Leftover pasta water can be poured onto flower beds instead of down the sink, giving plants a mild nutrient boost while saving mains water, according to experts.
The cooking liquid is thought to contain a small amount of nutrients that can benefit plants, but it should be unsalted and left to cool before use. Experts broadly agree that using it in the garden is a good idea, with the main caveats being seasoning and temperature.
Gardening experts weigh in
In an article for Homes & Gardens, the publication's gardening team said: "Our team of gardening experts were in agreement: pasta water is a good way to save water and, provided it's not salted or seasoned, won't harm your plants."
They added: "And while it might be able to offer very mild fertilisation, it shouldn't be substituted for your usual house plant feed."
Feed supplement for plants
Garden writer Simon Akeroyd also urges people not to discard the water. He wrote: "Don’t throw away the water you cooked your pasta in. Allow it to cool and then use it to feed and water your plants. It acts as a tonic or feed supplement for your plants."
Akeroyd explained: "Pasta water contains lots of starch which my encourages soil microbes and healthy plant growth. Pasta water also contains a few nutrients such as calcium, potassium and iron which can help boost plant growth and act as a support to other plant feeds."
He also cautioned that very starchy water should be diluted: "If the pasta water is very starchy you can water it down as too much starch could encourage mould to form."
Using the leftover liquid is also a simple way to reduce water waste, as it cuts down on the amount drawn from the mains. So long as the water contains no salt and has cooled thoroughly, it can be poured directly over flower beds.
