Potato peelings to plant power: The eco‑friendly gardening tip

Potatoes are one of the most popular side dishes for dinner, mainly when the menu includes cutlets or meats stewed in sauce. Cooking them is simple – it is time to drain them once they are soft. Instead of pouring the water down the sink, saving it for later is worth saving.

Let's think about how many times a week we cook potatoes. And how often do we pour the water from cooking them down the sink? It turns out that potato water is excellent for fertilising plants. This way, you will save money on chemicals and take care of your home garden. If you notice that your potted, balcony, or garden flowers are starting to wither, it's time to cook some potatoes for dinner.

Potato water is a real treasure for houseplants. It is rich in minerals that houseplants love. It primarily contains potassium, which strengthens plant leaves and promotes lush flowers. The second essential component of this natural fertiliser is phosphorus, which positively affects the development of the plant's root system. Meanwhile, starch protects plants from pests and fortifies them.

We need to remember a few important rules to use potato water as a plant fertiliser. First, we cannot add salt to it – otherwise, instead of helping, we will harm our plants. Second, the water must be cooled before using it. Always pour it directly onto the soil, not directly onto the plants themselves. As for watering frequency, there are no major restrictions here, as it can be done almost every time.

Potato starch, like potato water, provides potassium, phosphorus, and calcium to support the growth of potted plants.

Simply remove about half a centimetre of soil from the top of the pot and sprinkle about one teaspoon of potato starch there. Then, add soil and mix it with the starch. Place fresh potting soil on top, activating the microorganisms that process the starch. Now, just water regularly and enjoy a lush, domestic crop.