Question
Is it true that dirty dishwater is a good fertilizer?  I read an article about a lady that only used dirty dish water to fertilize her plants and she is convinced that all of the nutrients that plants need are in the water that is left over after washing dishes.

Answer
Hi Anthony,
That is most definitely NOT true!
Tap water does not contain the nutrients plants need and dishwater contains dishwashing soap which is NOT good for plants.
The only thing that has all the nutrients a plant needs is a commercial full formula fertilizer.
The only other thing I would recommend giving a plant is 'compost tea'. Steep 1 part compost (not the manure kind) in 2 parts water for about an hour then drain off the brown 'tea'. Treating plants with compost tea twice a year, in spring and then again in late summer, ensures that plants get all the micronutrients they need along with naturally occurring enzymes, which often have an invigorating effect on plants. Compost tea can also be filtered and put in a spray bottle and sprayed on plant leaves.
I hope this helps. If you have any questions or need additional information please don't hesitate to ask.
Thanks
Tracy