Rain Barrels make a difference

Water conservation is a primary goal of Conservation Gardening, where we strive to manage rainwater where it falls–in your garden. Stormwater runoff creates many harmful impacts on the environment, including flooding, streambank erosion, and a dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico. Read more about Managing Rainwater in the Conservation Garden here, and also Resources for Water Conservation for the Conservation Garden.

Conservation gardening is a form of gardening that emphasizes practices that help conserve water and other natural resources, while also promoting a healthy and sustainable ecosystem.

Rain barrels are one of the ways that gardeners can practice water conservation. They are containers that collect and store rainwater from your roof or other surface, which can then be used to water plants and flowers. Other ways to conserve water in the garden include:

Mulching: Adding a layer of organic material to the soil around plants helps retain moisture and reduce evaporation.

Drought-tolerant plants: Choosing plants that are naturally adapted to dry conditions will reduce the need for watering.

Irrigation systems: Installing a drip irrigation system that delivers water directly to the roots of plants is more efficient than overhead sprinklers.

Water-saving techniques: Use watering techniques like watering in the morning or evening when evaporation is low, or using a watering can instead of a hose.

By implementing these techniques, gardeners can reduce water usage and conserve this precious resource.