[FastForward]

A mate of mine said he uses rain water for his plants whenever he can - what's the view on using it?

Am worried that I might be bringing in all kinds of crap from outside (fungus spores, mites, any other nasties I don't want near my plants) by using rain water. If I do, what level of filtration do I need to run it through? Presumably there's a lot more badness in there other than the visible stuff?? Does boiling ruin it?

Or sod it and use tap water because it's just not worth it?

[flava]

I use rainwater at one location. I still use sterlising agents like peroxide or pythof though just to be sure, it is a small price to pay for a perfect grow. The only problem I found was that there was no trace elements which are usually in town water (my town water measures .2 ec), and so some plants showed deficiencies in cal and or mag. This wasn't a big deal and I correct with some Epsom salts easily.

[FastForward]

Cheers Flava - did you bother to filter it through gauze or cheesecloth first?

[flava]

50 micron filter.

[hubcap]

i use it.
untreated.
from gutter to storage drum (sheltered from elements and insects/pets,etc)
to soil.

simply skim off the top letting the debris rest at the bottom.
if im feeling kinky ill add a few air stones.......

funny thing is....
its pH usually lands at 6.6-6.7 (slightly acidic)
straight from mutha natures tap.


the way i see it....
plants have been drinking it for millenia (albeit before human pollution)
why change what aint broke, right?

.......besides, its free.


i havent heard anyone have adverse effects from using it(rainwater)
(if so.........move. ........for your healths sake.)

good luck


-h.c-

[tojocam]

Im with hubcap give all my plants on the last run and this run rain water and they love it .

[hererisssh]

I collect rainwater too, water bill is much more palatable now. Saving up for winter as we speak...

[green]

yea i collect rain water to .good stuff .dont filter or purify with tabs.
the plants love it.if its in short supply i add about 10 percent to tap water.

[FastForward]

Well, it's been pissing down with rain here...might as well make the best of a shitty summer and setup a water catcher of sorts.

How do you guys do it? Was planning on a couple of piece of plastic corrugated sheeting and a water barrel.

[GDS StonerBoy]

This is something i often wonder about as well. In my area we have been getting rain just about every single day. I always think about collecting it but i didnt know what the cons of rain water were. If i can use rainwater minus the pest, then why not use it?!

Like Hub stated "plants have been drinking it for millenia (albeit before human pollution)
why change what aint broke, right?". So i guess i'll collect a bit on the side for awhile, i might as well get something out of the horrible weather here.