It is all just water, right?
Turns out – not all water is created equal.
Rainwater is actually better for your landscape than irrigation water.
Yes – you heard me correctly. Water from the sky is better for your lawn, plants, lawn gnomes and trees than the water from your pipes.
Before I explain why…irrigation and hose water is still VERY GOOD for your landscape. I think this goes without saying, but water is essential for life. Water your plants and trees and lawn gnomes.
Why is rainwater the best water for your landscape?
Natural fertilizer: (This is so cool). Rainwater can pull nitrogen out of the air…especially when there is lightning. Lightning makes the nitrogen in the air more accessible and therefore the rain “grabs” more of it. Nitrogen is one of the main ingredients of fertilizers. Rainwater delivers this nitrogen to the soil.
Chemical-free: You know your tap water has added chemicals, right? This isn’t some conspiracy theory – thought there are a lot of conspiracy theories about the government using tap water to control the people. Your tap water has chemicals added for purity and health. These chemicals are not necessarily bad for the landscape, but they even a little bit of chlorine and fluoride aren’t ideal for the plants.
Soakage: Rainwater tends to soak into the soil better (if applied over a longer time period than irrigation). Deeper watering trains roots to seek deeper depths. (I acknowledge that was a silly sentence but you understand what I am trying to say). Roots dig deeper and are therefore more resilient long term. This is often driven by rain. (side note: you can accomplish this same effect with properly installed and programmed irrigation).
Even distribution: Even a great irrigation system isn’t as good at distribution as clouds.
The OG Aerator: Rainwater carries more oxygen into the soil which is good for root development and essential for energy production.
pH balance: Not all local waters are pH balanced…In fact Austin soil AND water both have high a high pH. Rainwater tends to be a neutral pH. Native plants have adapted for this soil, but if you are going to try plants that aren’t completely native, neutral pH rain water is great.
I will say it again – irrigation is super important for your landscape. But rainwater is the best water for your landscape.
Start rain dancing.
