As many plants like to stay charged and hydrated, is Gatorade the secret ingredient for a healthy garden? Filled with restorative electrolytes, the popular sport drink is designed to replenish active human bodies, however, the salt and sugar content may hinder your plants’ potential for proper growth. One 600 ml bottle of Gatorade contains over 300 mg of sodium and 36 grams of sugar, which can deplete your plants rather than restore them. Although plants may require some fertilization, the substantial levels of salt and sugar in the refreshing liquid may not be necessary to maintain a healthy garden.
Developed in the mid-1960s at the University of Florida, Gatorade is known as one of the leading thirst-quenching drinks. Available in an array of refreshing flavors, it contains electrolytes and minerals like potassium and sodium, which is formulated for our bodies to function properly at top physical performance. Plants may benefit from these and other similar minerals, including calcium and magnesium within their soil. However, plants have various tolerances to additives and prefer plain, filtered water over any other type of liquid. Although Gatorade may enliven your plants temporarily, its sweet and salty components may not be not the answer for a thriving, productive garden.
Gatorade inhibits your garden’s growth
Gatorade may have many benefits for people, but is it good for your garden? Many would say no. Plants develop and grow through the action of photosynthesis. This is a natural process in which your plants use sunlight, water, and air and turn it into energy, which is vital for all life. Gatorade is an unnatural liquid that inhibits this process while it can slow down your plant’s growth, especially during seed germination. Additionally, the main electrolyte in Gatorade is salt, which dehydrates your plants instead of hydrating them.
If you frequently water your garden with Gatorade, the significant amounts of sugar are also detrimental to its health. With the help of the sun, plants are able to transform water and carbon dioxide into sugar, or glucose, on their own. Depending on the type of Gatorade you choose, many consist of common table sugars, including dextrose, which can stunt your garden’s overall development. Real or artificial, sweeteners can make the soil more difficult to work and drain properly, while presenting the potential of harmful diseases like bacteria and mold. Although your plants may receive a quick fix from Gatorade, over time, its performance is unnatural and unsafe for a happy, healthy garden.
