Traditionally, June is a prime planting month. The garden is coming in but often gardeners want to add more plants to fill in empty spots or to add a splash of colour. While many hardy perennials can get by with rainfall, seedlings, new plants, and annuals need regular watering to support their vigorous growth and root development.
Also, growing, leafing out, and blooming require nutrients. Plants get their nutrients from the water they uptake from the soil. What can we do for these plants if we can’t use our tap water? How can we ensure that our garden gets the water it needs, but doesn’t put pressure on our drinking water? Our first choice, even without water restrictions, should be using rainwater.
Rain barrels are great for collecting rainwater. There are many styles and sizes. If you don’t have a rain barrel, and they have become a hot commodity, put a large bucket or plastic tub under the downspout to collect rainwater.
These impromptu water collectors are good for storing water for a short period. If you can, put the lid back on your filled tub so mosquitoes cannot get in and lay eggs to start a colony. You can also add a Mosquito Dunk or other control to impede mosquito development in these vessels.
Rainwater is the best water source for plants, but greywater is another option. Grey water is lightly used water collected while showering or after dishwashing, bathing, and food preparation. Depending on its collection source, this water will contain soap, hair cond.
