Gardening group demos rain barrels at the fair
For more
For more information about the locally made rain barrels, contact Deb Grams, at dbgrms251@sbcglobal.net. or call the UW Extension at (608) 757-5696.
For more information about rain barrels and how they work, go to wihort.uwex.edu/gardenfacts/XHT1157.pdf
Special Coverage
Click here for our special section with all you need to know about the 2009 Rock County 4-H Fair
Photo
Wisconsin Master Gardener Volunteer Chuck Huhn elaborates on the possible uses of a rain barrel, a device that collects rainwater.
JANESVILLE — It was raining during the presentation about rain barrels.
How appropriate.
On Thursday afternoon, representatives from the Rock Prairie Master Gardeners Association and the UW Extension talked about the benefits of rain barrels, backyard composting and worm composting.
It’s something they’ve been doing all week at the Craig Avenue tent, and they’ll return with another presentation today at 3 p.m.
Part of the goal, of course, was to show people how to conserve our natural resources by using what nature is going to give us anyway.
“We also want to get the word out about Extension,” said Julie Gibes, UW Extension garden nutrition educator.
Extension is the “helping hand” in the community, Gibes said. Each of the “fingers” represents a different educational service in the community: 4-H, master gardener volunteers, master preservers, home and community educator and nutrition educators.
The Rock Prairie Master Gardeners Association has been making and selling rain barrels for several years.
A circular saw is used to cut the tops from the 55-gallon, food-grade, plastic barrels, and screens are attached to keep out debris and small animals.
“A 1-inch rain on a 1,000-square-foot roof can generate 600 gallons of water,” said Chuck Huhn, master gardener.
Instead of all that water running to the storm sewer, it can be captured and later used to water your garden or lawn.
Along with selling rain barrels, the master gardeners hope to soon be selling indoor worm composting kits, Gibes said. Worm composting generates excellent fertilizer for home gardens and helps reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfills.
Aug 1, 2009 at 7:41 a.m.
Suggest removal
Dont waste your money on that thing, go to the local harware store and buy some pvc pipe and fittings and make the same thing for about $8. I made one similar and hooked it up to a leaf blower, works amazing.
Jul 31, 2009 at 6:39 p.m.
Suggest removal
Great way to get the news out regarding conserving rainwater harvesting with the addition of instructions for rain barrel set up. I didn't see anywhere that someone was instructing the users of rain barrels the proper care and maintenance of rain gutters.
Water harvesting is only as clean as the gutters are clean!
Please explain to your readers how important it is to keep gutters squeaky clean for two very important reasons;1) keeps rain gutters free flowing, 2) keeps gutters free of disease, virus, mold, roaches that carry 33 different infectious diseases, bird nests, decaying debris, stagnant water that breeds mosquitoes which can carry West Nile Virus, leaves and other debris clogging us the gutters.
I invite y'all to come and visit with me at http://www.GutterClutterBuster.com to see a brand new method of cleaning rain gutters that is safer, faster, cleaner, and saves you money, and is called "The Best Gutter Cleaning Tool On The Market Today!"
You'll save time, money, energy, and more water when you use the Gutter Clutter Buster. It vacuums out all debris, wet or dry, while you stand firmly on the ground.
So, our desire is for you to Stay Well, Stay Safe, and "Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled."
Enjoy your worthwhile rainwater harvesting and add "one more drop in the bucket" toward water conservation.
Before you post a comment, consider this:
Note: GazetteXtra.com does not condone or review every comment. Read more in our User Policy AgreementPost Comment
Commenting requires registration.