Hubby got the other two rain barrels set up this week-end. I am particularly happy with this set-up because I use it to automatically water a very dry spot on the south-west side of the house. I grow several clematis on those trellises but the rain never actually hits the soil that close to the house. It is extremely dry there and it has been difficult to grow things.
My solution? The two rain barrels are linked by a short piece of hose at their bases, so that they both fill up and drain at equal rates. Therefore, I only need a tap on one barrel (no having to switch back and forth). There is a soaker hose attached to the tap, which runs in front of the window and over to the base of the trellises. When the barrels fill, I just open the tap and let them water the clematis for me. If it is rainy season or I am going on holidays, I just leave the tap open so that the barrels never overflow. Voila!
I am expecting big things from those clematis this year!
Are you using one of those black soakers? I had a lot of trouble with this technique when I tried it a couple of years ago-my hose did not seem to "leak" enough. You have inspired me to try again. My other option is to try using one of those green soakers that everyone uses for grass (bigger holes?). Keep us posted on your success!
Posted by: Paula H | May 11, 2009 at 09:00 PM
Hi Paula,
It is a black soaker hose and it's a pretty slow leak, that's for sure. But I've noticed some soaker hoses definately "leak" faster than others. The green ones you mention are another option.
Also, I should have mentioned that I raised my barrels up on some cinder blocks and a platform, so that gravity does a little more work for me. The higher the better, obviously.
Good luck!
Janice
Posted by: Janice | May 12, 2009 at 03:12 PM
Ooo...good idea! One of mine cracked this year (since there was still so much water) on the very first freeze...dang! Going out to do this today!
Posted by: Allison | June 13, 2009 at 03:05 PM