Water Butt Smell

[Peter Bluestar]

Hi All,

Greenhouse has finally arrived and I've filled it with the usual suspects. I've repotted the Tomatoes into 10'' pots with compost etc then watered them in.

I've not used any water from the water butt for a while due to having plenty of rain and when I've used it for the greenhouse the water smells stagnant.

Is it still useable or does it have to go?

[NOG]

Did the butt have a lid on?
Is the water clear?
How long has it been in the butt.
If there is no crap in the bottom of the tank?

Mine stay filled from Oct to March with no problems.

[sweetiepea]

Sounds as if its contaminated in some way. This is likely if, as per NOG's post, the butt has no lid (and matter has fallen in), if the butt wasn't completely clean to begin with (dirt at the bottom), and certainly if the water is merky. My advice would be NOT to use the water, empty the butt completely and give it a thorough clean, and make sure it has a lid that fits correctly and doesn't let in dirt, leaves etc.

[Peter Bluestar]

It has a lid on and it is clear, I can't see the bottom of the tank because it's quite a big one in a tight spot.

[NOG]

If it smells bad I would say it is. I agree wash out the butt and start again.

[taff]

Someone on here [sorry, can't remember who] suggested putting about an inch of charcoal in the bottom of a butt to stop it going nasty.

[Two_Sheds]

I wouldn't use butt water on seedlings anyway ... it increases the risk of damping off. It can go on established plants OK.

If you butt is stinky ... pour the contents on the compost bin? Scrub it out and start again.

[Peter Bluestar]

Thanks for that all, the compost bin is having the contents.

Cheers.

[gojiberry]

Get so lump charcoal and put in the but, it will float on top of the water but will keep it sweet. I only use my but water to water established plants so don't worry to much about the state of it.

Ian

[Peter Bluestar]

Great thank's for that.

The smell was that bad when I started to empty it that I decided on the drain rather than the compost bin. Just as well really, 3'' cat stool in the bottom.

[gadgetman]

I'm sure I've seen tablets and liquid to add to water butts to stop them becoming manky and disease carrying in the garden centre.

IIRC you add a measure/tablet monthly.

[King Carrot]

Great thank's for that.

The smell was that bad when I started to empty it that I decided on the drain rather than the compost bin. Just as well really, 3'' cat stool in the bottom.

If I was drinking anything right now it would be all over my keyboard - I'm just trying to picture how the *&^% the cat layed a egg in your butt - no pun intended

I just can't picture it

[Beetroot Bob]

We were told to add a cap full of Jayes fluid to a full butt to keep it clean.

[crichmond]

Yes you can add stuff from the garden centre and things like ***** fluid, but do we know how these additives effect the plants we are watering. I use charcoal in a hessian bag or onion bag with a stone tied up and put in the waterbut this way the charcoal doesnt float so if you want to take the water from the top of the barrel you can and as long as you keep the lid on the water seems to stay clear and sweet.

PS keeping the lid on the waterbut stops the cat crapping in it.

[GrubbyGirl]

We were told to add a cap full of Jayes fluid to a full butt to keep it clean.

Is ***** fluid ok for the plants?