How to get clean water during the winter?
 

I live in Minnesota, and I usually get clean water from a big cooler I keep in my backyard to collect rainwater. However, with winter setting in I dont know how I can get clean water for my orchids. Any suggestions?

Hi! I'm in a similar climate (Upstate NY), and I have been wondering if melted snow might do the trick, especially if collected right after it falls, before it has a chance to get contaminated by whatever is around. Perhaps the more knowledgeable OB folks could chime in.

Here are a few suggestions: the frost from the back of coolers, snow, ice from dripping from the roof, RO water (you have one of these right?) distilled water. There are probably more but, I'm sure you get the idea.

I'm in St. Paul:waving During and right after every snow fall I'd go out side to the drive way or the deck or my balcony with a giant bucket and scoop up snow. I'd bring it inside and put it by the baseboard heater. Melted in a day. Saved on water and shoveling last winter.

Do you have a lot of plants, Junklecat? I mean like a whole greenhouse full?

If not, maybe you could still get your water from the cooler in jugs and set them inside to warm up. Course, if the water in your cooler freezes, that won't work.

Is your tap water not suitable? I use plain tap water even though it is what we call "city water" and it does fine.

I have absolutely no CLUE how to answer this question but I'm eager to see the responses....:) :)

I used to use only tap water, except that I recently got a few seedlings and I want to make sure that they develope under the best possible conditions.

I'm sure my tap water is fine, but I guess you could classify me as an "overprotective parent."

If you are talking about just a few seedlings then I don"t see where that should be a problem. Use melted snow or buy some cheap store brand bottled water.

I collect snow or rain in 5 gal. buckets. If low I will get distilled.