Q: My husband and I want to use our bath water, and the water from the washing machine on our lawn and plants. We would not use this water on edible plants. Is it safe?

A: It sounds like you are questioning if this water is safe for your plants, and it’s impossible to give you an answer. There are so many products used in washing machines such as detergents, fabric softeners, bleaches and brighteners that could affect plant materials. Bath water could have soap, shampoo, bath oil and other products.

However, the overriding problem with your question is that the use of this water to help irrigate your yard is illegal at this time. The water from uses within the house such as bath water and washing machine water is known as “gray water”. Water from the dishwasher, washing dishes and toilet is known as “black water”. According to the Board of Health, the use of either is prohibited for use on the surface of your yard.
For more information, please refer to Colorado State University Cooperative Extension Fact Sheets #6.702, “Graywater Reuse and Rainwater Harvesting,” and #7.750, “Colorado’s Water Situation.” You can access these Fact Sheets by visiting www.ext.colostate.edu

Q: My lawn has turned totally brown from lack of irrigation. Is it dead?

A: Lawns that have turned brown from lack of water will range from dormant to dead, depending on a number of factors. Some grass species such as Kentucky bluegrass, buffalograss, blue grama, bentgrass and fine fescues possess a mechanism for going dormant during droughty conditions and emerge from dormancy in relatively good shape. Tall fescue and perennial ryegrass do not have this ability and will most likely be dead if left to go totally brown. Some turf can survive without any supplemental irrigation during dormancy.
Turf that has been maintained properly prior to drought with regard to fertilization, cultivation and thatch management will likely survive longer than lawns without proper management. When turf is dormant, restrict traffic as much as possible, avoid nitrogen fertilization, do not aerate or de-thatch and continue to mow at a height of 2 1/2 to 3 inches.

Q: What is “deadheading?”

A: Deadheading, as defined by the Royal Horticultural Society, is, “The removal of flowers from plants when the flowers are fading or dead.” Removing spent flowers improves plant appearance and also improves plant performance by encouraging new flower growth.

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This page updated:  September 28, 2006