|
|
Tips
on Using Gray Water For Your Garden
By Organic Gardening Articles
Every
day, more and more news is coming out on just how damaged the environment has
actually become. We are finally awakening to the fact that we have severely
damaged our planet and we are looking for ways to live better and not deplete
our precious natural resources.
One simple way to help the planet is by planting trees. Trees have a natural
ability to convert carbon dioxide that is present in the air, into oxygen.
Another way to help is to conserve water so there is enough water for all
humans, plants and animals.
Here in lies a paradox. How can we achieve a balance between
giving plants very little water while trying to conserve it, yet giving those
plants enough water to survive?
Scientists are hard at work trying to develop plants that are genetically
engineered to require little water to grow, but we can also do our part. One
way is through a gray water rerouting system.
What is Gray Water?
Water that is generated from our baths, dishwashing, hand washing and laundry
is called gray water. Black water is water that is generated from our
toilets. It is estimated that an average family of four, generates nearly
three thousand gallons of gray water weekly. This water is wasted down the
drain and could be reused.
The gray water that is discarded does contain soaps and detergents and often
bleach. These soaps and detergents do contain certain minerals that can
actually help plants, but the gray water also contains chemicals that may harm
plans and the soil. Bleach is especially dangerous as it damages the roots
and can actually stay in the soil for a long time.
It is possible to reroute the gray water that is now going down the drain and
reroute it to your garden. This is done through a series of treatment tubes
and a filtration system. This will help the environment by permitting more
plant life to grow and you are conserving water by reusing water that would
have gone to waste.
The following tips will help you get started to use gray water for
your garden.
If you are planning to use gray water to water your garden, then take note of
the following tips before you start. Check with a local plumbing supply house
or repair shop to see what products are available to reroute gray water.
Drip irrigation systems that direct gray water directly to the plants are
available. These types of units are very efficient as they direct water
to the root system of the plants where it is needed and best absorbed.
Most gray water does not require treatment, but a filter on the system will
help keep dust or debris that may harm delicate plants, out of the water.
Your plumbing supply will be able to assist you on how to treat the water. A
stop at your local gardening supply center or landscaping professional will
be able to give you information on whether or not you can use gray water on
the plants you have in your garden.
Most gray water contains phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen, all of which
benefit plants. These chemicals are found in organic soaps and shampoos.
Check the labels on the products you purchase and look for natural or organic
products. Avoid products that contain toxic chemicals and bleaches. If you
notice that your plants are suffering damage from the gray water, stop using
it and consult a horticulturist or gardener.
Research is needed before you can use gray water. Every garden is different
and has different plants with different growing conditions. If your passion
is gardenias, you may not want a gray water recycling system as gardenias to
not like soap products, and can damage them severely.
If all this sounds expensive and beyond your ability, remember that you can
still recycle gray water by keeping a bucket handy whenever you do your
laundry, wash your dishes, or take a bath. If you use organic soaps, you can
use this otherwise discarded water on your plants.
_________________________________________________________________________
Organic
Gardening Articles: http://www.organicgardenarticles.com/
|
|