You’ve probably heard the saying about leftover pasta water being like liquid gold. However, you almost certainly don’t think twice about what happens to the water used when you boil potatoes. Next time, think about it.
It may surprise you to know that starchy, cloudy water from boiled potatoes can be a powerful natural fertilizer.
The incredible amount of nutrients and minerals found in potato water can make a difference to indoor and outdoor plants’ well-being. In every 100 grams of this natural plant food, you’ll find 350 mg of potassium (K), a macronutrient that plants need to build immunity against environmental stress, along with phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, and zinc.
Spud water has more potassium than bananas, but it also has protein, iron and B6 vitamins. These nutrients are essential for plants and can be obtained without the need to visit the hardware store.
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There are some precautions that should be taken, despite the fact that leftover potato water can still benefit plants. To be safe and effective, you must make starchy water. Unsalted potato water. Salted potato water can be used in your garden to help eradicate weeds and other plant species. Salted potato water works well for broad-leaf and other weeds when it is used immediately.
Salt-free potato water, on the other hand, is a great source of supplemental food for both indoors and outdoors plants. It is possible to recycle potato water by using potato water alone. It provides plants with essential nutrients and other benefits. Potato water is a great addition to any plant food that you have. It will give you strong, sturdy, and beautiful plants.
While we’re recycling potato water, let’s not forget about those precious tuber peels. Potato peels can be used for organic fertilizer. Potato peels increase soil fertility by adding potassium and phytonutrients that plants love.
But, reaping the benefits is more complicated than just drinking leftover potato water. Before potato peels are put in the garden, it is important to compost them. Avoiding this step and directly sprinkling the peels into your garden can attract pests such as deer, rabbits and rats.
If you are having potatoes for dinner, don’t throw out the leftover water. Make sure to stir up the potato water before you add it to your plants. Add it to your plant food container and water as usual.