Gardeners have been advised to follow one rule in particular when watering their plants in May. This month marks a crucial time period for gardeners as we draw closer and closer to the summer time. With temperatures increasing and longer hours of sunshine, gardeners have been advised to carefully consider how they water their plants.
According to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), the UK’s leading gardening charity, gardeners should consider using grey or recycled water this month. The experts explained: “Grey water is water from showers, baths, washing machine rinse cycles and kitchen sinks. Recycling household water for use as grey water can be very useful during water shortages.”
However, the charity highlighted that if gardeners are to use it, they must do so safely by considering various things.
They noted that gardeners must avoid using any water that contains bleach, disinfectants, dishwasher salt, or harsh cleaners.
Grey must also be used immediately and not stored for more than 24 hours, unless it has been filtered through a reed bed, sand filter, or a professionally designed water treatment system.
One thing gardeners that is extremely important for gardeners is that grey water should not be used on edible crops, only one ornamental plants.
The RHS added: “If you do use grey water on edible crops, limit it to crops that will be cooked (so don’t use it on salads, for example)”.
Recycling and collecting water are particularly important to consider now as drier summers become more prominent. Harvesting water will also ensure your plants remain well supported through the hotter months.
The RHS also recommends collecting rainwater wherever possible. The charity confirmed that “Collecting rainwater from roofs is perfectly legal in the UK and even encouraged by councils and water companies”.
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