Do Your Part, How to Be and Live Green in Charlotte, NC

if you like to garden, even if it's only a few pots on the back patio, a rain barrel is a great way to help you Do Your Part.

Not only will your plants thrive, they actually prefer rain water over city water, you'll also save money on your water bill.

Rain barrels are super easy to install. Locate the downspout where you want to place the barrel, using a hacksaw or other small saw, remove the lower half of the downspout. Attach some flexible tubing, found at any home improvement store, to the downspout and you are ready to go.

Rain barrels come in all shapes and sizes. This Harvest Max by Palmetto Rain Barrels resembles an old oak barrel, it's made of recyclable plastic and the plastic is a dark color to prevent algae growth inside the barrel.

Make sure the barrel you choose has a secure lid. This will prevent small children from removing the lid and possible falling in.

A feature I really like about the Harvest Max by Palmetto Rain Barrels is that there are two spouts for water. The lower one can be used for garden or soaker hoses. The upper spigot is high enough to fill your garden watering can.

Rain barrels do more than conserve water. They also prevent stormwater run-off. When we get a quick torrential downpour the rainwater flows through the downspout and can wash out mulch or soil in your garden. Use a rain barrel and you'll catch a quick, free 55 gallons of water to use for another day and prevent stormwater run-off.

Do your part and consider a rain barrel in your garden. You'll be conserving water and the plants in your garden will be happier.