Myth or fact. Should you water plants with pasta cooking water?
It is something that many recommend. Are there any benefits? Expert answers.
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Lifestyle Plantas
There are sustainable gardening hacks that don't work – and gardening expert Fiona Jenkins recently revealed to Woman & Home that pasta water, despite popular belief, doesn't give your plants much of a nutrient boost.
"Reusing pasta water can help you save water," an environmentally friendly and budget-friendly idea. But unfortunately, it doesn't always give your plants that extra something, "other than moisture".
It's thought the starch in the pasta water helps improve the soil's condition, but there's no real evidence, adds the expert.
Read Also: Eight plants that will leave a pleasant smell around the house (Portuguese version)
Phi Dang, another gardening expert, explains that while pasta water does contain potassium, magnesium and phosphorus – all important nutrients for plants – "they are not in high enough quantities to make a nutritional difference to your plant".
If you do use the water, stick to smaller doses, she warns. Plants can be sensitive to the type of water and nutrients they're given.
Fiona advises only "using pasta water sparingly on a few of your hardier outdoor plants."
Read Also: Does talking to plants help them grow? Clear up the doubt (Portuguese version)
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