In the early Spring, before I have the (seemingly) MILES of hose laid out, I have to find some way to get water to the greenhouse for the plants I have started out there.
With rain in the forecast, I filled the milk jugs I’ve been saving with water from the rain barrel. I now have 14 gallons stashed to use, which is plenty for now.
With a heavy rainfall, just a half-inch of rain fills that 40-gallon barrel in a matter of minutes. I want a few more, actually, LOL!
I also melt snow in the winter months to give my houseplants a treat. Our house water is from a well and untreated so it is very ‘hard’ so they love it!
A Beginner’s Guide to Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater has been collected, stored and consumed for thousands of years with methods attracting renewed interest today. Modern systems range from rain barrels to elaborate green setups with pumps, piping and filtration elements. Complex installations are best left to professionals knowledgeable about restrictions and permit requirements, but if your goal is a free water source for lawn, garden and other activities, harvesting rainwater is fairly straightforward.
https://www.thespruce.com/beginner-guide-to-rainwater-harvesting-7090759
In the early Spring, before I have the (seemingly) MILES of hose laid out, I have to find some way to get water to the greenhouse for the plants I have started out there.
On the cheap? Submersible Boat Bilge Water Pump 12v 1100gph Non-Automatic Marine Electric Bilge Pump $14.99 (10.79 at Temu.com)
Computer power supply $21.97 (place and leave paper clip in black to green as here)
Find hose that fits snug over pump outlet, and find large container (like a plastic box) to place pump in, create hole for outlet. Drill/melt 2 small holes for wires, and also cut a section out of each side of container.
Place pump inside and put wires thru holes, and connect piece of hose to it thru container to pump and secure with hose clamp.
Cut screening to fit over cut cover section, and carefully dampen under section where screening goes, and lightly dampen that section and put light bead of Gorilla polyurethane glue (use canvas gloves here) on that section, place screen over it, and Gorilla tape over (serves as clamping).
Next day connect wires (note correct + polarity) and the rest of hose. When read to use immerse pump and turn on. But keep power supply dry. Any short in wires will turn the power supply off for a while.