While Tucson’s summer monsoon season began with great promise, it fizzled out. Locally, we’re calling it the non-soon.
At my place, the lack of rain has resulted in the need for more water for the garden. Where is it especially needed?
Well, my two pomegranate trees have been suffering. I’ve been seeing — and removing — lots of split fruit like the ones shown in the above photo. That fruit just isn’t going to ripen.
The pomegranates are connected to my laundry-to-landscape greywater harvesting system, but, alas, two weekly wash days are not enough for these trees.
So, I’ve been washing the dishes for the fruit trees. I’m using a plastic bin in the sink, and that’s where the soapy water goes. When I’m done, splash! The pomegranates get a drink.
I’m also taking showers for the pomegranate trees. Here’s how I do that — and how you can too:
- If your shower stall includes a bathtub, place a small bucket (or office wastebasket) below the tub spout.
- While getting your shower temperature right, capture that water, then remove the bucket and take your shower.
- After you’re clean, refreshed, and dressed, take your bucket out to the plants that could use a drink.
Congrats! You’ve officially became a water harvester.
Another Learning Opportunity!
Check out Martha’s new audiobook and eBook, Water Harvesting 101. It will help you get your water harvesting journey off to a strong start.