| If you are a gardener you probably already do a | | | | You can find durable, heavy-duty rainbarrels at |
| bit composting to recycle yard and kitchen waste. | | | | most home improvement stores and garden |
| This homemade "Black Gold" does wonders for | | | | centers. You can also order them from online |
| your plants and soil. But, have you discovered the | | | | suppliers. These rain barrels can be quite |
| gardening benefits of harvesting and recycling | | | | attractive also. Some are made to look like |
| rainwater to use in the garden? | | | | traditional round wooden barrels while some are |
| Many communities nationwide are experiencing | | | | square, or half-round to provide versatility and |
| either short-term or long-term water shortages. | | | | style when placing one beside your house. Some |
| Some communities have begun rationing | | | | rain barrels currently on the market are made |
| programs and impose fines if a homeowner uses | | | | from recycled shipping containers for |
| too much water. Why not try some simple | | | | Mediterranean foods such as olives. |
| rainwater harvesting techniques and use the | | | | What are some of the advantages of collecting |
| water to irrigate your garden? You'll be able to | | | | rainwater for use in your garden? For starters, |
| water your plants when they need it and you | | | | you will be doing your part to conserve both |
| may see a bit of savings on your water bill at the | | | | water and energy. When you use rainwater you |
| same time. | | | | will not be using your municipal drinking water and |
| Harvesting rainwater is as simple as placing a rain | | | | will not be using the energy it takes to pump it to |
| barrel under a roof gutter downspout. Practically | | | | your house. It's free, so you won't be billed for it! |
| any large, clean container can be used as a rain | | | | Rainwater is fresh and naturally low in salt and |
| barrel. For instance, you can use a plastic or metal | | | | chlorine so it's good for your plants. Most of the |
| trash can. However, there are major benefits to | | | | time it is not cold and won't shock your plants like |
| using commercially designed rain barrels. Features | | | | water from an underground source can do. |
| of commercially available rain barrels include: | | | | Your grandparents probably used rain barrels to |
| childproof and pet-proof lids, mosquito screens, | | | | irrigate their gardens. Why not try something old |
| overflow hardware, spigots for attaching hoses, | | | | to solve a new problem and conserve water by |
| and the ability to link multiple barrels together. | | | | using a rain barrel? Even if you live in an area with |
| These features make using your rainwater much | | | | very little annual rainfall you will be amazed when |
| easier and safer. Many city water departments | | | | your rain barrel fills up after just one or two rain |
| will give homeowners a rebate on their water bill if | | | | showers. |
| they buy a rain barrel. | | | | |