Grey Water for Fruit Bushes and Trees

Hi all

I've read in more than one place that grey water (eg waste water from washing up, bathroom etc) can be used for fruit trees and bushes, but not on veg - as it's not good to have the bacteria in direct contact with the veg, but with trees and bushes this doesn't happen.

However, I read today on a website, that I should not even use grey water on fruit trees/bushes.

Please can someone tell me if this is right? If so, it's a right pain as I've just planted 5 fruit trees in my garden, planning to water them with grey water.

Cheers all,
Alexei

 

I do remember my uncle sometimes throwing the used washing up water out on to some plants, but unfortunately I can't remember on what plants and if it was to kill off whitefly or something. It is too long ago.

Something else came to mind for anyone with a pond (like me). I read somewhere - don't ask where! - that someone has been watering their roses with pond water for years and with excellent results.

 

I can remember my stepfather washing the leaves of his veg with washing up water, which was to kill greenfly.

 

Someone mentioned that on here, KG - to do with high nitrate levels, I think....

 

Green Soap can be used to spray against aphids, but thats a totally different thing from detergent. Whilst happy with the thought of bath water going on plants including vegies (I shower though), I would be concerned about dishwasher, washing machine and washing up water going on - due to the difference in detergent and their chemical constituency.

:confused:

 

There's light grey water (from washing, cooking, food preparation etc) which contains no detergents. This can be safely used anywhere. And dark grey water (from washing machines, dishwashers, washing up etc) which may contain potentially harmful chemicals. This can be used on non-edible crops

 

Thanks very much to you all. Much appreciated.

Alexei