With warmer weather, spring also brings with it the chance to show off your green thumbs. Finding the best materials and tools to help your gardens look their best is a high priority.
Fertilizers, seeds and weed control are all critical, but the importance of quality water cannot be overlooked when caring for your garden.
There are a number of benefits to maximize use of rainwater. When captured before it hits the ground, rainwater is free of the pesticides, pollutants, and chemicals it often gathers when running across streets, sidewalks and lawns.
Rainwater, which is naturally acidic, can balance out the alkaline nature of soils near chemically basic concrete.
Rain barrels provide a free source of water that is ideal for vegetables, trees and plants because it does not contain fluoride or chlorine.
They enable residents to collect water through the rainy season for use during dry summer months. They aren’t limited to gardening; when there are outdoor water restrictions water from a rain barrel can be used to wash vehicles or water lawns.
The 2016 International Plowing Match has recently launched a rain barrel sale.
Orders can be placed at www.RainBarrel.ca/plowing. Pre-ordered rain barrels will be available for pick-up on June 4 from 8am to 1pm at the Harriston Arena.
For more information, contact Valerie at info@ipm2016.com.