Upgrade your Garden with an Eco-Friendly Rain Barrel
Rainwater harvesting has become a popular trend. Stylish rain barrels come in all different shapes and sizes to fit even the smallest urban space. And while technically a free resource, collecting rainwater for your garden has many benefits. The most obvious is to capture water for later use. But that’s not all. There are so many other ways installing a rain barrel can make a positive ecological impact.
Reduce Rainwater Runoff
Rainwater runoff is the amount of water coming off our roofs when it rains. It can be a big problem in cities and suburban areas where the water picks up contaminants like fertilizer and pesticides that pollute our waterways. Leaves and other debris can also be picked up on rainwater runoff causing storm drain blockages and floods. Installing a rain barrel simply reduces the flow.
Protect Your Property
From mould to mosquitos to basement leaks, rainwater that does not drain well around your home can lead to big problems. Having a rain barrel can help. It can control moisture levels and reduce flooding. Install a downspout diverter and you can control the flow of water even more. Diverting rainwater away from your home’s foundation to areas of your property where you want it to go.
Prevent Soil Erosion
One of the main causes of soil erosion is water erosion, which is simply the washing away of topsoil by running water. Topsoil contains the most organic, nutrient-rich material making it the most fertile soil in your garden—something you don’t want to lose. Collecting rainwater runoff from the roof can help prevent soil erosion, thereby maintaining topsoil for your plants, and preventing further damage to your landscaping.
Grow Healthy Plants
Ever notice how green your plants are after it rains? Rumour has it some plants don’t like tap water. It’s that simple. Maybe it’s the chlorine or chloramine that is added for our benefit as a disinfectant. Whatever the reason, using rainwater can help provide a more natural source of water for your plants to help them grow to their full potential and increase crops.
Photo by Pelargoniums for Europe on Unsplash
