Add this surprisingly common pet waste to your soil for thriving leafy greens
If you've got a fish tank at home, there's a surprising gardening hack you can start using next time you need to clean it.
Fish owners can turn a rather smelly aspect of tank maintenance into a gardening advantage. The water drained from freshwater aquariums is a rich source of nutrients, especially nitrogen, which plants love. This liquid gold can be used to hydrate and fertilize a variety of plants, from herbs like basil and mint to vegetables such as tomatoes and lettuce.
Even fruiting plants like strawberries and citrus trees benefit from this natural fertilizer. The reason behind this is that the ammonia in fish waste converts into nitrite, providing a plant fertilizer boost. However, not all aquariums are suitable for this gardening hack. Saltwater tanks are a no-go due to the salt content, which makes it difficult for plant roots to absorb water.
Additionally, if chemicals or medications have been added to the tank, it's crucial to ensure they are plant-safe before using the water for gardening. Proper care and attention can turn a smelly chore into a rewarding gardening experience.
Written by urgent.news from Tom's Guide's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
