I am all about water conservation. I have a rain barrel. I support the study of greywater as a way to provide irrigation in arid zones. But whoever first posted that pasta water can be used to water plants doesn’t know how to cook pasta correctly, or was just looking for clicks to bolster their social media creds. Let’s take a look at this latest hack and better ways to conserve water for your garden.
Pasta Cooking Water and Plants
To make pasta taste its best, it should be cooked in salted water. Saltwater, drained from the pasta, will harm almost all plants except those that have developed salt-resistance by clinging to the dunes along the ocean.
Unsalted and unseasoned pasta cooking water can be cooled and used to water plants. You read some “expert” extolling that there are nutrients leached from the pasta that will benefit plants. The nutrient levels are so negligible that they won’t boost plant growth; however, the unsalted water won’t harm the plant.
Pasta cooking water does contain starches that can serve as food for fungi and attract insects. Rather than watering plants with the water, consider adding it to the compost pile or diluting it with rainwater to prevent build-up, especially in container-grown plants.
Ways to Conserve Water in Your Garden
Use a Rain Barrel
I’ve been using a rain barrel for about 10 years and have only had one summer where it ran completely dry. It is amazing to see how much rain runs off my home’s roof into the gutters and into the rain barrel. I use the collected water to hand-water container plants, top off my little goldfish pond, and nurture newly planted garden areas without turning on the sprinkler system.
With many different styles and sizes, you’re sure to find a rain barrel that will fit in your garden. Look for one with a mesh screen to keep out debris and insects from entering the water. Mine has an overflow hose that directs excess water so the rain barrel won’t overflow. It’s perfect for plants that love wet feet.
Recycle Some Household Greywater
Greywater is defined as lightly used water from household sources that is not potable but safe to use for irrigation. Water that is used to rinse vegetables, boil eggs (let it cool), or rinse freshly washed dishes can be used to water plants in the garden. Add a plastic bin to your sink to capture the water.
If you have a dehumidifier, don’t pour the collected water down the drain. Use it to water plants.
Keep a plastic bucket in the sink, bathtub, or shower to fill up as you wait for water to get warm. You’ll capture gallons of water each week that can be used in the garden.
Add a Meter to Your Outdoor Spigot
Add a smart timer or meter to your outdoor spigot to shut off water flow to hoses and sprinklers. No more forgotten hoses that run all night! Some even have the technology to sync with weather conditions and a moisture sensor that tells the sprinkler when to turn on and off.
If you have an irrigation system, check it often for leaks and repair them immediately. Point sprinkler heads at plants, not driveways or sidewalks, and unclog and replace broken heads, as needed.
Garden for Water Conservation
Select native plants for your area that require less water.
Group plants based on water needs.
Choose drought-tolerant turfgrass varieties.
Mulch around plants to reduce evaporation and suppress weeds that steal water resources.
Replace lawns with native plant beds, which require less water.
Add organic matter to the soil to improve water and nutrient-holding.
Use permeable hardscaping that allows rainwater to pass through and into the soil.
Water Wisely
Before watering, check the moisture in the soil. Apply water when the soil is dry to the touch two inches down. It is better to water lawns and gardens deeply and less frequently than to lightly water every day. Deep watering helps the plants develop a strong root system.
Water early in the morning to slow evaporation. High temperatures in the middle of the day allow the water to evaporate before it ever reaches the roots. Avoid overhead watering that can welcome foliar disease. Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses at the soil level.
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