A simple addition from your kitchen could save your plants in days according to experts
Mushroom water can act as a mild nutrition boost for plants(Image: GETTY)
Gardeners are being urged to look in their kitchens for the surprising ingredient that could help their foliage thrive in the winter months: mushrooms. Experts from Urban Farm-It explained how the fungi in your pantry can translate to happy and healthy plants, whether they’re in the ground or in pots and containers.
Dubbed ‘mushroom water’, this unusual concoction uses the liquid that’s left after soaking mushrooms to water your plants. This liquid holds an array of organic compounds and minerals vital for plant development without being too aggressive on even your most delicate bulbs.
The experts explained: “Mushroom water is simply the liquid left after soaking mushrooms in water. When mushrooms are soaked, small amounts of their mycelial matter may enter the water.
“Once poured onto the soil, this could encourage fungal activity that improves water retention and helps plants take up moisture more efficiently. It could act as a natural tonic for your soil, carrying organic compounds and minerals from the mushrooms that may help nourish plants.
“Because mushroom water is mild, it is less likely to overwhelm plants. Instead, it could slowly release moisture into the soil, supporting hydration while reducing the risk of nutrient burn.”
Making mushroom water is also incredibly simple and cheap, ensuring this hack doesn’t break the bank. The experts suggested starting with just a handful of chopped mushrooms.
It doesn’t matter if these are fresh or fried. Submerge them in water and leave the mushrooms for 12 to 24 hours to allow their sponge-like nature to truly release.
This infusion can then be poured around the base of your plants, allowing it to seep into the soil. You can still use your tried and tested gardening methods and products on top of this concoction, too.
The experts noted that it might even double down on the green results: “Mulching soil, watering early in the day, and protecting young plants with covers could all work alongside mushroom water to give gardens extra resilience.”
Mushroom water also shouldn’t interfere with the rest of your gardening routine, like commercial fertiliser, which may increase the amount of water needed to work with the plant. The mushroom water can slowly release water into the soil while also enhancing water absorption.
However, as with any change in your garden, it’s best to keep a keen eye on your plants when you’ve used mushroom water for the first time to ensure they are responding well to the change.
Mushroom water also won’t replace the need for fertilisers or watering your plants entirely. Instead, it simply offers an added nutrition boost that could save your plants during trying times such as the approaching winter season.
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