The rainwater collection system is comprised of one, 250-gallon tank, two 350-gallon tanks, one 1100-gallon tank, and three rain barrel collection stations. The tanks are all connected and drain downhill. Each tank can be opened and closed depending on how the water collection progresses. The whole system can be drained if necessary. Each of the tanks has a filter and is easy to clean. A well pump powers three faucets that can be used on the front, side, and back areas of the yard. The whole system is connected to the sprinkler system and can adequately water all areas if tanks are full. The sprinkler system uses pop-up heads. There are five zones. Hopefully in the future a drip system can be installed and more efficient use of the water will be made. A great deal of water can be collected at the rain barrel stations by using the extra…
Month: December 2009
Birdscaping in the Home Garden
– By Steve Pettis Turning one’s yard into a suitable habitat for birds requires designing landscapes that provide birds with their five essential needs: food, shelter, water, cover, and nesting sites. Birdscaping is a term used to describe the act of creating suitable habitat for avian species through landscaping. By planning landscape designs with birds in mind, gardeners can provide birds with the things they need to survive and birds can provide gardeners with hours of enjoyment. Planning a landscape that is suitable for birds is easy. Start by sketching the existing landscape. Make note of all structures, plantings, and topographical features. Make notes on your drawing of the plants to leave, to remove, or add keeping in mind that birds like edges such as forest and planting borders. Choose areas to plant trees and shrubs that birds can utilize. Mix in plantings of annuals and perennials that flower throughout…
Get Your Soil Tested During The Dormant Season
One of the most important needs of plants is good soil for them to grow in. A soil test from the University of Georgia is the most accurate and effective way to assess the nutrient status and the relative acidity of the soil (pH). Applying fertilizer without a test can lead to applying too much or too little lime and fertilizer needed for optimum plant growth. To collect the soil, take a minimum of ten samples randomly in the area that requires testing and mix the soil thoroughly in a container, like a bucket. Bring two cups of the soil to the Extension office for testing. You will then place the soil in a small bag, and fill out some information on the side of it. For a fee of $8.00 per sample, the Extension office will mail it to the University of Georgia Soil Testing Laboratory with the results…