Hard water vs soft — does tap water harm plants
En resumen: Hard tap water contains calcium and magnesium which accumulate in soil and can cause alkalinity. For most vegetables this isn't a problem, but for acid-loving plants — it is.
Hard water — when it's a problem and when it's not
Tap water in most Polish cities is hard or very hard — it contains a lot of calcium and magnesium. And it's chlorinated. Does this harm plants?
For most vegetables: It practically doesn't matter. Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, beans — they grow with tap water without problems.
For acid-loving plants: A real problem. Hard water gradually raises soil pH through watering. It harms:
- Blueberries
- Rhododendrons
- Azaleas
- Heathers
- Strawberries in the long term
Chlorine in tap water:
Destroys soil microorganisms with intensive long-term watering. Simple solution: leave water in a watering can or barrel for several hours — chlorine will evaporate.Solutions for hard water:
- Rainwater — the best solution, soft and chlorine-free
- Settled water (chlorine escapes)
- Acidifying water with a small amount of vinegar or citric acid for acid-loving plants
- Water softening filter on tap — expensive, but for blueberry enthusiasts
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