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Using the water butt dregs

Stephanie newish gardenerStephanie newish gardener Posts: 516
in Problem solving
All
We are almost at the bottom of the water butt and the  water is a bit brown and smelly. Is it still ok to use on my tomatoes?

Thanks
No longer newish but can't think of a new name so will remain forever newish.  B) 

Posts

  • Rebecca110Rebecca110 Posts: 1,485
    It should be fine and be completed.
  • Ladybird4Ladybird4 Posts: 36,872
    I agree with Rebecca Stephanie. I used mine!
    Cacoethes: An irresistible urge to do something inadvisable
  • Stephanie newish gardenerStephanie newish gardener Posts: 516
    That's reassuring, even though we are relatively unlikely to have a hosepipe ban up here I don't like to waste water 
    No longer newish but can't think of a new name so will remain forever newish.  B) 

  • Ladybird4Ladybird4 Posts: 36,872
    Good for you Stephanie. I'm using my cooled down washing up water now
    Cacoethes: An irresistible urge to do something inadvisable
  • Stephanie newish gardenerStephanie newish gardener Posts: 516
    Are all plants ok with washing up water? I used to use it on shrubs in my last garden but got out of the habit up here in generally damp Scotland. This is proving to be an exceptional year though - we've had no rain for at least 3 weeks, though it is just trying to drizzle a bit now

    Have also just realised that the birds will be thirsty so I have cleaned up a ceramic saucer and filled it with fresh water so I hope they find it! 
    No longer newish but can't think of a new name so will remain forever newish.  B) 

  • K67K67 Posts: 2,507
    I buy a portable bbq and chuck the charcoal in the water butt it's supposed to keep the water fresher. Mind you no idea if it works!
  • Ladybird4Ladybird4 Posts: 36,872
    edited July 2018
    Well Stephanie I have used my washing up water (as long as there are no largish food bits in it) over the years in times of drought and none of my plants have come to any harm.
    I refresh my bird baths whenever they need it. Why do birds take a drink, then hop round and poop in the water - every time! They also bathe in the shallows of my pond.
    Cacoethes: An irresistible urge to do something inadvisable
  • hogweedhogweed Posts: 4,053
    We always used to put a bit of charcoal from the fire into those glass vases for growing hyacinths in water. Supposed to keep the water fresh so should work in your water butt. 
    'Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement' - Helen Keller
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