Plants will grow more blooms when watered with a homemade mushroom water solution, according to gardening experts. This natural tonic, made by steeping mushrooms in water, delivers beneficial vitamins and minerals to plants, particularly during summer heatwaves.
Benefits of Mushroom Water
Unlike powerful fertilisers, mushroom water offers a gentler alternative that is less likely to overpower plants. The experts from Urban Farm-It explained: "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."
Because the mushroom water is extremely mild, it reduces the risk of nutrient burn while slowly releasing moisture into the soil. The experts noted: "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."
How to Make Mushroom Water
Preparing mushroom water at home is simple and requires no specialist equipment. Begin 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 directly at the base of your plants, avoiding the foliage to prevent fungal problems.
This solution delivers vital nutrients including potassium, phosphorus, and trace amounts of amino acids. It can be applied to any garden plants, including houseplants, which often need extra vitamins during summer.
Best Practices
The experts recommend using mushroom water alongside other established gardening practices for maximum effectiveness. 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."
