Is Aquafaba Good for Plants?

Aquafaba is a somewhat new, but popular ingredient in many vegan recipes. It's typically used as an egg replacement due to its unique properties. Aquafaba is the liquid that's leftover from canned chickpeas, and it has a similar texture and consistency to egg white. Besides being useful in cooking, many people have wondered if aquafaba is good for plants.

The Benefits of Aquafaba for Plants

Research has shown that aquafaba can be an excellent fertilizer for plants. As a byproduct of cooking chickpeas, aquafaba retains the essential plant nutrients that are typically lost in the canned chickpea process. Aquafaba is incredibly rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are the three essential macronutrients needed for plant growth. The combination of these nutrients makes aquafaba an excellent fertilizer that can improve plant health and growth.

One of the best things about aquafaba as a fertilizer is that it's entirely natural, and environmentally friendly. It's a sustainable fertilizer option, as it repurposes what would otherwise be waste. Using aquafaba to feed your plants also reduces the need for chemical fertilizers which can harm the environment and any nearby wildlife.

How to Use Aquafaba as Fertilizer

Using aquafaba as fertilizer is easy, and you don't need to be a gardening expert to do it. You can test it out by mixing the aquafaba with your existing soil to give your plants a nutrient boost. Alternatively, you can use a spray bottle to apply the liquid directly to the leaves of your plants. Make sure you dilute it with some water before applying it to the plants to prevent any damage.

The amount you'll need to use will depend on the size of your plants and how much aquafaba you have. So, in the beginning, it might be best to start out with a smaller amount and experiment with how your plants react. As a general rule, aim for around 1/4 cup of aquafaba per plant, but you can adjust as needed.

Final Thoughts

If you're looking for an all-natural, budget-friendly way to fertilize your plants, then aquafaba is an excellent option. It's rich in essential plant nutrients, easy to use, and environmentally friendly. Plus, it's a great way to give a second life to something that would typically be thrown away.

So, next time you open a can of chickpeas to make a vegan recipe, save the aquafaba and put it to good use in your garden.