Drought

Question

I am concerned about watering plants during the drought we seem to be continuing to have. I have used water from my dehumidifier to water and I do have two rain barrels (but if it does not rain…). Can I use the water from say, boiling pasta, potatoes, vegetables? The water pasta and potatoes will obviously have starch in them – for vegetables, not so much. Are there other water sources I should be looking for?

Answer 1

This is a very common tactic in drought stricken areas and is referred to as gray water. Gray water can come from bath water, dish water, water from food prep, laundry or other water activities in the house that does not involve human waste. This article will explain more about gray water: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/watering/using-graywater-in-gardens.htm

Answer 2

Water from your vegetable cooking also provides nutrients that have boiled out of what you cooked. If prolonged droughts are common in your area then you may want to slowly start shifting your plant mix to lower water demand plants.