Expert: The Long Island Gardener - 8/15/2008

Question
Hi,

is there any benefit to plants by watering them with:
1. Garlic water
2. Rice water
3. Vegetables water
4. Aquarium water

Thank's and rgds,

Ari

Answer
When it's injured, Garlic produces Allicin, an unstable compound made during an emergency to defend Garlic from attack by microbes.  Its usefulness -- which to me is questionable -- may be covered by the U.S. Patent No. 7052708, listed under 'Compositions and methods of crop protection' to repel Insect and Animal pests in some convoluted formula that also includes material taken from Daffodils and various other sundry chemicals.

But I do not believe that a simple mixture of Garlic, Rice or Vegetables and Water would be taken up by a plant and as a result improve any facet of the plant's life.  As a spray, Garlic will repel insects.  You ask however about watering with Garlic.  I cannot see any reason watering with Garlic or Rice or Vegetable would make say a Begonia smell like Garlic and repel pests from attacking, and they would not convey any nutrients to the plant they were watered into.

Aquarium Water -- from a freshwater Aquarium tank -- would be quite excellent.  Reason:  It is chemical free and it holds a very healthy population of beneficial microbes by the time you're using it for watering your plants.  The microbes are essential parts of your Soil; boosting them can only bring good things to the lucky plant they water.

Good question.  As I am a bit weary tonight, I am not being very clear, so please re-phrase your question if I have missed something.  I must monitor this use of Garlic.

THE LONG ISLAND GARDENER