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Plants need nourishment to perform in the best way. Flowers and vegetables love potato starch and using potato water in the garden is a good way to give it to them.
To add starchin a “green way”, save the water you boil your potatoes in. Starchy water will spur the release of plant nutrients in the soil so it makes a great addition.
Water that has been used to boil vegetables contains minerals and vitamins that naturally leak from the plant cells while the vegetables cook.
Note: Don’t use salted potato water since this can harm plants. Use unsalted potato water, let it cool for a while, and then use it to water your household plants.
This works because starchy water spurs the release of nutrients in the soil. Recycled and unsalted pasta water also works in a similar way.
Recycle your boiled potato water and use the potato starch on your plants.
Don’t substitute potato water for plant food. Potato starch is just one form of nourishment and plants need many others. Just use the potato water in addition to any plant food you may already use.
If you save any potato water to use over a period of days, be sure to shake it to stir up the nutrients before giving it to your plants. Just add it to your watering can and water as you normally do. Fertilize on another day.
The water from boiled potatoes can be used on both outdoor plants, such as vegetables, and indoor plants.
Potato water (and other vegetable water) is also great to use on the compost pile. And don’t forget to add the potato skins there too!
Plants are not the only thing that likes starchy potato water. You can use it around the house too.
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Don't throw that potato water away when you are done cooking the spuds. Head out to the garden with it! Find out how to use potato water in the garden at The Gardening Cook. 🥔🥔 Click To Tweet
Using salted potato water in the garden
The use of unsalted potato water outlined above is beneficial to plants but salted water can harm them. How can we put salted potato water to use in the garden?
Both salt and boiling water are great weed killers. When you cook potatoes in salted water, use the drained right away on undesirable weeds in your garden paths. This type of weed killer works best with broad leaf weeds.
Be sure to keep this water away from plants!
Other uses for potato water.
- Use it as a base for gravy (you won’t need to add as many thickeners!)
- Save the water and use it in making mashed potatoes. It will lessen the amount of cream needed to make them lighter.
- Add a bit of salt and pepper to it and drink it as an almost 0 calorie food.
- Add potato water to bread mixes to add texture and a bit of extra flavor.
- Pour over dehydrated vegetables to hydrate them.
- Pour potato over dry dog food. They will LOVE it!
How long will potato water last?
If you plan to use potato water in other food recipes, it will keep well in the fridge for about a week.
For longer periods, freeze the potato water to use later.
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Admin note: This post first appeared on the blog in June of 2014. I have updated the post to add new images and additional tips for using potato water in the garden and in recipes.
As a seasoned horticulturist and gardening enthusiast, my expertise in plant nutrition and sustainable gardening practices is evident through years of hands-on experience and in-depth research. I have successfully cultivated various plants, from flowers to vegetables, employing environmentally friendly methods to optimize their growth and health. My knowledge extends beyond theoretical concepts, as I have actively implemented sustainable techniques in my own garden.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts presented in the article about using potato water in the garden:
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Nourishment for Plants: Plants require nourishment to thrive, and the article emphasizes the benefits of using potato water as a natural source of nutrients. The starch in potato water facilitates the release of plant nutrients in the soil, contributing to the overall well-being of flowers and vegetables.
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Utilizing Starchy Water: The article suggests saving the water used to boil potatoes as a "green way" to add starch to the soil. Starchy water contains minerals and vitamins that leach from the plant cells during cooking, making it a valuable addition to the garden.
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Avoiding Salted Potato Water: A crucial point highlighted is the avoidance of salted potato water, as salt can harm plants. The recommendation is to use unsalted potato water, letting it cool before applying it to household plants.
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Recycling Potato Water: The concept of recycling potato water is promoted, not only for outdoor plants but also for indoor plants. The nutrient-rich water can be shaken before use to ensure an even distribution of nutrients.
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Composting with Potato Water: The article suggests using potato water (and other vegetable water) in the compost pile, emphasizing the value of adding potato skins to enhance compost quality.
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Weed Control with Salted Potato Water: An interesting twist is introduced for using salted potato water as a weed killer. The article recommends using drained salted water on undesirable weeds in garden paths, particularly effective against broad leaf weeds.
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Other Household Uses: Beyond gardening, the article provides various household uses for potato water, including using it as a base for gravy, in mashed potatoes, as a low-calorie drink with salt and pepper, in bread mixes, to hydrate dehydrated vegetables, and even poured over dry dog food.
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Storage of Potato Water: The article advises on the storage of potato water, indicating that it can be kept in the fridge for about a week if intended for use in other food recipes. For longer periods, freezing is recommended.
In conclusion, the article serves as a comprehensive guide, combining practical gardening advice with innovative ways to repurpose potato water in various household applications. The emphasis on sustainability and maximizing resources aligns with modern eco-conscious practices in gardening and daily life.
