Friday, February 3, 2012

Is it okay to water your outdoor plants with bath water?

I am trying to conserve water in an area that desperately needs it, and was wondering if this might be a viable alternative. What about soap and conditioner? Will remnants of that in the water harm outdoor plants (petunias, impatiens, fern, lilies.)? Thanks!

Is it okay to water your outdoor plants with bath water?
The chemicals in your soap and conditioner will harm the plants. Don't do it.
Reply:You do not want to put soap on your flowers, it will harm them..
Reply:If you don't use too much soap or conditioner, and don't get the grey water on the foliage, it should be fine. You might try it in just a small area of the yard to be sure.
Reply:It really depends on the soaps you use.

Bath water is considered "grey water" but the phosphates and other chemicals in many soaps can cause your plants distress.
Reply:The water you're using is called Grey Water, and many people use it to water their plants. Having a highly diluted form of soap, shampoo, or conditioner will probably not hurt your plants for a little while. It certainly would be better for them than no water at all! If the drought looks extensive, you may wish to switch to cleaning products that are environmentally friendly and contain no phosphates, to improve the chances your plants will not suffer.
Reply:Soap will harm your plants as it builds up in the soil, but if you just use plain water, there won't be any harm in recycling it.
Reply:Grey water (the term for water from your bath, washing-up, laundry, etc) can be used on your garden but you need to run it through a unit first to make it suitable. My B%26amp;Q manual told me so! Apparently you need to contact your water supplier about it (yawn).


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