In a recent blog we looked at the challenges of keeping your
lawn green when hot, dry conditions take hold. The first and most obvious
solution was irrigation! Install an automated system or spend extra time
pulling hoses to set up temporary sprinklers and keep the landscape green.
A reader was quick to point out that during a dry spell, cities
and towns have water usage restrictions. Homeowners depending on well water
face the risk of using needed water for the home, on the front lawn!
What if we told you that you could still water regardless of
those restrictions? It’s pretty easy, just start collecting rain water.
Harvesting rain water is an effective way to collect and
store water that’s safe to reuse on plants and gardens. There are a TON of
options to collect water, from burying huge storage tanks to simple connections
to a downspout. The elaborate storage systems are large enough that a pump can
connect and feed an irrigation system.
For most homeowners, a Rain Barrel is probably sufficient.
The barrel sits at the bottom of your downspout and a specialized diverter kit
sends rainwater into the container. If your gutter is depositing the water at
the base of your foundation now, not only will a rain barrel save rain water,
it will probably prevent moisture problems in the basement!
Connect a hose or small solar pump to the container and you
are back in business! Now you can capture the afternoon thunderstorm or passing
shower and reuse when it is most needed.
What is your experience with harvesting rain? Do you have a
harvesting system? Share your photos or experience with us!
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