Using Recycled Water

Homeowners have options during the drought and watering bans.

Keeping garden plants alive during conditions of extended heat is difficult enough, but when combined with a shortage of water, it may seem impossible. Here are some tips from Dean Ramseyer, Horticulturist at Hoerr Nursery, for making the best of a bad situation.

Prioritize – First of all, plants are replaceable, but your most valuable or vulnerable plants should receive the first drink. If you have to choose to maintain some and let others go, consider:

• Replacement cost – annuals and perennials are reasonably inexpensive; you can always replenish your display a little later in the season with a fall collection of blooming plants
• Value to you – heirloom or collectibles need your first attention
• Lawns – can generally go dormant and recover, however a newly seeded or sodded lawn may not have deep enough roots to survive. Better to water longer and less often.

Improve your watering methods and conservation techniques:

• Water at soil surface, not up in the air or over the foliage; this minimizes fast evaporation of liquids, which then never get to the roots of the plant.
• Water slowly, so that it is fully absorbed by the soil, and doesn’t simply run out the bottom or down the sides of the pot
• Water in the early evening, so the plant has an extended period to reabsorb the water before the heat of the next day.
• Move portable plants to a shady location
• Provide temporary cover to unmovable plants – shade cloth over the plant or a cardboard/wood screen to the south or west side of the plant to break the impact of direct sun
• Mulch – dry grass clippings, straw, bark, even newspaper can shade the soil and slow its moisture loss – apply a 1-2” deep layer around and under the plant, keeping it just away from the trunk or stem
• Rotate grey (recycled) water products – continually using the same grey water can cause buildups that plants dislike – try to cycle various kinds of reclaimed water to minimize the effects on plants, blend recycled water with clear water if possible
• Construct simple ‘rainbarrels’ – any type of bucket will hold what rain we do get; place them at the ends of your gutter downspouts and be ready when the rain comes
• In garden beds, cultivate the top inch or so of soil before watering. More water will be absorbed rather than running off the surface.

What water can you use?

• Dehumidifier water – can be used anywhere, it has been purified through the air extraction process
• Dishes – dishwater has a high concentration of soap content, so should be used more sparingly; be sure to catch the rinse water and use it too, or blend it with the dishwater to dilute the soap content
• Dishsoaps vary in their impact; Ivory is the mildest and safest. Try not to use those that are “grease cutters”, and always avoid getting the soapy water on the plant foliage.
• Laundry – use the mildest of laundry soaps, and not detergent based soaps. Keep in perspective whether you need to clean deep dirt, or just wash out odors and light soiling. You may be able to switch to dish soap, hand soap, or hair shampoo and obtain adequate results in the short term. The rinse water is actually better, but do not use softeners in the rinse cycle.