Jack's Rain Barrels
This Rain Barrel is a recycled 45 to 55 gallon food container made of plastic, and is terra-cotta in color. It comes with a screw top lid that makes it adjustable to insert a down spout.Approximate dimensions are 23 inches wide by 36 inches high. Lastly, a garden hose can easily be attached to the faucet.
(Great for washing the car or watering the garden!!)
Water Conservation
Rainwater harvesting is not new. It
has been used around the world for thousands of years. Today, we hear the term
more and more, but not in terms of providing potable water for drinking, but as
a way to provide an irrigation source for landscaping. For instance a roof area
of only 1,000 square feet can provide approximately 600 gallons of water during
a one inch rainfall.
Containment systems like rain barrels
are becoming popular again as water quantity becomes scarcer and quality
becomes more questionable. Areas known for low rainfall amounts have been using
these systems for decades.
The most basic form of rainwater
harvesting is simply collecting the water and distributing it immediately to
the plants. It's no surprise this method is referred to as a "simple"
system. Rainwater harvesting using a rain barrels or other collection devices
are classified as a "complex" system but don't let the name deter you.
Complex systems simply refer to storing the water after it is collected and
providing a way to distribute the water later.
The term catchment is any area from where the water is
harvested. The amount of water harvested from a catchment depends on its size,
surface texture, slope and rainfall received. If your roof is 2,000 square
feet, and your area averages 20 inches of rain per year, you can harvest 24,000
gallons of water from your roof each year if you have a container large enough
to store it.
Choosing Plants for Low Water Use
Several different plant species exist
that require low moisture and reduced water content. Cacti, succulents, and
small and narrow leafed evergreens are always excellent choices, however many
routine plants from across the United States have adapted to low levels of
moisture. Develop garden layouts that use known low moisture plants, and work
closely with your local State extension service to select other plants that
have adapted to low water levels. Selecting and using plants with lower water
usage can provide a beautiful garden and reduce overall water need.
From: www2.fiskars.com.