Water and fertilize your houseplants/potted plants
Water your House & Potted Plants
My grandmother had a simple rule for watering and fertilizing houseplants. She used predominately Water Days to water and fertilize houseplants and potted plants. As the name suggests, using this quality will help your plants absorb moisture and nutrients more effectively. This rhythm will establish a healthy routine.
If your plants need more water or fertilising, then opt to top up on an Earth Day. The only rule is to avoid Air Days!
Following this rhythm helps avoid the most common problems: over-watering and under-watering. It will also restore vitality to dried-out or stressed plants. If you don’t see much of an improvement with this routine, then the problem lies with the wrong soil or too much/not enough sun/shade.
The garden should not be watered at all, except in times of extreme drought. If you keep watering your plants too much, they become ‘lazy’ and won’t produce deep roots. In the long term, that’s not healthy.
The right way to water houseplants:
As well as frequency, it is also important to do it the right way. Fill a big watering can with water (ideally rainwater). If you only have tap water to hand, leave it to stand for 24 hours. Add a small shot of liquid fertilizer (see below for homemade recipes) and water between the topsoil layer and the rim of the pot. The plant will now take up the water it needs. Any excess should be able to drain into a waterproof dish. This is important, as no drainage and the plant will hold excess water and eventually die.
My tip is to go around watering and don’t worry if you add too much water. After about an hour, go around again and dispose of all the excess water that has now gathered in the waterproof dish.
Signs of underwatering include leaves curling and getting brown edges, the oldest leaves falling first, wilted leaves, and little growth, not enough flowers forming.
Signs of overwatering: leaves also look brown and wilted with brown tips. Both young and old leaves fall, and mould forms at the leaf stem, together with an unpleasant smell.
Misting: During the winter months, when the central heating is on or in a very dry, continental climate, it is not enough to just water the plants. They also need to be misted with a misting water bottle. Use on leaves and flowers in the morning or evening, avoiding direct sunlight.
Fertilizing:
If you live in a small space or an urban setting, it is best to buy a good, reputable liquid fertilizer. Algae-based ones are also very good. Add a capful to a 5-litre watering can. This should be enough.
MY TOP TIP: SIMPLE NATURAL PLANT FEEDS
A gentle, natural plant feed can often be made from everyday kitchen and garden leftovers.
COFFEE WATER (for houseplants and potted patio plants)
My houseplants and patio plants really love this. I collect and store coffee grounds from the cafetiere in a large jar and add 2–3 teaspoons per litre of water. Apply sparingly on suitable watering days. Many plants respond well, making additional fertilisers (almost) unnecessary.
Or you can alternate coffee water with rainwater and fertiliser for a richer alternative.
CHARCOAL WATER (for garden plants)
Wood ash from a clean, untreated fire can be used to create a mineral-rich feed, particularly beneficial for fruit and vegetables such as tomatoes, aubergines, courgettes, etc.
How to prepare:
Mix 3 handfuls of ash with 5 litres of water and stir thoroughly. Some gardeners prefer to stir slowly for several minutes. Store in glass bottles and add a small amount to the watering can when needed. Preferred use during the Gibbous Waxing Moon and around Full Moon.
NETTLE BREW (classic plant tonic)
Nettle brew is a traditional strengthening feed for weak or recovering plants. But also a good overall tonic for all leaf plants, vegetables, and lawns.
How to prepare:
Fill a large container halfway with young nettles, top up with warm water, and cover loosely to allow airflow. Stir occasionally and allow to ferment for 2–3 lunar cycles. Once ready, strain and store the liquid in a watertight container. Add 2–3 small shots per watering can.
Some Biodynamic Gardeners swear by stirring the pot for a good 20 minutes (always stir clockwise) to energize the water. Reserve this water in a couple of glass bottles and add a good shot to your watering can, especially from spring to autumn.
By the way: I only ever manage a few minutes of stirring,and it still works well!
Nettle brew can be used regularly, with charcoal water reserved for periods of strong growth, especially during the Waxing and Full Moon phases.
Use both on the general borders and alternate when you see the Water& Compost symbol
Use charcoal water on flowers and vegetables, especially during Gibbous Waxing Moon and Full Moon.
Use nettlebrew for lawncare.
Used constantly, these simple methods support a healthy, resilient garden with minimal cost and waste, but healthy and happy plants.
