Drought conditions have meant more expensive water in our area, so I've been saving two buckets of water - that would have gone down the drain - a day from the indoor shower and kitchen sink to water my plants on the patio. My buckets fill up so fast that I end up with more water than I need for my potted plants - somewhere around 54, yes 54 potted plants (and that's not counting our orchids). Somehow, they just seem to multiply like rabbits!
Before I started doing this I had no conception of how much water I was wasting. It's a real eye opener -I wish I could save all the gray water that leaves our home.
When I heard the weatherman say 80% chance of rain I squealed in delight, quickly gathered up all the empty containers I could find and put them in position. I didn't know I could get so excited over a little rainfall - something I usually take for granted.
Fortunately, it rained from 10:00 to 4:00 yesterday giving our plants and grass a good soaking and filling up my 6 containers and upside down garbage can lid (thanks to the garbageman). When I poured the contents into one bucket I was pleasanty surprised to see how much rain I had actually captured - almost a full container.
At the end of the day my bedraggled plants were drooping from the weight of the water hanging from their tender branches, but they were all refreshed and smiling. You just can't beat or duplicate the results of a good rainshower.
5 comments:
(Chuckled) I do this too. I used to water my plants from a hose. I wasted too much water that way. Using rain water collected in buckets works better.
My mother used to wash her dishes in a dish pan,and then she would throw the dirty dish water on her plants.She swore it helped keep the bugs off.So,now I try to do that once a week(I still like a dishwasher,tho).It is amazing how much water we humans waste.
Please don't mention drought! So far we are having a wet spring which is great. Last year was terrbile. I would like to get a rain barrell. I think that would be a good thing.
Yes, rain is the very best water for growing things. Doesn't it just make you want to get a glass full? I wonder if our bodies would react like the plants?
Blossom...And the plants seem to like it better too!
Chris...Ahhh, the simple life - hanging clothes on the line, no a/c and tossing the dish water on the garden.
Phillip...Glad to hear you're getting rain. We could use at least one rain shower a week to keep us going 'til summer. I've got a rain barrel but haven't put it to use yet. I better get busy!
Lisa...Great idea! Although, I think I'll put out a "clean" glass for drinking purposes. I'll give it a try and let you know.
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