Why rain water is better for the garden

Raindrops (public domain photo)

Did you ever notice rapid growth in your garden just after a rainstorm? It's never that abundant when you water with the hose, is it? Why do you think that is? Natural is always better. Still, when it comes to the benefits of rainwater in the garden, there is a bit more to it than that. So, just why is rainwater so much better for the garden than tap-water?

I've been debating this for quite some time and decided to do a little research. It occurred to me that rainwater is the natural source of water for plants. I had also heard theories of hydrogen peroxide content in rainwater. I wanted to know if those theories were correct. I'm a bit of a hater when it comes to chlorine in our water supply. I couldn't help but think that might have something to do with the reason my plants seem to have a love/hate relationship with tap water. Here's what my research revealed about the real reasons rainwater makes gardens thrive.

No chlorine

The chemicals in tap water may be detrimental to garden growth. Chlorine is the most prominent one. Plants do need chlorine,but they only need a miniscule amount. Excess chlorine has negative effects on plant life. It can stunt root development. It can also destroy beneficial bacteria and fungi. No wonder natural rainwater is a better alternative for plants.

Natural flow

Hoses, drip systems, sprayers and hand watering techniques do their best to duplicate natural water flow. Still, as hard as they try, they can't beat nature. Mother nature knows the exact water flow plants thrive with. Certainly, she also creates storms destructive to plant life. However, for the most part, plants are accustomed to the way natural rain falls.

Hydrogen peroxide

Did you know there is hydrogen peroxide in rainwater? Rainwater receives an extra atom of oxygen from the ozone. This turns some of it into H2O2, rather than H2O. The extra oxygen in hydrogen peroxide helps plants grow faster, better and stronger.

Did you know?

Due to pollutants in the air, the hydrogen peroxide content is diminished in some areas. So, many farmers use supplemental diluted hydrogen peroxide on their crops.

Try it out:

If you have a plant that seems to be drooping, fill a spray bottle with water and a couple tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide. Lightly spritz the ground around the plant. If the plant is lacking oxygen, it will perk right up. This works very well in areas where soil is primarily clay. It brings needed oxygen to the roots for better growth.

This post was previously published by this author on Yahoo!