What is a Rain Barrel?

What is a Rain Barrel? A rain barrel, also know as a rain collection systems or rain catchers, are barrels that you leave outside to collect rain water. You can then use it to water your garden or when you have or are planning a garden or farm it is best to be near a permanent water source. Since you will need to water your garden often you don’t want to be worried about the water costs. And if you live in an area that imposes watering restrictions then you may run into some difficulties when trying to keep your garden from going thirsty. So a natural solution is to keep and use rain barrels. For more information click here.

You will find that in using rain catchers you will definitely save money on your water bill; since up to 40% of water used in a household is spent on gardens and lawns. Although you cannot drink rain barrel water you can use it for many other things. Here are 5 uses for rain barrel catcher:

Use #1

The most obvious use is for watering your garden as well as your lawn. Just get yourself an old fashioned watering can, fill it with some water from your rain barrel and you know the rest.

Use #2

Water used from rain water harvesting can be used to wash your car or your bike. This water is actually perfect small outdoor jobs like these.

Use #3

You can use it for cleaning off dirty tools and work equipment. The great thing is, is that you don’t even have to bring the mess inside.

Use #4

You can use it to water your indoor potted plants and flowers. Rain barrel water is safe to use inside of the house.

Use #5

Rain barrels can also be very use full in aiding storm water management. If you have an adequate number of rain barrels they may help aid in the prevention of basement flooding.

So if you think that rain barrels may be a good addition to your garden you may want to ask yourself a few questions first; like are you going to be quickly using the rain water your collect ( usually with in a week)? Does the land around the barrel slope away from your property? Is the land around the rain catcher porous (water absorbent) enough to soak up any overflow without causing any flooding?

Keeping the surrounding area in mind you can easily house a rain barrel. You just need to the space in mind when considering the size and type of rain barrel that you decide to use. To learn more about rain barrel go to http://www.urban-gardening-made-easy.com/rain-harvesting-systems/

Balcony Gardening

Balcony gardening is becoming more and more popular. More people are wanting to garden but they don’t have a yard. They have a very limited amount of space. The only outdoor space that they have is a balcony or a garden. Well, where there is a will there is as way. It is very possible to grow and maintain a garden on your balcony. If you are going for a sustainable garden versus an aesthetic garden then you are most concerned with maximizing the space. You are looking to grow food to supplement some of your total food cost; and in today’s economy and rising food cost it is very tempting to start growing your own food.

Just because you decide that your balcony garden is for sustainability doesn’t mean that it still can’t be pretty. A beautiful container garden does not have to be independent of a lush garden that is also edible. If you just do a little bit of good planning you can make balcony gardening productive and beautiful. Instead of planting flowers you just plant all vegetables; you just make sure the arrangement flows well with the space. If you are willing to sacrifice a bit of space you can also ad a small bird fountain or hang a bird feeder. These small additions bring a bit of creative pop to the space and make your balcony or patio garden look and feel more like a real garden in a yard.

Another good idea for your garden and the environment is to start collecting rain water. It is very easy and it saves you money and it saves the earth wasted water. Usually when planning a large garden or a farm it is ideal for you to be close to a water source; for example; lakes, rivers or wells are all perfect constant water sources. If you have a balcony garden and you live in a condo you more then likely pay for your water. Well that ads up. If you keep a couple of rain barrels you can easily begin collecting rain water. Besides if you keep it all outside, you don’t have to lug a watering can through your home so there is no risk of spilling and cleaning during the watering process,

You can enjoy a beautiful balcony container garden that is sustainable as long as you believe you can. Just take some time to research and plan. Also don’t forget to use your imagination. Get it done. If you want to read more about balcony gardening check out http://www.urban-gardening-made-easy.com/balcony-garden/

Urban Garden Center

So I just finished updating my new site Urban Gardening Made Easy. It is a brand new site that is dedicated to providing the best and most up to date information on urban gardening. I have perfected my layout and colors and I added a few pages. By the end of this week the site should have some pretty good meat to go with the potatoes. Over the next week I plan on adding at least 10 new articles/pages to my new site. As I update my website I will update this blog as well. So if you are growing a garden check out Urban Gardening Made Easy, the newest resource center for growing your own food.

What is Urban Gardening

Urban gardening or Urban agriculture is essentially exactly what it sounds like; gardening in an urban setting. If you live the city and still love to garden then you are or could be an urban gardener. Usually urban gardens have limited space so square footage must be used wisely. You need to get inventive when it comes to plotting and mapping out your garden. You must also make sure that your garden is in compliance with city guidelines; you don't want to buy several animals, ie. chickens, only to find out that you are not allowed to own them in your township.

If you have decided to start your own urban garden then good luck to you and I wish you good harvests along your journey. Check back as I update this blog with how to's, tips and information that is all about Urban Gardening.