I Tried the Amish Rice Water Fertilizer — Here’s What Happened

You’ve probably rinsed rice a thousand times — but what if that cloudy water could feed your garden?

In this video, we uncover the Amish secret behind rice wash water fertilizer — how they transform this kitchen waste into a powerful, microbe-rich tonic for plants.

You’ll learn:

Why rice water contains natural starches that feed beneficial soil microbes

How fermentation turns it into a living plant booster

The right (and wrong) way to use it so it actually helps, not harms, your plants

This simple, natural practice fits perfectly into the Soil Made Simple philosophy: no chemicals, no marketing gimmicks — just understanding how soil and biology really work.


#SoilMadeSimple #SoilHealth #OrganicGardening #NaturalFertilizer #RiceWater #LivingSoil #CompostTea #RegenerativeGardening


FAQs

Q: What’s in rice water that helps plants?
A: Rice water is rich in starches and trace minerals. When fermented, it feeds beneficial microbes that support root growth and nutrient uptake.

Q: How do the Amish prepare it?
A: Traditionally, they let the rice water sit in a warm place for 2–3 days until it starts to slightly sour — that’s fermentation at work. Then they dilute it before applying to plants.

Q: Can it go bad?
A: Yes. If it smells rotten or has mold on top, toss it. A mild sour smell means it’s alive and ready; foul odors mean it’s gone anaerobic.

Q: How often should I use rice water on plants?
A: Once every 7–10 days is plenty. More frequent use can overload roots with starch. Always dilute it about 1:10 with clean water.

Q: Can I use rice water directly on leaves?
A: It’s best as a soil drench. The starch can attract pests or grow mold on foliage if sprayed directly.