This is a public-interest archive. Personal data is pseudonymized and retained under GDPR Article 89.

[INDOOR-GARDENING:25] Re: Water

At 06:38 PM 1/15/99 -0800, you wrote: 
>
> Karen, are there any safe buffers that could be used to overcome the high pH
> in tap water?  Many thanks for your help on this and countless other
> questions.
> Vera


I haven't heard of any but that doesn't mean they don't exist.  I would first
test the tap water with pH strips (or a pH meter if you're lucky enough to
beg,
steal or borrow one).  Then you can start adding vinegar to a known volume of
water (say your watering can) until it's slightly acidic.  Once you have that
figured out, you can just add that same amount to your watering can every time
you water.  I haven't done this myself, so I wouldn't swear by it or try it on
sensitive plants.

Has anyone had experience with water filters like Brita?  That might be a
tidier long-term solution if it works on alkaline water.

I forgot to mention this in my last post, but excess alkalinity also makes it
harder for plants to absorb the necessary nutrients.  

-- Karen

Listmom, Indoor Gardening Mailing List

Karen Fletcher                                   kef@prairienet.org
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
The Garden Gate              http://www.prairienet.org/garden-gate/
The Garden Spider's Web          http://www.gardenweb.com/spdrsweb/
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
   For information on the Indoor Gardening Mailing List, visit:
         http://www.prairienet.org/garden-gate/sunroom.htm
Other Mailing lists | Author Index | Date Index | Subject Index | Thread Index