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Georgia

My ponds have run dry still and the patch were I grow only has city water avalable. I have 4 60 gallon barrels which are used for my drip system. Would a product like stress coat which contains sodium thiosulfate and a bit of Aloe vere help. Ill pump the water one day and let it sit until the next to water. Does this sound like Im on the right track to making the city water better. All foliar sprays will be mixed from the well water from my house though. Well any replys are appreciated.

2/11/2008 9:11:01 AM

Western NY

I wouldn't worry about adding sodium thiosulfate to it unless your free chlorine levels coming from the city are way high. Tim Bailey uses city water for his pumpkins and has had 3 pumpkins over 1200.

If you're letting the water warm in the barrels for a day or so anyway, some of the chlorine will gas off. more will gas off if you run a bubbler in it, keep it stirred, or leave it in direct sunlight.

2/11/2008 10:16:57 AM

Georgia

Thanks Andy my barrels are all in direct sunlight with tops cut off. Ill try to keep the stirred like you suggested. Im actually happy Ill have a constant source for water this year. Last year pond ran dry and I had to drive around with two 60 gallon drums strapped to my truck and a generator and pump. Then I had to repump the barrels that my drip system uses..lots of work. This year ill have more time to spend on the patch. Thanks for the advice

2/11/2008 10:21:30 AM

Jericho Vermont

Jason,
I use city water to grow as well. Most city water system up here use chloramine over chlorine because it does not gas off. I don't think this is a major problem but have purchased a charcoal filter a couple of years back. I believe charcoal breaks down chloramine. The filter I got hooks right up to my hose.
John

2/11/2008 12:08:16 PM

Georgia

John I might look into a filter around here theres no telling what could be in the water. But I looking forward to using the city water beacuse pumpking the water from ponds used to take up about a hour of my time which now can be spent on the actual patch.

2/11/2008 1:20:16 PM