Harvesting Rain Water with Rain Barrels

Don’t let all that rain run off the roof and down the storm sewer. Capture it with a rain barrel to use for watering ornamental gardens and containers.

Use this century-old technique to help keep the water where it falls, conserving water and reducing pollution.

Start with a call to your local municipality. Some have restrictions on water harvesting, but most encourage this practice and some even offer rebates.

Purchase a rain barrel or make your own from a recycled food grade container. Make sure the top is covered to keep out bugs and debris and the spigot is low, so water does not stagnate in the bottom. Include an overflow outlet to direct excess water away from the house.

Dress up your container with a bit of paint suited for outdoor use on plastic surfaces. And don’t worry if you are not an artist, hide your rain barrels with some decorative plantings.

A bit more information:  Elevate your rain barrel on cement blocks or similar supports.  This provides easier access to the spigot and speeds water flow with the help of gravity.

Tags

sustainable-gardening watering

Related

Audio

Low Maintenance Eco-Friendly Garden Tips

Audio

Wilted Plant Leaves

Audio

Selecting Rain Barrels

Audio

Watering Tips for Houseplant Care

Audio

Clay Pot Olla (oy yah) Irrigation

Audio

Boost Productivity of Midseason Plantings

Audio

Proper Watering

Audio

Watering Saving Tips for Container Gardens

Audio

Are You Overwatering or Underwatering Your Indoor Plants

Audio

Fluoride Can Damage Plants

• <
• 1 (current)
• 2
• 3
• …
• 11
• >