Explore Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.
rate this answer
Tuesday - April 24, 2012
From: Austin, TX
Region: Select Region
Topic: Watering
Title: Harvesting washer rinse cycle water from Austin
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Mr. Smarty Plants, My question is different. I am "harvesting" 8-9 gallons from the rinse cycle in my top loading washer. I was told not to use this water on vegetables, just shrubs and flowers. Is this true? We also get 2 gallons of cold water for each shower we take.ANSWER:
Your question is different, all right, in that it concerns using "greywater" for use on gardens. Our line is the garden plants themselves, all native to Texas (in your case), of course. Since we have no experience with this beyond taking dishwashing water (no dishwashers in those days) out to try to keep some pathetic zinnias alive during the drought in the early 1950's, we will find some websites where you can get information and links to other sites.
sustainablesources.com Greywater Irrigation
The Austin Chronicle - The Old Grey Mire
Mr. Smarty Plants Previous Question, from Nagpur, India: Effects of Greywater on Plants and Soil
More Watering Questions
Cedar trees dying in CO
July 18, 2011 - We have mature cedar trees at the home we bought in SW Colorado. The large ones have begun to die. Can too much water kill a cedar tree and is there anything I can do to keep them alive?
view the full question and answer
Copper Canyon daisy leaves turning yellow in Spring Branch TX
September 01, 2010 - My Copper Canyon daisies have grown well this year but the leaves are turning yellow. Any ideas?
view the full question and answer
Plants around swimming pool
June 23, 2009 - What kind of plants can I plant around my swimming pool and will not be harmed by the chemicals of the pool?
view the full question and answer
Will chlorinated pool water affect the soil in a vegetable garden?
May 22, 2009 - For the first time I'm going to plant a vegetable garden, and I have an area cleared. My swimming pool cover came off over the winter, and the pool water is a dark green to look at, but looks clear w...
view the full question and answer
Yellow bands around edges of leaves in Whitney TX
July 20, 2009 - How can you tell whether esperanzas are getting too much water or not enough - ours have a small yellow band around the edges of the leaves - crape myrtles - same question
view the full question and answer
 |
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends. |
