How to Use Reclaimed Water in Vegetable Gardens

Rain is good for your vegetables, and it's free.

Vegetable gardens provide a plentiful bounty of fresh ripe produce throughout spring and summer months. Most vegetables require even moisture levels to grow and produce properly, but constant watering increases your water bill and robs resources from the environment. It's possible to keep your vegetables properly hydrated while being responsible with both your wallet and the environment simply by harvesting rainwater and reusing it in the garden. According to Urban Garden Solutions, rainwater is beneficial to garden plants because it is free from the chlorine and fluoride found in municipally treated water sources.

Things You'll Need

• Rain collection barrel with lid and spigot
• Watering can

Instructions

1. Remove the bottom section of gutter downspout from a corner of your home. Place the rainwater collection barrel beneath the downspout. If your barrel is supplied with a direct gutter hookup in the lid, install it according to the manufacturer's instructions. If the barrel does not have a direct hookup, remove the cover when rain is predicted.

2. Allow rain to collect in the barrel. Secure the lid to the barrel during dry weather to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in the water.

3. Place a watering can below the spigot of the barrel and turn on the spigot to fill the watering can.

4. Water vegetable plants using a steady stream from the watering can directed at the base of the plant to prevent the force of the water from causing damage to tender plants.

References

• Urban Garden Solutions: Benefits of Rainwater Harvesting