If you have a hard time remembering to water your houseplants, here's a little trash-to-treasure idea that can help them live a little longer. When you repot your houseplant, add a few broken-up natural wine corks to the soil. The corks are both biodegradable and highly absorbent, meaning they'll retain water in the soil like a sponge. But unlike most sponges, which are not natural, these will break down over time. And when they do hold onto excess moisture, they'll gently release it into the soil, helping to extend the time between waterings.
ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION