Latest news with #Monotub
Daily Mirror
09-07-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Households urged to soak one vegetable in water and pour over plants
As temperatures continue to sizzle across the UK, your plants may be in for an unpleasant sauna. Luckily, an expert explains how one vegetable that can help them stay hydrated Many gardeners have been stressing over their struggling plants as UK temperatures continue to swelter – but luckily this one unlikely ingredient could help. Sadly, many British plants are adapted to cooler temperatures, which means they may have difficulty withstanding heatwaves. If plants don't receive enough water, it can damage their internal processes, leaving them dehydrated, stunted and withered. In extreme cases, they may die off completely. Fortunately, Waine Delaney, a mushroom specialist at Monotub, has suggested that there is a way to combat this, as reported by the Daily Mail. Waine reveals that the secret to protecting plants may lie in mushrooms. He explained that by watering plants with the mushrooms mixed into the liquid, you can potentially help them survive the heat. This is due to a little-known function. Mushrooms are actually known as 'hydration pods' in the garden. This is because they have the ability to behave like sponges by absorbing excess water. As such, water that has been infused with mushrooms seeps more slowly into the soil than ordinary water. It also evaporates much slower during the hottest times of the day. The benefits extend beyond increasing plants' hydration, too. Mushrooms are full of beneficial micro-nutrients which are readily absorbed by plants. Just some important nutrients that these fungi contain include potassium, copper, manganese and calcium, which have a positive impact on plant growth and function, particularly in the heat. It's also a much more cost-effective and gentle method than using shop-bought feed. Shop-bought feed can potentially lead to overfeeding, which can damage your plants. Additionally, mushrooms contain mycelial matter, which encourages the growth of fungi when poured onto flower beds. This also helps the soil to retain more water, which can then be taken up by plants. You can make mushroom water at home with any variety of the fungus. First, you need to chop a handful of mushroom before leaving them to soak in tap water for 12 - 24 hours. It's important to note that the same mushrooms can be used up to two or three times. After that, it's best to throw it in the compost, where it can be turned into fertiliser for plants. Other ways to help your plants in the heat include watering them at strategic times of day. It's best to water plants in the mornings and evenings, as it will evaporate slower from the soils surface.
Daily Mail
30-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
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. 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. '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.'
