Rain barrels are a way to supplement your water supply during dry spells.
Using rain barrel water to water your vegetable or fruit garden during dry seasons can save hundreds, or even thousands, of gallons of water. Rain barrels are fairly inexpensive and just 1/2 inch of rain can fill a 50-gallon rain barrel. Despite these obvious benefits, there are a few considerations to keep in mind when using rain barrel water to water your edible plants. Does this Spark an idea?
Avoiding Rooftop Contamination
Avoid using rain barrel water to water edible plants if you have treated shingles or shakes, copper gutters, moss-preventing zinc strips, flat tar roofs, or if you've used moss- or algae-killing chemicals on your roof in the last two years. Be cautious if you use asphalt or gravel shingles, as they have most likely been treated with chemicals. Even if your roof does not contain these possible contaminants, do not use the first flush, or water from the first heavy rain of the season, to water edible plants, as other contaminants, such as bird feces, may be present on your roof. Consider your location, as well, as rain water from heavily polluted areas, or areas near airports, may contain contaminants.
Avoiding Pests, Debris, and Algae
Whether you use a food-grade plastic rain barrel or a wooden rain barrel, you need to take precautions to prevent pests, debris, and algae from entering your water supply. Attach a screen over the top of the rain barrel to prevent large debris and pests from entering the barrel. To prevent smaller debris, stretch a layer of fine material, such as pantyhose, over the top of the barrel, below the screen. A screen will prevent most pests, such as squirrels or raccoons from getting trapped in your barrel, while an extra, finely woven screen layer will prevent insects such as mosquitoes from laying their eggs in your water supply. Prevent algae by using a dark barrel, special algae preventing rain barrel UV lights, or by adding a couple goldfish to your barrel. A small amount of algae will not hurt your edible plants, but too much algae may clog your spigot or irrigation system.
Using Rain Barrel Water Safely
Water around your edible plants, rather than spraying them with the rain barrel water. The best way to do this is to use a drip or trickle system. Avoid getting the rain barrel water on the edible parts of the plant, such as the fruits, vegetables, or leafy greens that are consumed. Using a drip or trickle system will allow your edible plants to receive the water, while the soil around your plant filters the remainder of any possible contaminants from the rain barrel water. Always rinse your fruits or vegetables in potable, or drinkable, water before consuming or cooking with them.
Recommended Edible Plants
Only use rain barrel water to water plants that produce fruits or vegetables above ground, such as tomatoes, peas, green beans, squash, corn, sunflowers, grape vines, and fruit trees. The soil will filter the water and it is less likely that any contaminants will transfer to the fruit or vegetable. Leafy vegetables, such as lettuce or spinach, can be watered with rain barrel water, but caution should be taken so as not to get the rain barrel water on the edible parts of the plant. Avoid vegetables that grow below the ground, such as potatoes, onions, carrots, radishes, and garlic, as any possible contaminants in the rain barrel water may contaminate the vegetables.
Tags: rain barrel, barrel water, rain barrel water, edible plants, barrel water water, water edible