Plain baking yeast, dissolved in water, makes a surprisingly effective homemade plant tonic.
Why It Works
Yeast contains natural growth-promoting compounds and beneficial microorganisms that can stimulate root development and improve a plant's uptake of soil nutrients. Gardeners have used this simple homemade feed for generations as a gentle, low-cost supplement.
Mixing and Applying It
Dissolve about 1 teaspoon of active dry yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar (to feed the yeast) into a quart of warm water, and let it sit for a few hours until it becomes active and bubbly. Water plants with this mixture at the soil line, treating it as a supplement rather than a complete fertilizer.
Use It as a Supplement, Not a Replacement
Yeast feed doesn't supply the full range of nutrients a balanced fertilizer does, so it works best as an occasional boost alongside regular feeding, not in place of it. Applying it once every few weeks during the growing season is generally plenty.
