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Barrels of Fun: An Introduction to Rain & Compost Barrels

Barrels of Fun: An Introduction to Rain & Compost Barrels. Definition of a Rain Barrel. A rain barrel can be any large container designed to collect rain water Typically, rain barrels are placed at the bottom of downspouts in order to collect rain as it runs off of a roof

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Barrels of Fun: An Introduction to Rain & Compost Barrels

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  1. Barrels of Fun:An Introduction to Rain & Compost Barrels

  2. Definition of a Rain Barrel • A rain barrel can be any large container designed to collect rain water • Typically, rain barrels are placed at the bottom of downspouts in order to collect rain as it runs off of a roof • For every inch of rain that falls on 1,000 square feet of roof, about 600 gallons of water can be collected

  3. Benefits of a Rain Barrel • Provide soft, slight acid water that is typically preferable to city water (which may be chlorinated) or well water (which may have excessive mineral content) for irrigating woody & herbaceous ornamentals and lawns • Reduce the potential for basement flooding by directing water away from house foundations • Reduces erosion & prevents storm water pollution of lakes and waterways

  4. Watering Precautions • Due to possible leaching of chemicals and microorganisms (e.g. bacteria and fungi) from roofing materials, rain barrel water is not recommended for use on vegetables or for human consumption • Rain barrels are not recommended for homes with tar or gravel roofs or roofs made of asbestos or treated cedar shakes shingles

  5. Watering Precautions • Rutgers, New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station • Have the water tested for: zinc, lead, chromium, arsenic, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, fecal coliform, and E. coli • Once the water is confirmed to be safe use a drip hose to water vegetable plants • Always be sure to rinse vegetables with potable water prior to eating or preserving

  6. Parts of a Rain Barrel Overflow valve with hose connection to direct water away from house foundation Opening with screen to prevent debris & insects from entering the barrel 55-60 gallon barrel Bricks to elevate and level the barrel Spigot to drain

  7. 5 Barrel System

  8. Mosquito Prevention • Install a screen on the opening to prevent breeding • Add a couple tablespoons of vegetable cooking oil, oil will float to the top and suffocate the mosquito larvae • Purchase mosquito dunks available at many hardware and garden centers • Empty the rain barrel every week Rutgers Rain Barrels Publication

  9. Algae Solutions • Keep barrel out of direct sunlight • Paint the barrel dark colors • If algae is a problem • Empty barrel • Wash barrel with ¾ cup bleach to one gallon water • Rinse well after bleaching and dispose of bleach water

  10. General Maintenance • Regularly clean the screen on tops of your rain barrel to ensure that no organic material is blocking drainage • In the fall, disconnect and drain your barrel to avoid freezing and cracking in winter • Remember to reconnect your rain spout to direct water away from house foundation when the rain barrel is not in use

  11. Rain Barrel Resources UW-Extension Rain Barrel & Garden FYI site http://fyi.uwex.edu/rainbarrels/about/ UW-Extension Horticulture Rain Barrel Publication http://hort.uwex.edu/articles/rain-barrels Rutgers Cooperative Extension Rain Barrel Website http://water.rutgers.edu/Stormwater_Management/rainbarrels.html

  12. Home Composting Definition Composting is the process that uses microorganisms, carbon, and nitrogen food, moisture and oxygen to convert plant materials such as grass clippings, leaves, and other organic materials to compost, a more useable organic soil amendment. - Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Home Composting

  13. Benefits of Using Compost • Provides low levels of macro (nitrogen, phosphorus, & potassium) and trace nutrients essential for plant growth • Increases soil organic matter that improves soil water holding capacity and soil physical properties that aid in greater plant root penetration • Increases the soil biodiversity (microbes and other small creatures) that help plants obtain nutrients • Maintains a balance to help prevent the outbreaks of disease causing organisms

  14. How to Build Your Own Composter Plans can be found at: http://www4.uwm.edu/shwec/publications/cabinet/composting/Can%20Composter.pdf Can Composter

  15. How to Build Your Own Composter Plans can be found at: http://www4.uwm.edu/shwec/publications/cabinet/composting/Barrel%20Composter.pdf Barrel Composter

  16. Materials that can be Composted

  17. Materials to be Cautious With

  18. Materials that should Never be Used • Ash, charcoal or coal • Bird droppings • Cat feces or litter • Dog droppings • Diseased plants • Fish scraps • Lime • Meat and fat • Milk and cheese • Grease

  19. Hot vs Cold Composting Teaser Slide!

  20. Composting Resources UW-Milwaukee/UW-Extension Solid & Hazardous Waste Education Center http://www4.uwm.edu/shwec/publications/publications.cfm Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Composting http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/recycling/compost.html

  21. Thank you! Dan Marzu Agricultural Development Educator Lincoln & Marathon Counties daniel.marzu@ces.uwex.edu 715-539-1078

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