Used DIshwater

R

RaiderZone

Member
Hello All,

I was watching a Discovery special on Organic Gardening. One tip had a gardener recycling used dishwater on a bed of annuals. The gardener stated that the plants love the bacteria in the dishwater. In addition, the dishwater repels pests such as aphids and ants. Is anybody using this method successfully? Would love to hear thoughts/opinions.

Regards,

-Neil
 
dannyboy602

dannyboy602

Well-Known Member
most insects breathe through their skin so the soapy water clogs up that process. it does work. idk about dishwater loving bacteria, but i do know they love sweet stuff like diluted cola. but idk what ratio of cola to water.
 
Gastanker

Gastanker

Well-Known Member
I know people that use the water for their compost pile. Most dish detergents are high in Nitrogen which helps break down the carbon in compost. The bits of food help as well of course. There however should be no bacteria in the water as it comes out; most all dishwashers sterilize the water and food through high high heat (not to mention the antibacterial soap some people use).
 
W

watchhowIdoit

New Member
Not sure about the bacteria but plants do love the phosphates contained in most dish soaps. A 1/4tsp of dish soap added to your normal container feeding program will do wonders for a grow......
 
ca$hcropper

ca$hcropper

Active Member
Dish soap can and does help with insects, as far as the used dishwater I don't know why not really, never thought of it but it would be like a tea somewhat made up of many diff types of bac and organisms. But I also highly doubt its going to be very nutrient rich.

But you should also keep in mind that many foods our bodys can intake plants can not. Meats dairy those things would cause more bugs as well as problems imo and the plants cannot turn them into benificial foods, some things in water may be good food for your soil though.
 
Luger187

Luger187

Well-Known Member
ive only heard of using dishsoap as a surfactant to break surface tension in water. i used to use a cup of soapwater that bugs get stuck in and die.
 
W

watchhowIdoit

New Member
Another use for dishsoap. Mix dishsoap 50/50 with some petroleum jelly and you got yourself some home made tangle foot, sticky stuff. Some blue or yellow construction paper and a butter knife, got some effective and cheap sticky traps. I use 1/4 plywood painted yellow or blue. I just rinse and re-coat as needed...
 
cannabineer

cannabineer

Ursus marijanus
I'd worry about sodium (esp. with the dishwasher powder as fert recommendation ... these is a Na for every P). Cannabis is quite sensitive to sodium. cn
 
Wolverine97

Wolverine97

Well-Known Member
Strange I've never heard of this. I mean, dish soap as a surfectant and insect spray sure, but I didn't know there was any nutrient value.
 
unohu69

unohu69

Well-Known Member
I dont think hes refering to dishwasher machine water specificaly, I spose it could work, tho I have never tried it. Caan a few people with PPM meters test the water and report back?
 
W

watchhowIdoit

New Member
I dont think he mentioned a dishwasher, he referred to dishwater. The powdered detergents or waste water from a modern dishwasher probably would not be a good idea to use. But most liquid dishsoaps contains phosphates, an element plants use. And the anti-bacterial soaps are a poor choice also, hard on the bennies in your medium. Good old fashion Ivory or Dawn both work very well. 1/4 tsp per gal every watering and you will be amazed at how your medium maintains its moisture holding capabilities and will keep most soil dwelling bugs at bay.....
 
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