Stop Tossing Corn Husks When There Are 7 Clever Ways To Repurpose Them

Before you toss your used corn husks into the trash, you might want to hold on to them for just a little while longer. As it turns out, this organic material is useful for more than just growing and housing corn. It can also be used as a nutrient-rich compost, as a craft supply for DIY projects, and as a key item in some of your favorite holiday decor. Saving them for later use could even save you some extra cash when it comes to gardening or shopping.

Internet communities have begun to share their favorite ways to reuse corn husks, and, given the autumnal time of year, this advice couldn't come at a better moment. Whether you grow your own corn or you purchase it at a store, husk and all, you can easily reuse the discarded husks around your home and garden. This sturdy material is surprisingly versatile.

One of the most common uses for discarded corn husks is as compost. Typically comprised of decaying organic material, compost is full of nutrients and is used to boost your soil's health and fertility. Given that corn husks contain ample amounts of carbon, they are a healthy addition to your compost. Don't toss the silky strands inside the corn husks either; they can also be thrown into your compost pile.

If you need a quick and easy fire starter, dried corn and corn husks make for an excellent alternative. After you shuck your corn, make sure to store the husks somewhere dry to get rid of any remaining moisture. Whether you want to save some for your next camping trip or keep them for an autumn bonfire, these husks will definitely come in handy. They can catch fire quickly, but only if they're super dry. 

Corn husks are known for their role in a traditional Native American craft: corn husk dolls. Native Americans were known for using every part of corn, from the husks to the silk. These faceless dolls were originally created as children's toys as well as for religious purposes, but can also be decorative. To make them, you need corn husks soaked in water, scissors, and yarn. Stack four to six husks, tying them together at the top for the head. To make the arms, roll two more husks and tie knots at the ends for hands.

From corn husk dolls to full woven baskets, corn husks have been used as a simple craft material for centuries. When the husks are soaked in water, their texture becomes malleable and easy to form into different shapes. While there are many options for corn husk crafts, weaving baskets and bags is often a popular choice. To prep for these projects, it's recommended to soak the husks in a mix of water and bleach. Once shaped or woven, the husks must then be left to air dry. 

Corn husks can also be used as a topsoil layer to prevent weeds, also known as an alternative to standard mulch for your garden. If you shred or tear your discarded corn husks into smaller strips, you can spread them out over your soil to help reduce weed growth and keep the soil at ideal temperature and moisture levels. The husks eventually break down, working as a nutrient-rich compost material. To ensure the husk pieces don't blow away in the wind, soak them in water first to weigh them down before adding them to your soil.

One of the most popular corn husk projects is a decorative wreath, which you can display on your front door. You will need husks, a foam wreath base, and pins. Once you've soaked the husks until they are soft, you can start folding and securing them to the base all the way around. You can get creative with how you arrange your husks, adding dried flowers and making your very own unique wreath for the season. 

If you want to wow your holiday guests with a DIY table centerpiece, you can use corn husks to create a stunning statement on your dining room table. While you may have seen some Internet users create centerpieces using full cobs of corn, you can also just use the husks. Once the husks are softened, you can form them into any shape you desire: pumpkins, Christmas trees, bows, etc. To get started, you'll need your husks, a Styrofoam base in the shape of your choice, and hot glue or pins to secure everything together.