Topic: water containers

[tomatoada]

I visited my lottie today and noticed my 2 water tubs are full, but the water looks a bit green.  Should I empty them and start again with fresh rainfall.  Thanks for any advice.

[grawrc]

I don't think it matters Maggie. You probably won't like it but I don't think your plants will care.  :)

[cleo]

no.-man of little words me

[tomatoada]

Wow. What a speedy reply.  No I am not bothered.  Nice to have the problem resolved, so I don't have to heave them over and maybe get wet in the process.  Cheers and thanks.

[LesH]

There are two things you can do to stop the algea from forming. Put a lid on your tubs, to stop the sun light. A small pinch of lime scattered over the top of the water will change the PH of the water (it will not harm your plants) but it would probable stop the algea from growing.

[Robert_Brenchley]

A little green doesn't matter at all. If the water turns really green or red this is an algal bloom; it won't harm your plants but the odd year I had one in my water butt I was overwhelmed by midges. The larvae fed on the algae and there were tens of thousands of the things round my shed. A lid soon sorted matters out; the algae died and the midges lost their food supply.

[Curryandchips]

At least it shows your water is clean, for if contaminated, the algae are unlikely to form. As already said, it should not be problem unless it gets excessive.

[Gardenantics]

I stumbled on an answer to this problem. By accident, I introduced duck weed to my water butts, this quickly grew to cover the surface, and kept growing into a thick layer, I now and again remove 95% of it to the compost heap, and noticed that the water below is always clean and pure! I have a tap on the side, so getting my water is no problem, but if you are dipping, then it will block your can rose. I think what is happening is the duck weed is using up any nitrogen that may find it's way off the roof (bird poo), and there is nothing left for algea, plus they exclude the light. Neat organic idea, that's what I like. Glad this post reminded me to pass on the tip. The duck weed is enjoyed by my worms too.

Brian