Rain barrels

Is your rain barrel working for you?  Don’t have one?  Why not?  Residential consumption of  water accounts for 40% of the water usage.   They are a great and easy way to save a little money not to mention the other help it can provide to the environment such as:

• Reduces the volume of water flowing to the sewer treatment facility
• Lowers the percentage of roof top rainfall as a component of urban runoff
• Backup source of water during times of drought or between rain showers
• Helps to keep our creeks and beaches clean
• Naturally softened water – great for delicate houseplants, auto cleaning and window washing
• Saves money by lowering your water bill
• Reduces the need for additional tax dollars earmarked for sewer expansion
• Chlorine-free water helps maintain a healthy biotic community in the soil

 Most commercial rain barrels go for $50 or more,  If you do not want to pay that much for one you can always get a trash can with a lid.  If placing it under a downspout cut a hole for the downspout to go direct into the can.  You can dip out the water.  Not perfect but it works.  If you decide to make your own rain barrel try the plans at   OSU extension   or just type in rain barrel plans in google search. I have used my saved water for multiple container gardens and some of the plants in my landscape.   It is a great way to reduce, reuse and recycle!

A few gardening tips…

Coffee Grounds – can be put into the soil for a great amendment. It helps with the nitrogen content of the soil. They can help lower the ph of soil if applied in a heavy manner. Your trees and shrubs will enjoy this treat.

Sawdust-  mix with your compost this will give it time to mellow.   Do not add more than 2 inches per year. Do not use sawdust from treated woods.

Egg shells- wash them out, let them dry then crumble them up. Add them to your tomato soil,  the shells will add the calcuim that your plant will need when in starts to fruit.

Flat Club Soda – use on your houseplants as a pick them up.

Human hair- next time you trim your hair toss it in your compost or garden for a boost of nitrogen.