet sage green planter can be personalised with a message of your choice.
Material: Iron
Size: 31cm x 31cm
The London Garden Trading Co Zinc Garden Planters, set of 2
The brass welding on this pair of zinc planters makes for an unusual finish that adds some lovely contrast to the deep grey tone of the pots. Use outdoors or inside.
Material: Steel
Size: 22cm x 24cm
Fresh and bright, this versatile set will lighten up where ever they're sat — whether its inside or out.
Material: Zinc
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
