There is no hidden secret which comes as a surprise that there’s no water plants love better than rainwater. Just imagine the human satisfaction of eating organic food and plants root consuming the direct or pure water fallen from the sky.
Why rainwater such a preferred water source?
1. Rainwater is 100% soft water.
Rainwater is free of the salts, minerals, treatment chemicals, and pharmaceuticals which are found in municipal water, groundwater, and surface water. It is pure hydration. Salts and chemicals build up in your soil over time and these residues are tough on plants. This effect exaggerates in potted plants where the accumulation is more pronounced. Additionally, natural water can help flush these chemicals away and refresh the health of your soils.
2. Rainwater is slightly acidic naturally!
Green gardeners or professionals know that most organically grown plants prefer soil pH levels between 5.5 and 6.5. This is on the acidic side of the neutral pH 7, and by nature’s design, it is the exact pH range for rainwater. City water, on the other hand, is treated to be alkaline to protect metal pipes from corroding, and can have a pH level upwards of 8.5. Greywater (once-used household water from a laundry machine, shower, or bathroom sink) will start from the same pH as your tap water. It can have a pH as high as 10.5 once it gets to the garden depending on the types of soaps and detergents that are in it. Irrigate with rainwater to flush out your soil and help keep your soil pH in perfect balance ongoing!
2. Stored rainwater contains some organic matter.
If collected from your rooftop, rainwater contains traces of organic material. While the water is very clean and should run clear, it has been exposed to anything on your roof. We’re not talking about chunks (these get pre-filtered out on their way into properly-designed rain barrels)-we’re just talking about contact exposure to leaf litter, pollen, bird droppings and the like (which perhaps not surprisingly are great for your plants). A rain barrel hosts a beneficial biology to keep the water alive. It’s like a light application of fertilizer every time you water.
3. Rain contains nitrates—an important macro-nutrient
Rainwater contains nitrate – the most bioavailable form of nitrogen. Nitrogen is one of the three key macro-nutrients that plants need to thrive – necessary for the development of lush foliage. Many forms of nitrogen are not actually able to be absorbed by plants. Nitrates, which are made up of nitrogen and oxygen, are formulated by nature for maximum uptake by your plants. Plants typically absorb most of their nitrates from the soil. And where do those nitrates come from? Rain!
Conclusion
Many gardeners before the discovery of rainwater, had doubts it would ever be able to keep a houseplant alive. The answer is yes!. The potted plants really suffer from the salt, chemical, and mineral buildup of tap water, and the high alkalinity. Providing watering with rainwater is a great escape. We can build a mechanism to store rainwater straight from rain barrels into a watering can. It can later be in use for potted plants and nursery starts. A gravity fed drip line allows rainwater to apply rainwater directly to in-ground gardens with no effort at all. And what a difference it makes.
Plant health is just one of the many benefits of harvesting rainwater.
For further enquiry please contact GrabYourPlant Team here.