Gardeners urged to soak mushrooms in water for 1 important reason

Gardeners looking for a natural way to give their plants a boost have been handed a surprisingly simple tip straight from the kitchen, soaking mushrooms to create "mushroom water."

Experts from Urban Farm-It say this easy technique could act as a gentle, organic tonic for your garden. Mushroom water is simply the liquid left behind after soaking mushrooms in water, carrying nutrients and compounds that may benefit soil and plants alike.

"Mushroom water is mild but packed with organic goodness," a spokesperson for Urban Farm-It said.

"It could slowly release moisture into the soil while adding trace minerals, supporting plant health without the risk of nutrient burn that stronger fertilisers can cause."

The secret lies in the sponge-like qualities of mushrooms themselves.

Small amounts of mycelial matter can seep into the water during soaking. When poured onto soil, this may encourage fungal activity that helps retain water and improves the soil's ability to feed plants.

Essentially, mushroom water could help your garden get the most out of every drop of moisture.

Creating the infusion at home is straightforward and requires no special tools.

Simply chop a handful of fresh or dried mushrooms and leave them to soak in water for 12 to 24 hours.

The resulting liquid can then be poured at the base of your plants, gradually seeping into the soil.

Urban Farm-It experts note that mushroom water works best when paired with other good gardening practices. "Mulching the soil, watering early in the day, and protecting young plants with covers can all complement the effects of mushroom water," they said.

While the technique won't replace fertilisers entirely, it offers gardeners a natural, low-risk way to nourish plants and improve soil resilience.

For anyone looking to combine sustainability with smart gardening, mushroom water could be a simple addition to their weekly routine.

With autumn approaching and cooler, wetter conditions on the way, this kitchen-to-garden trick could help plants stay hydrated, healthy, and ready to thrive into the next season.