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Post by snute2008 on May 29, 2012 20:18:09 GMT
Hi, I have all my dahlias outside now all the time apart from some recent rooted cuttings which are in a shaded greenhouse.
I am running out of saved rain water - can I use grey water to water those in 5 inch pots? I was thinking of water saved from showers etc?
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Post by scrumpy on May 29, 2012 20:30:14 GMT
What's wrong with tap water?
My hosepipe has been going flat out the last 5 days.
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Post by snute2008 on May 30, 2012 11:14:15 GMT
Tap Water? I suppose nothing if you are not on a meter.
I would only use expensive treated water in the garden if there were no other alternative. Water is a precious resource and should be used wisely.
My question was about grey water actually.
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Post by scrumpy on May 30, 2012 14:04:13 GMT
I've no idea what grey water is. If you are on about saving water from showers, I'd need at least 4 a day to provide the 200 litres of water needed to keep my flowers and veg growing. I'd need continuous rain to fill up water butts.
If you care so much about saving our precious resources I suggest you contact your MP about the abhorrent profits made by non British companies who own our water and don't fix the leaks that use up more water than all gardeners put together, so that their shareholders can have a healthy return from our money.
I would suggest you contact the government to find out why more reservoirs aren't built to collect the excess water that flows into the sea . While you are at it, ask them why said foreign companies that own our water have been allowed to sell off the land that used to hold reservoirs for housing.
It's not my fault you are on a meter. Maybe you should cut back on use during the winter months so that you can spend more in the summer. That's what i'd do.
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Post by snute2008 on May 31, 2012 8:23:55 GMT
Sorry I asked a valid question Scrumpy and that you have now got the hump. I asked a sensible and valid question and thought that this forum was supposed to be helpful and friendly place to be.
Its not my fault either that I am on a meter - but maybe I will stop doing the washing etc during the winter !!! in order to save water.
I have no interest in how much water you need to keep your veg growing I just wanted some information and advice not what you replied.
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Post by peony on May 31, 2012 9:55:48 GMT
Snute, to answer your original question, there is an article in the RHS mag this month about 'watering in drought'. This is what they say "the easiest sources are waste water from washing vegetables and unwanted cold water from the hot tap. Water with some washing-up liquid won't harm ornamentals, fruit or mature vegetables, but avoid pouring it on edible leaves. Stronger detergents are more harmful".
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Post by esther on May 31, 2012 9:57:17 GMT
Hello snute  I think shower and bath water would be ok but not water from the washing machine because of detergents etc.. Hope this helps |
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Post by esther on May 31, 2012 9:58:18 GMT
Ooops Peony - we posted about the same time |
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Post by esther on May 31, 2012 9:59:45 GMT
I can remember the drought in 1976 - yes I am that old ;D We syphoned off all the bath water to water the veggies |
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Post by scrumpy on May 31, 2012 11:15:05 GMT
Sorry I asked a valid question Scrumpy and that you have now got the hump. I asked a sensible and valid question and thought that this forum was supposed to be helpful and friendly place to be. Its not my fault either that I am on a meter - but maybe I will stop doing the washing etc during the winter !!! in order to save water. I have no interest in how much water you need to keep your veg growing I just wanted some information and advice not what you replied. Didn't the hump at all. But now i have. I replied with a valid question too. I think you were very sarcastic in your reply. Giving a lecture using water wisely was not appropriate, especially for a country with an above average yearly rainfall. I can't think of anyone who doesn't use tap water, or mains water at their allotment, to water their plants. Now the rest of my answer was spot on about resources being wasted. There would be no need for any water bans for those that need a lot of water for their plants. Now you've asked your question on a dahlia forum. Fact is, to grow them properly you need lots of water, especially as people grow hundreds of plants. It may not concern you if you only have a few plants, or don't show, but to rely on transporting shower water a few miles isn't really an option. Now if you are going to use shower, or bath water, and if you really want to save on resourcesl, make sure you pee in it before collecting it. Ready made nitrogen fertiliser for you. And yes, using the washing machine less would help. Stop flushing the toilet every time you go. Shower once a week. Better still, just have a flanel wash. |
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Post by Rosie on May 31, 2012 12:09:20 GMT
I can remember the drought in 1976 - yes I am that old ;D We syphoned off all the bath water to water the veggies I remember my Dad doing that too  |
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Post by Cherry on May 31, 2012 14:02:04 GMT
I sit on the fence with answers to this question because I agree with both Scrumpy and Snute. However, we do not need lectures on the subject.
Norfolk is on its first water restrictions in over 20 years, yet the water is being diverted at Denver, three miles up the road from here, to Essex to fill and extend their Abberton reservoir. Essex has no water restriction.
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Post by snute2008 on May 31, 2012 17:41:50 GMT
I had no intention of giving a lecture - I just wanted some advice. My question was about grey water and not tap water. Scrumpy decided to tell me all about water leaks and the like. I was not talking about transporting water to an allotment I never mentioned that.
Those that did answer with their advice many thanks for your time it is appreciated.
I apologise scrumpy if my reply was sarcastic that was not my intention. My preference is to use rain water if available first, then if I can use grey water then great. If I had no other choice then I would have to use tap water.
Out of interest tap water on an allotment is far cheaper to use than domestic water as it is charged at agricultural rates usually - or it is on the site that I run.
I actually have over 400 dahlia plants growing and appreciate how much water they need. I did know about the pee already but have not done it yet.
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Post by Rosie on Jun 1, 2012 13:49:18 GMT
WOW 400 dahlia plants Snute...that must take up lots of your time, but i would guess it's a labour of love ;D We would love to see some pictures if you have any  |
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Post by snute2008 on Jun 2, 2012 12:01:37 GMT
Will upload some photos Rosie when they are in flower. I have always grown them for the garden but this year growing for exhibition and cut flowers.
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I think shower and bath water would be ok but not water from the washing machine because of detergents etc.. Hope this helps 
