While on a visit to the Denver Botanic Gardens, I stopped to admire a planting system like I had never seen before. It wasn’t the white plastic planters in a honeycomb-like design; it was the sign posted near the garden that drew me in: “Water from the Air.”

This standing garden is planted with tomato and herb plants that are watered with the technology that turns sunlight and air into water.

The SOURCE unit is a solar-powered atmospheric water harvester on display at the Denver Botanic Gardens. The system irrigates plants by speeding up condensation to convert water vapor into water.

Zero Mass Water, based in Scottsdale, Ariz., is the manufacturer of the SOURCE unit. A solar panel at the center of the unit provides power. Two additional hydropanels contain special materials that attract water molecules to produce about two gallons of water each day. A storage tank can hold almost 8 gallons.

The SOURCE unit is an off-the-grid system “that uses solar energy to raise the dewpoint inside the panels, driving passive condensation,” according to the Zero Mass Water website. The resulting water is high-quality drinking water similar to distilled water.

Students at Colorado University at Boulder’s Environmental Design program designed and fabricated the hive-like hexagonal planters, an artsy bee house to attract pollinators and a solar-powered light for the garden.

While the water harvester at the Gardens can irrigate edibles like tomatoes and herbs, the demonstration is a small example of what the technology can do. Zero Mass Water is using the SOURCE unit to help provide clean drinking water to thirsty people in 26 countries across 6 continents.

The demonstration at the Denver Botanic Gardens shows the potential for being able to grow vegetables in places without a source for irrigation or reliable precipitation to either water gardens or fill rain barrels.

The SOURCE demonstration is one of the many collaborations and initiatives at the Gardens for innovative ideas for water-wise gardening. Even in Colorado’s relative low-humidity climate, the SOURCE unit produces plenty of water to grow vegetables and herbs.

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

Harper Super Steel 700-lb. Platform Hand Truck

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Manufactured in USA; Two position telescoping handle adjusts up to 62" in height for tall loads. 700 lb horizontal capacity, 600 lb vertical capacity. Converts in seconds from 2 wheel dolly into 4 wheel cart. Heavy-duty pneumatic all-terrain 10" wheels and 5" durable swivel casters for easy maneuverability of bulky loads. 14" x 7" Heavy gauge base plate and wheel fenders to protect the load from the wheels.

Buy at Amazon

Flat Soaker Hose 75 150 FT for Garden Beds

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Consistent & Even Watering Drip Irrigation Hose: Makes use of a clog-resistant fabric cover recycled vinyl for consistent slow soaking seep throughout its entire length. Deliver water to the entire area that it covers. Only certain areas of your garden bed getting watered. For waste-free watering in garden beds and other tight spaces. Waters the base of the plants so less water-related leaf damage. Linkable Garden Soaker Hose For DIY Irrigation System: End to end connectable drip water hose, flexible versatile Above-ground or bury it below a up to 3-inch layer of mulch or soil; this fit with garden hose threads and come with rust resistant end caps that make it possible to connect multiple hoses and works well with timers. Maneuverability And 100% Environmentally Friendly Drip Hose: Double layer design PVC Covered With Extra-Strength Fabric material protect from sun damage than rubber weeping hose; ensure the longevity of the soaker hose, which is ideal for you using it regularly through all seasons in your garden. Made of 100% environmentally friendly recycled vinyl, pass CA65 test, water is safe for ground which makes it perfect for use with vegetables, herbs, and other edible plants. Easy To Store Flat Soaker Hose: This irrigation drip hose flat design is kink-resistant, lies flat makes it a breeze to roll up and store for next season.The flat shape also makes it simple to snake under existing plant growth. One-Year Warranty on Flat Soaker Hoses: Ensure a water pressure of 40-90 psi for best results—hot water is not suitable.

Buy at Amazon