Watering the garden- environmental dilemma

I think most of us are metered now @Clare G ...we are most definitely.

 

Recent reports of sewage being allowed to overflow into rivers, and often small streams, in times of heavy rain suggests that the old dilapidated water system we have in this country needs a complete overhaul and rethink.
Instead all we do is add to it, and suggest bigger and bigger sewerage plants .
Surely half the water going into the sewers shouldn't be during times of heavy rain.
The sewage plants are, at those times, treating mostly rain water.

I bet the Victorians would have sorted it out.

 

Only water containers and what has been recently planted here. Have well water so no mains supply meter to worry about. Living in one of the better supplied areas of the world for rain so anything that is not going to look after its self in the garden once established is not really worth growing for me. There are lots of plants that can contribute to the garden looking well without the trouble of watering so its often a case of survival of the fittest.

Happy gardening!

 

I tried a bit of an experiment in the front garden this year. Had half a bag of water retaining gel hanging about in the potting shed- so dug it into the soil and watered.

It did make a difference - the border looked damp for longer. This gel is apparently supposed to last for a number of years - so might do the same next year to build up the borders ability to retain water.

 

By choice we're on a water meter and i still water plants with the tap water but only the annual plants and hanging baskets. We've got 5 slim water butts for the blueberries, but sometimes run out so have to use tap water. We don't mind using the tap water if we have to. There's only the 2 of us and it's cheaper with a water meter.

 

It would just make me feel very uncomfortable using tap water when you see/ hear about all the less fortunate folk around the world who unfortunately have no option than to drink/ use water that contains animal waste and parasitic bugs . It's so easy to reuse water for plants - take just now, we had a fish wrap with salad for lunch, the water used to rince the salad and also the washing up water for after was retained in a bowl and then strained into bucket.

This will then be used to water the pots. We go through the same procedure for breakfast and supper + all cups used throughout the day and hand washing too...it's amazing just how much is used!!

We obviously only do this at this time of year, when we have thirsty plants.

Bucket outside kitchen door with an old pair of tights used to strain off any missed pieces of food etc.

 

To address the OP, I'm not in the least bit bothered about the global clean water shortage, I'm just someone who's too lazy to water and happens to love a lot of drought-tolerant plants!

Nick

 

Can't just use any washing up water for plants, the washing up liquid has to be organic.

 

Well they're fine with anything really as we've always done this during the summer months but for the last few years we've used ECOVER products. Makes no difference to the plants but makes me feel doubly guilt free.

 

Ecover Range Of Eco-Friendly Products | Big Green Smile

 

Yes we've used those products many years ago and very expensive. No they're not fine with anything because I've tried.

 

Excuse me!! Are you suggesting I am not telling the truth.!!

Like everyone on here and obviously that includes you @Logan we all speak from facts and experiences we have encountered. Stating ' no they're not fine ', instead of ' in my experience..... implies that I am lying.

In my experience over many years of doing so ( having 3 children and not being on mains drainage I can tell you that you quickly learn about how to reuse water safely rather than having it fill up your underground tank needlessly) I have never seen negative effects on any of my plants/ shrubs.

So many circumstances can make results differ..perhaps I used less products in the waste water????.....Who knows?

I respect what you say, but all I can honestly add to your statement is that it's not what I have experienced.

 

Most of my 5 water butts are almost full, I'm only watering the Runner Beans and the Potatoes in Bags.
I have an old dust sheet covering my Tomatoes in the +25 temp, not attracted but it does the job.

Oh when I boil and Egg I save that water for my Orchid.

 

How to Use Grey Water in the Garden




Old habits die hard..I still save the water from the shower as it warns up and use it to refill the toilet cistern after it's flushed!!