Growing Together: Open Forum

I did a search and didn't see anything- which in a gardening group is weird! We have a  soon to be youth garden with no real access to water except a creek that flows though. Size is about 33x33, so it's a big space. Looking for some creative ideas to harvest rain water and any other ideas for under $500. Extra bonus if its something youth can help do. Also, if anyone is aware of any grants for water supply (we even have two chickens and a rooster coming soon), let me know.  Would love to see any pictures too!

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Alycia Wright
Culturalrootsco-op.com
Richmond Va
8043068116
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I've seen lots of folks put gutters and rain barrels on chicken coops. Then you can make automatic waterers for the chickens, and use some of the water for the plants. 

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Dana Bittinger
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Hi Alycia!

Rainwater usage directly on vegetables is not recommended.  There are many food safety issues that go with this.  Additionally, rainwater testing is recommended on a regular basis. Local and state agencies also make regional decisions about it. 

Here is some additional info if you want to read on. 

https://njaes.rutgers.edu/fs1218/#:~:text=When%20using%20harvested%20water%20to%20irrigate%20a%20vegetable,Water%20should%20be%20applied%20in%20the%20morning%20only.

Good luck! Water is everything! 

Kim

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Kim Aman
Grow Garden Grow
Dallas TX
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