What to Mix in Water for Plants

Plants need water to grow, but sometimes plain water is not enough to give them the nutrients they need. This is where added supplements can help. In this article, we’ll explore what to mix in water for plants to ensure they’re getting the necessary nutrients to thrive.

Fertilizers

Fertilizers are one of the most common additives to water for plants. They’re high in nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are essential for plant growth. There are many types of fertilizers available, including synthetic and organic. Synthetic fertilizers are those that are created in laboratories, while organic fertilizers are made from natural materials like animal wastes, plant materials or rock minerals. It’s important to read the labels carefully to ensure that you’re using the right fertilizer for the specific plant you’re tending to.

Epsom Salts

Epsom salts contain magnesium and sulfur which can improve soil quality and help plants absorb nutrients. Mix one teaspoon of Epsom salts with one gallon of water and apply it to the plant’s soil. Epsom salts can be used on vegetables, flowers, and even houseplants.

Vinegar

Household vinegar contains acetic acid which can help lower the pH of alkaline soil. This acid will make nutrients more accessible to plants. Mix one tablespoon of vinegar with one gallon of water and pour it around the root zone for acid-loving plants like azaleas, hydrangeas, and blueberries. It’s important to note that vinegar can damage plants if used in excess or on plants that prefer alkaline soil.

Compost Tea

Compost tea is made by soaking compost in water to create a liquid fertilizer. This process allows the nutrients in the compost to be extracted and made available for plant uptake. To create compost tea, add one heaped tablespoon of compost to a gallon of water and let it sit for two or three days. Once the tea is ready, strain the compost out and use the liquid to irrigate your plants.

Fish Emulsion

Fish emulsion is a natural fertilizer made from decomposed fish. It’s high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium which makes it an excellent fertilizer for leafy green plants like lettuce and spinach. It’s also great for flowering plants that need a boost of nutrients. Follow the instructions on the bottle to create a solution of fish emulsion and water for your plants.

Bone Meal

Bone meal is a type of organic fertilizer made from finely ground animal bones. It’s high in phosphorus which is essential for root growth and flower and fruit production. Mix one tablespoon of bone meal with one gallon of water and apply it around the root zone of your plants.

Final Thoughts

Using the right mix of water and supplements can give your plants the nutrients they need to flourish. Whether you choose to use synthetic or organic fertilizers, vinegar, bone meal, or Epsom salts, it’s important to read the labels carefully and follow the instructions to avoid harming your plants. Always start with a conservative application of any supplement and observe how your plants respond before increasing the concentration. Remember that each plant has different nutrient requirements, and it’s important to adjust your treatment accordingly.