Thrifty Thursday - Watering Those Plants

This week for my Thrifty Thursday post, I'd like to encourage you to save on your water costs this spring and summer.

Most people have gardens and potted flowers. This might be your first year with a container garden. During the warmer months, we have to water our plants sometimes twice a day, depending on the heat. The cost of the water used can add up! Even if you don't pay for your water, you may be trying to be a little more environmentally friendly. Here's a couple of ideas:

When you are waiting for the shower to warm up before climbing in, place a bucket under the spout and catch all that water. If you want, you can even plug the bathtub up and take a shower like that, then scoop up all the water to toss onto your lawn. (That's a bit much for me, honestly, I don't mind catching the cooler water, but I can't stand the water pooling around my feet!)

If you hand wash the dishes, save that basin water and water your plants or grass with it. The soap usually won't harm your plants. How about the pasta water you're draining? Drain it into a bucket, wait until it's cool, and then use it to water plants.

Place a bucket in a strategic point near your drain or even on the porch. I'm always amazed at how quickly a bucket fills up here! Two things when you are doing this: One, some states it's illegal to catch rainwater so be sure to check first (don't get me started here...) and two, be careful you don't let the water stand still for too long and create a mosquito haven!

If you use water bottles, and there's an inch or two left on the bottom... resist the urge to dump it straight down the drain! Water those plants instead!

Let's say you end up saving enough water these ways to water your plants once or twice a week. You're saving money, and if you have kids, it's a great way to teach them another way to recycle.