A washing machine is the best source of recycled household water for the garden. Most plants love the extra nutrients from the rinse cycle. depending on how much you water and how often you wash you could save hundreds of gallons off your annual bill.

Instructions:

 1. Snake the drain hose from the washer through the dryer vent to a 30 gallon plastic drum outside the house. At the base of the drum, drill a hole to fit an adapter so you can connect a garden hose. The bucket won't fill up; its just buffers the hot water surgers from your machine.  

2. Run a hose from the drum to the areas of your garden that need water letting the nozzle spill through 10-inch-deep moats of mulchy leaves and bark. Stick the ornamental flower and fruit trees, using wash water directly on veggies is dicey.   

3. Switch to a liquid detergent like AlfaKleen or Ecover to pamper your newly flourishing fruit trees.
 

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2 Comments

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Britt says:

:-D Nevermind... I only read number 1 and 2! Is there any way of deleting your own stupid comments??

posted 05/31/08 at 02:41 PM

 

Britt says:

That sounds like a really good idea, but I think this would only be "truly" green if you are using biodegradable detergents. I'm concerned about run-off. I would love it if anyone had any comments on this point!

posted 05/31/08 at 02:38 PM

 

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