we've been growing tomatoes, strawberries, basil and chilli. Mr A is an avid gardener thanks to his nonni and daycare mum. I sneeze and itch too much in the garden, but I do enjoy looking at them. Because of our water restrictions we have been watering these plants entirely from a bucket of water kept in my shower. Almost every day we trudge down the stairs with the heavy bucket to give them a drink. It is amazing how much water you collect even from short showers. Great for pot plants that don't get much rain.
grey water is awesome! we are making our kitchen sink and our shower/bathtub and sink into grey water in the spring. they'll feed straight out to the orchard. living in NM we also have to think about water even though there aren't 'restrictions' yet. we set up gutters, too, to catch rainwater that drains into a sistern that we can feed to the garden and trees. it feels so good! in the monsoon season, we catch hundreds of gallons in 30 minutes! anyway, good to see your post. i think that is so great.
Posted by: jenny | 07/11/2007 at 03:17
it's one of the best things you give to your children, I can imagine: learn to know, where your food comes from, smell and taste and appreciate every single tomato, treat your resources with respect....the best roots you can give them.
Some years ago, I baked all of our bread. And my twins complained a lot....wanted me to buy our bread ( like normal people ;)). Some weeks ago I decided again to bake more bread and the two re-discovered these tiny roots inside theirself: OH!! Great!! Homemade bread!! Deliciouuuuuuuussss!!!! Heehee!
Posted by: Uschi | 05/11/2007 at 17:35
Yummy! We have put in a few things too - fed by the shower and bath water. We hope to enjoy corn, tomatoes, strawberries, snowpeas, lettuces, beans and carrots.
Posted by: Louise | 05/11/2007 at 13:34
at least you know everything is clean!
Posted by: suzi finer | 05/11/2007 at 07:25
aah! great idea - I've been lugging the bucket around (a nice collapsable one from the hardware store - great until Marmie the cat spills it all over the floor).. but having a specific focus is good - may encourage othe family members to empty it.
Posted by: Tara | 04/11/2007 at 21:55
I bet they taste even better cause you grew them yourself. I've planted Toms and strawbs here, but think its still too cold. today was a top of 12 degrees!
Posted by: greenolive | 04/11/2007 at 17:47
just to answer joni's question. yes and no. I stand the bucket under the water whilst waiting for it to get the right temp and try not to put too much soap residue directly in the bucket, so it isn't too bad. grey water from your washing machine can be too concentrated so you can't do that on the same garden area for too long. And any grey water that is left to sit for a day or two really can start to smell, so recycle often.
Posted by: Tiel | 04/11/2007 at 15:37
What a good idea saving water from our showers for plants. But, what about the soap and shampoo that will get in the water?? Does it hurt the plants?
Joni
Posted by: jonipossin | 04/11/2007 at 12:46