Finding perfectly balanced water for your plants can sometimes be tricky, especially for those finicky calatheas, rhododendrons, and Brussels. Whether it’s the chemicals or minerals in your tap water or the lack of rainfall in the area, there are many benefits of using rainwater for your plants.

From the health benefits for both your indoor and outdoor plants to bonuses for the environment and your pocketbook, you may be itching to rainscape your yard. Read on to learn all the benefits of using rainwater for your plants and tips for safely watering your garden.

Nitrogen

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One of the most important nutrients for plant growth is nitrogen, which helps to encourage lush green foliage. Rainwater contains nitrates which are perfect for your garden. While plants cannot absorb many forms of nitrogen, nitrates are an easily absorbed form of nitrogen and oxygen.

Whether you collect your water in jugs, a rain barrel, or a more advanced trough and filtration system, there should be plenty of available nitrates in the rainwater for both your indoor and outdoor plants. Using rainwater for your houseplants during the warmer months is a great way to boost your plants that are stuck inside.

Natural Fertilizer

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In addition to nitrogen, collected rainwater also contains organic material. This varies depending on the leaves, dirt, and bird poop the water runs through on its way to your rain barrel. Your plants will love these extra nutrients, which act like a natural fertilizer.

However, you do need to be careful about certain contaminants, especially for edible crops. When collecting rainwater in barrels for edible crops, be sure to use a screen to filter out the large chunks of organic material. In addition, it’s best to test your water regularly and use a filtration system. Chemical disinfection and boiling the water may be other options for making the water safe for use, depending on the contaminants in the water.

Try to use the water within 10 days of collection, and then clean out your rain barrel before use again. Water left in rain barrels for long periods of time, especially in the hot summer heat can be a breeding ground for bacteria and mosquitos. Left untouched, the bottom of your rain barrel will soon become a thick, stinky sludge.

Acidic

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While all plants have different nutritional needs, most plants prefer a slightly acidic pH, between six and seven. While tap water is often alkaline due to the chemical treatment process to keep pipes from corroding, rainwater is quite acidic.

For your acid-loving plants such as blueberries, blue hydrangeas, and azaleas, they will thrive off of just rainwater. For plants that prefer a more neutral pH, such as elder, asparagus, and crocus, a mixture of rainwater and tap water, may be a perfect balance.

To ensure the optimal pH of water for your plants, be sure to regularly test the pH of the rainwater and tap water as these can both fluctuate throughout the year.

Soft Water

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Municipally treated water, depending on your location, will have varying levels of chemicals including chlorine, fluoride, and salts. These chemicals are often harmful to plants and over time they can build up in the soil, especially in potted plants. Rainwater, on the other hand, is naturally occurring soft water, and an ideal balance of minerals for your plants. In addition, using rainwater can also help to flush out these toxic chemicals and rejuvenate your soil.

Eco-Friendly

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While the nutritional benefits of using rainwater for your plants is huge, one of the biggest reasons gardeners choose to collect rainwater is to be eco-conscious. Collecting rainwater is a fantastic way to conserve water, especially during the months of drought, when water is in short supply.

Another eco-friendly benefit is helping to reduce stormwater runoff. When you collect rainwater, you are helping to reduce the amount of water flowing into stormwater systems. Instead of letting it run down your driveway and into the streets, you can return it to the local ecosystem.

Save Money

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Another huge benefit to collecting rainwater is the savings. During the hot summer months, your gardens and lawns need a lot of water to grow lush and green, and sprinkler systems can quickly wrack up the water bill. Luckily, using rainwater as a supplementary watering system can add up to huge savings.

Control Over Your Water Supply

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Since water is so crucial for the health of your plants, it can be devastating when a drought or water ban takes them out. Collecting rainwater is the best way to ensure a backup plan for your garden and lawn in case of emergencies. Remember, water is a precious commodity. So, if you can, collecting rainwater is a fantastic way to stay in control of your water supply. It ensures you have H20 for your plants during the heat of summer so you don't have to worry.

Rain Check!

There are a host of benefits to using rainwater for both your indoor and outdoor plants. From the health benefits for your plants to the eco-friendly benefits and cost savings, there are many reasons to start collecting rainwater today! Be sure to follow safe rainwater collection procedures, especially when using the water for edible crops. You’ll be reaping the benefits in no time.

Do you collect rainwater in your yard? Share your experience in the comments!