Water Conservation in the Garden - Use a Rain Barrel to Harvest Rainwater

If you are a gardener you probably already do a bit composting to recycle yard and kitchen waste. This homemade "Black Gold" does wonders for your plants and soil. But, have you discovered the gardening benefits of harvesting and recycling rainwater to use in the garden?

Many communities nationwide are experiencing either short-term or long-term water shortages. Some communities have begun rationing programs and impose fines if a homeowner uses too much water. Why not try some simple rainwater harvesting techniques and use the water to irrigate your garden? You'll be able to water your plants when they need it and you may see a bit of savings on your water bill at the same time.

Harvesting rainwater is as simple as placing a rain barrel under a roof gutter downspout. Practically any large, clean container can be used as a rain barrel. For instance, you can use a plastic or metal trash can. However, there are major benefits to using commercially designed rain barrels. Features of commercially available rain barrels include: childproof and pet-proof lids, mosquito screens, overflow hardware, spigots for attaching hoses, and the ability to link multiple barrels together. These features make using your rainwater much easier and safer. Many city water departments will give homeowners a rebate on their water bill if they buy a rain barrel.

You can find durable, heavy-duty rainbarrels at most home improvement stores and garden centers. You can also order them from online suppliers. These rain barrels can be quite attractive also. Some are made to look like traditional round wooden barrels while some are square, or half-round to provide versatility and style when placing one beside your house. Some rain barrels currently on the market are made from recycled shipping containers for Mediterranean foods such as olives.

What are some of the advantages of collecting rainwater for use in your garden? For starters, you will be doing your part to conserve both water and energy. When you use rainwater you will not be using your municipal drinking water and will not be using the energy it takes to pump it to your house. It's free, so you won't be billed for it! Rainwater is fresh and naturally low in salt and chlorine so it's good for your plants. Most of the time it is not cold and won't shock your plants like water from an underground source can do.

Your grandparents probably used rain barrels to irrigate their gardens. Why not try something old to solve a new problem and conserve water by using a rain barrel? Even if you live in an area with very little annual rainfall you will be amazed when your rain barrel fills up after just one or two rain showers.

Article by Amy Passmore for Waterwise Ways. Visit Waterwise Ways for more information on conserving water in your home and garden.

This article may be freely distributed as long as the author's name and live website link appear.

---

Composting the Easy Way

Having an ample supply of good rich compost is the... Read More

Delavays Blueberry (Vaccinium delavayi)

Whether we know it or not, most of us are... Read More

Grow Organic Vegetables

There are more reasons than ever why anybody with access... Read More

Environmentally Safe Ways to Remove Weeds

There is a lot of concern about herbicides and what... Read More

Teak Adirondack Chairs

Outdoor furniture constructed with teak wood is a favorite among... Read More

Tractors and Their History

I recently bought a small tractor for my garden, which... Read More

Dream Yard

Do you ever dream about what your yard could look... Read More

Aluminium And Wooden Greenhouses

An important addition to any British back garden, greenhouses are... Read More

Oregano: Joy of the Mountain

Known as "joy of the mountain," Origanum vulgare is commonly... Read More

Plants, Birds, Love and Deer Hate

Hi Friends;This is the second year in a row I... Read More

Gardening on a Budget

When we moved into our south Anchorage log home I... Read More

Hydroponics Gardening - An Introduction To Hydroponics Gardening For Beginners (part 4) Environment

THE BASICS OF HYDROPONICS.The Success or Failure of Your Plants... Read More

Lawn Edging

How do you make those flowers bloom where they are... Read More

Why Patio Benches are a Great Place to Relax and Enjoy

Having an outdoor patio offers the opportunity and place to... Read More

Toxic Pollutants & Their Effect on Fish Health

Once water temperatures increase in the summer months, fish become... Read More

Cast Aluminum Furniture

In days gone by, outdoor furniture was cast from iron.... Read More

What Is One Flower Benefit That You Know Of?

The biggest flower benefit of all is the fact that... Read More

How to Control Poison Ivy

Poison ivy is found throughout southern Canada and most of... Read More

Understanding Weeds - But mostly How to Kill em

When I was a child, I loved to pick Dandelions.... Read More

Simple Lawnmower Maintenance

Do you have trouble starting your lawnmower up in the... Read More

Daphnes for Scent and Colour

Anyone with even a passing knowledge of plants knows that... Read More

Grow Herbs in your Garden for Pleasure and Profit

Herbs can add a touch of magic to your garden... Read More

Why You Should Always Have Garden Furniture

You've put a lot of work into your garden, from... Read More

Garden Room Boundaries

The areas of your landscape can be divided into several... Read More

5 Most Popular Flowers for Your Garden

When planting a garden there are many questions which you... Read More

Secrets of Growing Killer Tomatoes

Tomatoes have always been my favorite garden vegetable to grow... Read More

Themes of Shade

A Shade Garden can be created in any of several... Read More

Orchid Care - What The Root Tells Us

Orchid Care Part 4 Diseases of the RootsOur final part... Read More

Early Spring Garden Guide: What To Do In The Yard And Garden Now

Can't wait to get back to the garden? Use this... Read More

Fountains of Refreshment

When hot, sticky days hit, try to use all your... Read More

Teak Furniture - The Proper Way to Care For & Clean It

Teak furniture is tropical hardwood that has a rich, golden... Read More

Thyme: The Herb of Courage

Garden thyme, fresh or dried, alone or combined with parsley... Read More

Mulch Your Spring Bulbs In The Fall For A Beautiful Spring Display

Flower bulbs need a good, long, winters sleep. Like some... Read More