Easy Rainwater Harvesting Tips for Your Garden

The earth has more water than land but not all of it is potable. The limited options often fall short of meeting demands and water shortage is faced by many. Despite this fact many of us fail to realize the importance of this life saving natural resource and tend to waste a good deal of it. It is time we woke up and gave water its due importance. This will be beneficial for every living being and create a better world. On a personal basis each one of us can do our part and take steps like adopting water harvesting methods.

Garden rainwater harvesting is one of the many uses we can put rainwater to. Once you start harvesting rainwater you will get to experience its benefits. For one it is a free source of water.

The water falling from the sky is collected in barrels for future use. Harvesting water brings down your utility bills. It gives you the pleasures of harvesting your very own water taking you a step closer to living a greener life. Being self-dependent is an amazing feeling and rainwater harvesting makes you feel that independence.

So many benefits for taking up water harvesting methods are sure to kindle a fire in you. Your purpose could be limited to garden rainwater harvesting or for multiple uses but you will surely be contributing towards a better tomorrow. Depending upon place, facility and convenience you can adopt a rainwater harvesting system that best suits you and your requirement.

Garden rainwater harvesting

For those maintaining a full-fledged garden regular water supply is a must. Garden rainwater harvesting is the best solution in such cases.

• Roofing: When gardening is your primary concern make sure to avoid asphalt shingles. They leach toxins which make the water unsuitable for vegetable gardens, and are definitely not of a potable nature.

• Water containers: The container for storing water has to withstand all the forces of nature. It should be of a thickness to survive extremes of temperatures and also be flexible enough to allow freezing of water. The material of the barrel is also of concern as it should not be one leaching toxins. An opaque container will prevent the growth of algae. The opening should be large enough to enable cleaning. A tight fitting lid is needed to prevent the invasion of insects and occurrences of small accidents.

• Collection centers: Water barrels can be easily acquired from the market. They come in varying sizes and as per your need you can purchase one. If possible you can also recycle old used barrels for water collection. Barrels can be interconnected with pipes to allow storage in more than one container. If the area is large there can be multiple collection centers. Also make sure to install these barrels at safe locations. They should not be in the way, under staircases, under a window, away from the door and far away from children’s play area.

• Firm surface: Mere collection of water is not enough. It is also important to keep that water safe and secure. One very important point to be kept in mind is to have a level surface where the collection barrel is to be installed. An unstable ground where water can spill over cannot be afforded.

• Adequate capacity: The amount of rains the gods will shower is not decided. The idea is to collect as much as possible. In order to do so there should be adequate storage capacity. It is ok if some part of it remains empty but it should not be allowed to overflow.

• Distribution: In case of garden rainwater harvesting it would be a good idea to dig up gutters leading to flower beds from the collection centers. This would save a lot of effort and time. Once water collects in the barrel the tap can be opened to allow the water to flow into the beds and water the plants.

Be it garden rainwater harvesting or simply water harvesting for household purpose, the basic idea is a very noble one. It makes the harvester self-dependent, saves water to be made available for others in need and allows recycling of natural resources.