When Life Gives You Rain, Start Catching It!
Ah, the soothing sound of rain tapping on your window or rather the sound of Torrential downpour which is what woke me up this morning! Yippee it’s another Market Day…in the rain.
Regardless of how I actually feel about it - It's nature's way of saying, "Hey, free water!" Instead of letting all that liquid gold disappear down the drain, why not start catching it? Setting up a simple backyard water catchment system is easier than you might think, and it can make your garden green with envy (and hydration)! 🌧️🌿
Why Catch Rainwater?
First off, let's talk benefits. Rainwater is free, fresh, and better for your plants than treated tap water. Plus, you’re doing Mother Earth a solid by conserving resources., especially in this ever changing world of unpredictable weather, draughts and water restrictions 🌍
Here’s a quick rundown of why you should be a rainwater wrangler:
Cost Savings: Lower water bills? Yes, please! 💸
Healthy Plants: Rainwater is naturally soft and free of chemicals💧
Eco-Friendly: Reduce your environmental footprint. 👣
Getting Started
Ready to be a backyard rainwater hero? Here’s how to start your rain-catching adventure.
Choose Your Weapon: The Rain Barrel
Your first step is choosing the right rain barrel. They come in various shapes, sizes, and styles—some even look like they belong in a garden gnome’s dream. 🧙♂️ Look for one with a spigot at the bottom for easy water access and a lid to keep out leaves and curious critters. You can even reach out to local industrial businesses to get barrels for FREE or minimal cost - just make sure you ask what was inside them and do your due diligence to clean them if needed.
Location, Location, Location
Place your barrel under a downspout. This is prime real estate for water collection. If you’re feeling fancy, you can add a diverter to direct the water into your barrel. Just make sure the barrel is on a level surface to prevent any tip-over disasters. 🚫💧 *speaking from experience!
Rainwater Harvesting 101
Setup: Attach a mesh screen on top of your barrel to filter out debris and mosquitoes. Nobody wants a mosquito party in their backyard. 🦟
First Flush Diverter: Consider installing a first flush diverter to ensure the first few gallons of rainwater, which might contain roof debris, are diverted away. *This is a fancy step that I only just learned about and absolutely Not necessary
Overflow Plan: Make sure your barrel has an overflow valve, or you could end up with an unintended backyard swimming pool. 🏊♂️
Maintenance Tips
Now that you're a rain-catching pro, let’s keep that system in tip-top shape.
Regular Cleaning: Keep your barrel clean by rinsing it out every few months.
Winter Care: In colder climates, empty your barrel before the first freeze to prevent cracks. Ice barrels are cool, but not that cool. 🧊
Mosquito Control: Add a bit of mosquito dunk or a few drops of natural oil to keep those pests at bay.
Get Creative
Want to take your rainwater harvesting to the next level? Here are some fun ideas:
Decorate Your Barrel: Paint it to match your garden’s vibe. 🌺
Chain Reaction: Use a rain chain instead of a downspout for a functional and stylish twist. ⛓️
Multiple Barrels: Connect several barrels to increase your storage capacity. You’ll be the rainwater tycoon of your block! 🏠
Conclusion
So there you have it, folks. With a little bit of effort and a dash of creativity, you can turn those rainy days into a valuable resource for your garden. Plus, you get to say, “I catch rainwater,” which makes you sound like a superhero. 🌦️✨
Remember, when life gives you rain, start catching it! Happy harvesting!