JOHANNESBURG South Garden Club members recently enjoyed a talk on the usage of grey water, by guest speaker Jacques Damhuis.
“We waste so much water that we can use in our gardens and, as long as the grey water doesn’t contain faeces from the toilet or from disposable nappies, it is safe for your gardens.
“Grey water may contain traces of dirt, food, grease, hair, and certain household cleaning products but it can be used for your garden. The easiest way to use grey water is to pipe it directly outside and use it to water ornamental plants or fruit trees. Grey water can also be used to irrigate vegetable plants as long as it doesn’t touch edible parts of the plants. In any grey water system, it is essential to use ‘plant friendly’ products, those without salts, boron, or chlorine bleach. The build-up of salts and boron in the soil can damage plants,” said Jacques. “Don’t use too much dish washing liquid and after you have finished washing your dishes you’ll be able to use the water. Also, when you’ve had a bath, leave the water in and when it’s cold (you can leave it overnight) take the water out in buckets and water your garden.
Aside from the obvious benefits of saving water, you’ll also save on your water bill, and reusing your grey water will keep it out of the sewer or septic system, thereby reducing the chance that it will pollute local water bodies.
After the talk the members enjoyed refreshments sat in the garden of the new gateway to the Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve.
The next garden club meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 29, at The Entrance Precinct, at 10:00. Guest speaker will be Byron Dance, talking on the Art of Bonsai.
Don’t forget the Autumn Flower Show which will take place on Saturday (same venue) April 2, from 11:00 to 16:00 and Sunday, April 3, from 09:00 to 16:00. Refreshments and light meals will be on sale.
For more information phone Maud Pickup 011 435 0852 or 082 854 9212.
You may be interested in reading: https://www.citizen.co.za/comaro-chronicle/107255/waste-not-want-not/
or: https://www.citizen.co.za/comaro-chronicle/106925/learning-about-pot-plants/
