ORGANIC BASICS
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W
ater is a precious resource that is in short supply
in many areas of Australia at the moment. Also,
the seasonal extremes we are experiencing due
to climate change mean there is no guarantee our rivers,
dams and reservoirs will get the replenishing rainfall they
desperately need. Harvesting our own rainwater may be
the only way to ensure we keep our gardens alive. As a
bonus, plants prefer rainwater to treated mains water.First flush
Rainwater is free of the minerals and salts absorbed
while filtering through the earth (that end up in tap
water via runoff into dams), and does not contain added
chlorine, fluoride or sodium (added by municipal waterauthorities). Instead, it may contain more beneficial
elements. As rain falls through the air, it absorbs
nitrogen in its nitrate and ammonium forms. Energy
released makes this process greater during lightning
storms. The enriched rain soaks into the soil, and these
essential elements are taken up by plants through
roots and leaves, providing natural fertiliser.
Raindrops also absorb carbon dioxide and when
combined with other minerals in the atmosphere,
the drops become slightly acidic. Once in the soil,
this helps to release micronutrients such as zinc,Collecting your own rainwater is not only good for the
environment, plants prefer it to Mains water, writes Jessamywatertight
Above: This moveable hose reel and adjustable
PHOTO: ISTOCK nozzle make watering efficient and easy.