Using distilled water instead of rainwater?

Curv

Hi

I'm planning on growing blueberries in ericaceous compost in pots. The tap water where I live is very soft, but I don't want to risk the plants by using it; everything I've read about blueberries makes it clear that tap water is unsuitable and states that rainwater should be used.

I'm really reluctant to have a water butt in the garden as I have two very small children (ages 1 and 2) so I'm looking for alternatives. Does anyone know if the water from my condenser tumble dryer would be suitable, given the original softness of the water?

TIA

Curv

virtual_relic

Hi Curv
Most water butts can be purchased with both a stand and a child proof lid, but if you don't want one, the water which has condensed from the tumble drier should not contain any impurities, these will have been left on the clothes as they dried!

relic

Lord_Gardener

Curv wrote: »

Hi

I'm planning on growing blueberries in ericaceous compost in pots. The tap water where I live is very soft, but I don't want to risk the plants by using it; everything I've read about blueberries makes it clear that tap water is unsuitable and states that rainwater should be used.

I'm really reluctant to have a water butt in the garden as I have two very small children (ages 1 and 2) so I'm looking for alternatives. Does anyone know if the water from my condenser tumble dryer would be suitable, given the original softness of the water?

TIA

Curv

Blueberries, along with other acid loving plants (calcifuge) require acidic soil which is why you need ericaceous compost. The type of tap water you have is dependent on the area you live in and it's source. Hard water (as in my beloved Cotswolds) is due to rain water (which is slightly acidic - due to dissolved sulphur and carbon dioxides) soaking through the ground and dissolving/taking up calcium and magnesium minerals, thereby increasing the waters alkalinity. Soft water has very little dissolved minerals and generally retains its acidity. Does your kettle fur up? If not, your tap water should be fine to use. NB You can get indicator strips which will show the acidity of your water (anything above pH 6.5 will be ok). Re water butt, you can get a lock for the tap if that's your issue re safety? Otherwise, the water butt will be just about as safe as anything can be in the garden - robust, no sharp edges and impossible to move when just a little water has been collected!:D

Jack's_mummy

I don't have a water butt (no downpipe) but manage with just a bucket left out to collect enough rainwater for my blueberries.