Can I use washing up water on my plants?

[UatuTheWatcher]

Just that really. Can I?

We're trying to be as environmentally friendly as possible. We are in a rental property with cast iron gutters etc. and are not allowed to put a water butt in. We would like to grow some vegetables etc. but they would have to be in pots due to the size of the garden and there is borders of plants as well.

Not if you want them to live. A lot of people do put gray water into their gardens but it really isn't good for them.

Use biodegradable washing up liquid such as Ecover. Water the soil, not the leaves. You'll be fine.

No.

Okay, mixed reactions :-)

I do use Ecover. Buy it in a 15L box.

I'll disagree. tip it on plants with bugs on.

OK so we are 2 for and 2 against. Anymore opinions

It's not ideal but it kills or reduces blackfly and greenfly.

www.growveg.co.uk/guides/using-grey-water-to-help-plants-survive-a-hot-summer/

www.rhs.org.uk/science/gardening-in-a-changing-world/water-use-in-gardens/using-grey-water

Apparently good for some bug infestations, but it irritates the skin of worms and the poor things come up all irritated and then get eaten by birds. You need worms for good soil, and you probably don't want birds with upset stomachs either.

The worms in my garden are in rude health (and hiding in the compost bin). I hardly ever use grey water but did the other day as my artichokes and broadbeans were infested.

Thanks for the links, will have a read.

Do you have a shed/outbuilding? I'm considering clipping some mini guttering to one side of my shed using these

I already have a slimline water butt on the other side with guttering but can't be bothered drilling and attaching guttering to the front side (I'm not very DIY minded!) Thought I'd give these a go.

Sorry I'm no help with the grey water issue, I'm going to check out the links as I assumed it was a no-no.

I have used easing up water with ecover in it with no problems except growing the odd tomato plant from stray seeds!

@GingerKitCat. Unfortunately shed is a no go.

Thanks all. Think I'll give grey water a go and see what happens.

I know a gardener with a very limited water supply. No question of hosepipe - pretty much reliant on rain. All her grey water/ dishwater goes on the veggie garden. Works just fine.