FoodPotato water: A natural and effective plant fertilizer

Potato water: A natural and effective plant fertilizer

Water after boiling potatoes - Deliciousness
Water after boiling potatoes - Deliciousness
Images source: © Adobe Stock

28 July 2024 17:07

Potatoes are one of the most popular side dishes for dinner, especially when the menu includes cutlets or meats stewed in sauce. Cooking them is simple - it is time to drain them once they are soft. Instead of pouring the water down the sink, saving it for later is worth saving.

Let's think about how many times a week we cook potatoes. And how many times do we pour the water from cooking them down the sink? It turns out that potato water is excellent for fertilizing plants. This way, you will not only save money on chemicals but also take care of your home garden. If you notice that your potted, balcony, or garden flowers are starting to wither, it's time to cook some potatoes for dinner.

Potato cooking water - cheap fertilizer for plants

Potato water is a real treasure for houseplants. It is rich in minerals that houseplants love. It contains primarily potassium, which strengthens plant leaves and makes their flowers more lush. The second important component of this natural fertilizer is phosphorus, which positively affects the development of the plant's root system. Meanwhile, starch protects plants from pests and strengthens them.

How to water plants?

To use potato water as a plant fertilizer, we need to remember a few important rules. First, we cannot add salt to it - otherwise, instead of helping, we will harm our plants. Second, the water must be cooled before using it. Always pour it directly onto the soil, not directly onto the plants themselves. As for watering frequency, there are no major restrictions here, as it can be done almost every time.

It only takes a moment of inattention for the water from the potatoes to spill onto the stove.
It only takes a moment of inattention for the water from the potatoes to spill onto the stove.© Adobe Stock

Potato starch for houseplants

Potato starch, like potato water, provides potassium, phosphorus, and calcium to support the growth of potted plants.

Simply remove about 1 centimetre (cm) of soil from the top of the pot and sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of potato starch there. Then, add soil and mix it with the starch. Place fresh potting soil on top, activating the microorganisms that process the starch. Now, just water regularly and enjoy a lush, domestic crop.

Potato starch also goes into the bowl, among other things.
Potato starch also goes into the bowl, among other things.© Licensor | Pyszności
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