Hello World!  Welcome Friends!  There are so many tips and tricks to help keep your garden thriving all summer long. For example, planting in the spring allows for more time for root growth. Also, there are different ways to structure your garden, so each plant gets the appropriate amount of shade, light, and water. A variety of things can affect the health of your garden, including gutters. Many gardeners do not realize how gutters can impact their garden, both for better and worse.

Irrigation

There are several irrigation options when it comes to keeping your garden hydrated during the hot summer months. It is important to ensure that all the plants are getting plenty of water because moisture keeps their nutrients flowing. During the hottest and driest part of the summer, it is best to water in the early morning or before sundown. 

Garden irrigation options include sprinkler systems, soaker hoses, drip irrigation, and rainwater harvesting. Each of these systems has pros and cons. For example, an underground sprinkler system can be expensive to install, but typically requires the least amount of maintenance. Soaker hoses and drip irrigation systems are very efficient options for watering your garden because they deliver water straight to the roots. Unfortunately, all these options affect your water bill, typically causing a spike during the summer months. However, harvesting rainwater is an inexpensive option because it uses the most natural water provider.

Of course, when it rains your garden is provided with water, but there are other ways to continue to use this natural resource. Collecting rainwater and other forms of precipitation from your gutters can provide an irrigation method that will save you money. 

Gutters as an Irrigation System

Implementing a gutter irrigation system is simple. First, place a rain barrel beneath each downspout and keep it there throughout the year. During rainstorms or when the snow melts, the water will travel through the gutter system, down the downspout, and into the barrel. If the barrel gets full, you may need to replace it before using the collected water. Keep an eye on the barrel, especially during times of heavy precipitation. 

Once summer comes around and your garden needs hydrating, you should attach a gravity irrigation system by connecting a hose to the barrel. The water will then be able to flow from the barrel to the garden. 

Irrigating straight from the gutters is another way for you to use rainwater. To do this, place a rain drain that has slits at the end of the downspout. When structured correctly, this will evenly distribute water to the various areas in the garden.

Potential Harm

Using rainwater is a natural and cost-effective way to keep your garden hydrated; however, it can be harmful to your garden, as well. Damage to the garden happens when you fail to keep your gutters clean and clear of leaves and other debris. 

For example, natural waste from birds or other small animals can get into the downspout and contaminate the water. When this water seeps into the ground, it can carry bacteria that are harmful to the plants’ roots.

Another potential danger for your garden is the overflow of the gutters. Overflow occurs, especially during heavy rainfall, when gutters are clogged. If your garden is close to your house, the large amounts of water can dump on to the plants and drown them.

Preventing Harm

Luckily, it is easy to prevent the potential dangers that gutters may have on your garden. Gutters must be properly maintained and cleaned of leaves and debris. There are several maintenance-free or leaf-free gutter systems that are on the market. These gutters are designed so that only water flows through the system, eliminating any cleaning or upkeep.

Click the links below for any posts you may have missed!

Garden Greenery

4 Critical Cleaning Tasks you Overlooked

Make it Pretty Monday

Water Remediation Process

Water Damage Cleanup Checklist

4 Home Decor Ideas

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Toodles,