Gardening expert reveals the very unexpected secret ingredient that could keep your plants thriving during the heatwave
As temperatures have been soaring recently, green-thumbed brits have become increasingly concerned about how the searing heat will be affecting their beloved plants.
However, Waine Delaney, a mushroom specialist at Monotub, has suggested not all may may be lost. According to the expert, watering plants with the mushrooms mixed into the liquid could be the key to helping them survive the heat.
Mushrooms are particularly useful in the garden as they are natural sponges meaning when they are submerged in water they act as a ‘hydration pod’.
Mushroom-infused water therefore infuses more slowly into the soil than ordinary water – and also evaporates far slower during the hottest times of the day.
As well as keeping plants better hydrated, the infused water also nourishes them with micronutrients which are naturally found in the fungus.
Mushrooms are packed with nutrients such as potassium, selenium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are typically used up faster by plants in warmer temperatures.
Feeding plants with this infused water is also far less harsh than using typical shop-bought feeds which can increase the risk of overfeeding.
Opting for mushroom water over the hose pipe can also have long term positive impacts in the garden.
Waine Delaney, a mushroom specialist at Monotub, says that watering plants with mushroom infused water will keep them better hydrated and more well nourished (stock image)
Mushroom water an be made by soaking any type of mushroom in water for 12-24 hours (stock image)
Mushrooms grow from fungi which contain mycelium, a root-like network of fungal threads found within the soil.
The infused water contains mycelial matter which, when poured on to flowerbeds, encourages fungal activity.
Increasing the presence of this root network in soil means all the plants in that soil can improve their uptake of water, as the soil retains moisture for longer.
Mushroom water can be made at home with any variety of the veggie, by simply soaking a chopped handful in tap water for 12-24 hours. Even better, the same mushrooms can be used up to 2-3 times before being composted.
Similar to normal watering practices, the best results from using the infused water come when watering plants after the sun has set.
Geoff Stonebanks, 71, has a multi-award winning garden in Seaford, East Sussex. He has also stressed the importance of keeping plants hydrated in the summer months.
The gardener suggested using the reservoir method paired with watering plants less but for longer periods.
He said: ‘Try not to frequently water the garden – instead do it less but water for longer periods.
Delaney’s tip comes after the UK enjoyed the hottest day of the year over the weekend (Pictured; hundreds of beach-goers cooling off on Brighton’s shores)
‘Short bursts of watering can mean it doesn’t have the opportunity to sink into the ground before being evaporated,’ he pointed out.
‘A heavy douse will ensure plant roots remain moist for longer.’
Geoff then gave details on how to best hold and make use of excess water by creating a reservoir with tin foil at the base of plant pots.
He said: ‘How often do you go to water the pots on the wall and the water just runs straight through them, without giving the moisture chance to soak up into the compost and subsequently the plants?
‘By creating an inner saucer, where excess water can flow over the side and through the hole at the base, you ensure some is retained to be able to be absorbed by the plants.
‘It works well with all containers, not just wall pots. I’ve been successfully using the idea for many years.’
