Soil compaction is a common issue when growing plants, especially when the potting soil has not been replaced or watered properly over time. When the soil becomes hard as rock, or even cracked, the plant’s roots will be damaged as they cannot respire properly or absorb water and nutrients.
This is a major problem in gardening, as it can lead to slow plant growth and eventually stunted or dead plants. Besides replacing the potting soil, there is another simple method to increase the fluffiness and air permeability of the soil, which is watering with beer.
Of course, you cannot directly water the soil with beer. The first thing you need to do is dilute the beer. Here is how you can do it:
Step 1: Choose the right type of beer
When watering plants with beer, whether it is an expensive or cheap type, the effectiveness is the same. So you can choose an affordable type of beer to save money. It is better to choose a beer with fewer additives for plant growth.
Alternatively, you can use leftover beer for watering the plants instead of buying a new bottle.
Step 2: Dilute the beer
After opening the beer can, let it sit for a while for the alcohol to evaporate. You can leave it overnight, but if you want to be more cautious, leave it for 2-3 days before use.
Next, dilute the beer with water in a ratio of 1:2 or with a lower concentration. Never use undiluted or unpasteurized beer to water the plants, as it can harm the root system.
Step 3: Water the potting soil with the diluted beer
Pour the diluted beer evenly over the potting soil, making sure to moisten the entire surface. Do not excessively water the soil at once, as this can overly saturate the soil.
Step 4: Observe the reaction
After watering with beer, observe the changes in the soil in the pot. Usually, you will notice that the soil becomes fluffier and more easily absorbs water. This is because the yeast and carbon dioxide in the beer can infiltrate the soil through small air bubbles, “loosening” the soil and improving its fluffiness and air permeability, thereby promoting root development.
Some notes when watering plants with beer
You need to control the amount of water and the frequency of watering. Do not water more than 1/3 of the volume of soil in the pot at a time, and water once or twice a week is sufficient – do not overuse.
It is important to note that this method is not a long-term soil improvement solution, but rather a temporary measure. To ensure healthy plant growth, it is recommended to replace compacted soil in a timely manner, as this will be more beneficial for the plant’s development.
Additionally, keep in mind that the beer watering method is not suitable for all types of plants. Some shrubs and herbs, such as thyme and lavender, are very sensitive to yeast and carbon dioxide. If they are “watered” with beer, they may suffer from critical conditions.
Therefore, before using this method, it is advisable to thoroughly research the characteristics and preferences of the specific plants you are growing to avoid any unnecessary risks.
According to Thoi Bao Van Hoa Nghe Thuat.