Plants will thrive when watered with 1 solution that 'nourishes' them—not banana water
Watering plants with a homemade water solution can help them thrive, according to experts.
Plants need water daily throughout the summer in order to thrive, especially those in containers. While some gardeners may opt to support their plants by making their own banana water, experts have shared a new vegetable-watering hack that could help plants during a heatwave.
It involves using mushrooms, which, when soaked in water, can provide the entire garden with a multitude of beneficial vitamins and minerals. The experts from Urban Farm-It said: "Mushroom water is simply the liquid left after soaking mushrooms in water. It could act as a natural tonic for your soil, carrying organic compounds and minerals from the mushrooms that nourishes plants."
What are the benefits of mushroom water on plants?
Unlike strong fertilisers, this “gentler” method may offer a more balanced option.
According to the experts, because the mushroom water is super mild, it is less likely to overwhelm plants.
They added: “Instead, it could slowly release moisture in the soil, supporting hydration while reducing the risk of nutrient burn.
“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 can be used on any garden plants, including houseplants, which often need extra vitamins throughout the summer months.
How to make mushroom water
Making mushroom water at home is straightforward, too, requiring no special equipment.
Start by chopping a handful of fresh or dried mushrooms and soaking them in water for 12 to 24 hours.
The infusion can then be poured at the base of your plants, where it will gradually seep into the soil. It's important not to get water, or any water, on foliage, as it can damage the plant or lead to fungal issues.
It’ll help to provide nutrients such as potassium, phosphorus and small amounts of amino acids.
The experts added that mushroom water may work best when used alongside other gardening practices to get the most out of it.
They said: “Mulching soil, watering early in the day, and protecting young plants with covers could all work alongside mushroom water to give gardens extra resilience.”
