[tomato] Gray water (blue water).
Paul Reynolds (Tomato@GlobalGarden.com)
Mon, 08 Mar 1999 20:24:48 -0600
John and Jan,
Yea, the wash water tends to help a garden. I've really not been able
to research the subject, but I would think that the bleach has an
astounding affect on causing oxidation in the soil environment.
Oxidation is necessary in nitrification and for uptake of P and other
nutrients. Bleach is definately classified as an oxidizer.
As far as composting, it don't take a lot of maintenance to maintain a
heap as I do. I just let it go and work and since I started using kitty
litter, I've not had to worry about watering my heap.
Also, I'm very familiar with the water woes in the San Antonio area.
Have you ever given thought to putting in a drip system for your
water?? You can use drip on the surface, but, my preference would be to
have the lines and emitters placed about a foot beneath the surface.
Much less evaporative loss and should be below what you would usually
have as a till pan (plow pan in agriculture). Of course, it wouldn't be
too much of a problem to pull it up every year so you could till.
Hay is a good idea as well. This hay will go a long ways to helping
your soils in tilth and to gain organic components. However, a year
like the past two years could prove to be difficult when hay prices are
through the roof due to the droughts we've had here in Texas. That and
the floods. Don't seem to be an in between anymore.
Bermuda is a pain isn't it?? Always grows best where ya don't want it.
There is a systemic that you can get that would take care of it if you
want to use chemicals.
Good luck.
Paul Reynolds
Austin Texas.