# @ahs_gardening on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DMGsC3MPy09
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/55035977-ahs-gardening-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/2402d6ba9b.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-07-14T22:11:47.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** American Horticultural Society | American Gardener Magazine (@ahs_gardening) — https://gondola.cc/ahs_gardening

## Caption

🌱 GARDEN TIP OF THE WEEK ⁠
Harvesting Rainwater ⁠
⁠
Water is a precious resource. When it rains, it makes sense for us as gardeners to collect it—especially in areas that experience frequent drought. The most common way to do this is with a rain barrel. ⁠
⁠
Rainwater barrels are simple to maintain and operate. A barrel is installed at the gutter downspout of a building to collect rainwater, which can be stored in the barrel and later used to water your garden. Small garden barrels can hold from 50-300 gallons. Some barrels can be connected to one another for increased capacity. ⁠
⁠
Why You Should Collect Rainwater ⁠
⁠
The EPA estimates that homeowners can save about 1,300 gallons of water from utilities during summer, when gardens need it the most. ⁠
⁠
Collecting rainwater reduces runoff that can pollute streams and also cause erosion. ⁠
⁠
⁠
Tips for Using Collected Water: ⁠
⁠
🥬 Because harvested rainwater usually comes in contact with roofing materials, it is not recommended for edible gardens. ⁠
⁠
💧 Use collected rainwater on your lawn, ornamental garden, and indoor plants and for refilling fountains. ⁠
⁠
📜 Be sure to check the laws around collecting rainwater in your state. Some states, such as Colorado, have restrictions on rainwater collection. ⁠
⁠
❄️ If you live in an area that experiences cold winters, drain your barrel and disconnect it from the downspout to prevent damage that may be caused by freezing. ⁠
⁠
💡 Pro tip: Using a bubbler to oxygenate the water can deter bacterial growth and mosquito larvae from taking up residence in your barrel. ⁠
⁠
#AHSgardening #GardenTipOfTheWeek #AmericanGardener #Rainwater #RainwaterHarvest #CollectedRainwater #SustainableGardening

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 41
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 0

## Tags

ahsgardening, sustainablegardening, rainwaterharvest, collectedrainwater, gardentipoftheweek, rainwater, americangardener

---
Copyright (c) Gondola