Coincidentally, the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water contacted me and shared a series of tips on water usage and rain barrels. Here is one:
Use rainwater from your rain barrel to keep your yard green. Rainwater is ideal for yards, gardens, and flowerpots. Rain barrels can be purchased at your local hardware or garden supply store. Better yet, many local government programs offer them at reduced prices. For more information visit http://www.anacostia.net. Rain barrels are part pollution preventer and a money saver wrapped into one easy-to-install device.
I have found my own English rain barrel that I installed over five years ago to be invaluable. During our late summer droughts, it helps store water for keeping all my container plantings going. Further, it lets me reach a distant corner of the garden without installing another hose hook-up.
If you haven't already done so, consider adding a rain barrel to your own garden. I think you'll be very happy with this low-cost, easy device and so will our local watershed.
Pictured here is a rain barrel in Rockville, MD. Photo courtest of the EPA.
I just purchased a rain barrel through a program sponsored by our city government for less than 1/2 what they are selling in the stores. A handy person could probably make her own for even less. I'm anxious to get mine in place and collect some of these April showers.
ReplyDeleteHi Kathy,
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining in my Earth Day project! I have been using my new rain barrel to water some nearby containers and plan to also use the water from it in an area of the yard where the hose won't reach. I love the style of your English rainbarrel. Happy Earth day to you;-) Jan