I made a ‘sub irrigated planter’ this year and hooked it up to the downspout. We’ve only had a couple of rains, but it takes less than a centimeter to fill the planter reservoir. I’m not really a big gardener, so I’m hoping this will take a lot of attention out of the equation. Peppers went in three weeks ago and the first buds are already starting.
We are a desert climate and the sunniest city in Canada. I have 2 large rain barrels and it wasn’t enough.
Also, little rabbit hole if you want to go down. It’s not recommended to collect roof rain water (caveat, especially shingles 99% here), due to the chemicals in the tar, and for every roof, diseases from bird and rodent shit on the roof.
I’ve got a filter for chunky runoff. I’d worry more about chemical runoff if I was growing anything high volume consumption, but for peppers & herbs, not a personal concern. May rig up a first flush diverter if it seems like there are perceptible issues.
I made a ‘sub irrigated planter’ this year and hooked it up to the downspout. We’ve only had a couple of rains, but it takes less than a centimeter to fill the planter reservoir. I’m not really a big gardener, so I’m hoping this will take a lot of attention out of the equation. Peppers went in three weeks ago and the first buds are already starting.
We are a desert climate and the sunniest city in Canada. I have 2 large rain barrels and it wasn’t enough.
Also, little rabbit hole if you want to go down. It’s not recommended to collect roof rain water (caveat, especially shingles 99% here), due to the chemicals in the tar, and for every roof, diseases from bird and rodent shit on the roof.
Fine for flowers and other stuff though.
I’ve got a filter for chunky runoff. I’d worry more about chemical runoff if I was growing anything high volume consumption, but for peppers & herbs, not a personal concern. May rig up a first flush diverter if it seems like there are perceptible issues.