What Type of Water Helps Plants Grow the Best?

Rainwater

• Rainwater is not always available for your plants. You can collect it in rain barrels to conserve it for use in your gardens or potted plants during dry weather. The slightly acidic level of rainwater helps the vegetation absorb the nutrients in the soil. Rainwater does not contain chlorine or fluoride, so therefore is better for your plants than regular tap water.

Tap Water

• Tap water contains chemicals, such as chlorine, fluoride and sodium. These are necessary to treat the public water supply. It is readily available all year round, yet often has a pH level that is not adequate for gardens. Some plants do not thrive well with hard water, as is often the case with tap or well water. This is particularly true with potted plants. Rainstorms help wash away these chemicals in your outdoor garden if you frequently use tap water. If you use a water softener, this is worse for the plants since it has a high level of sodium and a low level of nutrients for plant growth, such as magnesium and calcium.

Distilled Water

• Tap water contains chemicals, such as chlorine, fluoride and sodium. These are necessary to treat the public water supply. It is readily available all year round, yet often has a pH level that is not adequate for gardens. Some plants do not thrive well with hard water, as is often the case with tap or well water. This is particularly true with potted plants. Rainstorms help wash away these chemicals in your outdoor garden if you frequently use tap water. If you use a water softener, this is worse for the plants since it has a high level of sodium and a low level of nutrients for plant growth, such as magnesium and calcium.