Using non-acidic vegetable water for houseplants

LaurieLovesLearning

I had some cooled leftover water from blanching peas. I used it to water my plants.

I had a random thought as I was watering my plants. I wondered if anyone knew if since peas fix nitrogen, if there might be any extra nitrogen benefit in the leftover water?

Lisa K

I really could not find anything definitive about nitrogen, but one article stated that the vitamins that are most effected by cooking vegetables in water are the water-soluble vitamins and since nitrogen is a gas, maybe some is still left in the water.

LaurieLovesLearning

@Lisa K I just never questioned before, what actually could be left in the water that the plants would use. I know beneficial things do dissolve into the water, and just the same, heat will destroy some things as well.

It was just an interesting question to me. It also made me wonder if certain leftover waters might be more beneficial for some plants than others.

Lisa K

It is a very good question, the way I look at it, it can't hurt.

The question I came up with is one vegetable better than others? The other day I had an artichoke and poured the water in a potted plant that is outside, but would it be OK for a houseplant?

A very thought provoking question you came up with!

Torey

Not sure how much of the nutrients would be transferred in the short time peas are in the water from blanching but you are on the right track and it certainly can't hurt. I think heat might destroy the vitamins but not the minerals.

Here is an article on using vegetable water and even pasta water to provide more nutrients to plants.

https://eastrivernursery.com/blog/21557/watering-plants-use-cooking-water-for-extra-nutrition

I'm going to have to start saving more of my waters instead of just pouring them down the drain.

I know my roses have benefited greatly from the leftover water from Epsom salts baths we were using for hubby's hand. :)

LaurieLovesLearning

I have not always used cooking water for plants, but I have at times. It has to sit to cool and sometimes before I think of these things, I've already watered my plants.

Having a stainless pail to drain it into to cool might be a good option. I can easily empty a 3 gallon pail when watering plants.

I will sometimes give this leftover water to pigs. Sometimes I've reused it in soups too.

nicksamanda11

I also used leftover whey to water plants after making mozzarella. I used it for outdoor plants. Seemed like they liked it.