How to Use Potted Plant Water

Households use 150,000 gallons of water a year to cook, clean and garden. Water has become such a scarce resource that many communities impose water restrictions on their residents. In Austin, Texas, for example, from May 1 to September 30, single-family households are assigned two days a week in which to water their garden with a sprinkler. One way to conserve water is to reuse the water from your potted plants.

Glazed ceramic pots with drainage holes
Plastic pots with drainage holes
Basin
Watering can
Container with lid

Instructions

- 1
  Replace terra cotta pots with plastic or glazed ceramic planters outfitted with drainage holes. Terra cotta is porous and quickly loses moisture to evaporation, leaving less for you to reuse.
- 2
  Water the potted plants on the recommended schedule for the species and cultivars. Place the planters inside a basin to catch the excess water from the drainage holes.
- 3
  Pour the water in the basin into a watering can. Reuse it to water other plants. Store the leftover water in a covered container to prevent evaporation.

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