I’m sorry that I had to resort to using the “C” word, but it got your attention, am I right?

Guess what’s on my Christmas list besides garden hoses on steroids? Yup – rain barrels! I thought about asking for just one, but I really need two and it can’t hurt to ask. Aside from compost bins – which I have in spades, I can’t think of anything more useful for my gardens next season than rain barrels.

If you haven’t had a chance to check one out, here’s how they work. A cool, giant barrel (they come in many sizes and colors) are set up at the bottom of a down spout of your home. Some have screens at the water entrance to keep the water a bit cleaner as it’s captured from the roof; some don’t. In any case, the barrels have spigots attached near the bottom of the barrel for easy access to your harvested water during the warm months. 

Water from the sky is naturally soft and is mineral, chlorine, and chemical-free, which is excellent stuff for watering your landscape and garden. When rain water isn’t collected, it falls from the roof and becomes storm water runoff…and why would we want to throw away this free, natural resource?

Video: How to Build a Rain Barrel

Be sure to look around and compare the prices and features of various rain barrels. Check your local hardware stores, garden centers, as well as the bigger chains like Home Depot. Don’t forget to surf the net and flip through garden catalogs, too. If you’re the handy sort or live with a handy sort; you can even construct your own! Winter after winter I’ve watched my fellow gardener clap their hands with joy at the arrival of their new rain barrels – this year is going to be my year

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Fine Gardening Recommended Products

Ashman Garden Cultivator (1Pack)

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Solid Build—The Ashman Garden Cultivator/Tiller is strong in construction so that it can withstand heavy work in the garden. The blade and the shaft are coupled well for deep digging and uprooting the soil from the depths. It serves the purpose of cultivation very well. Create a blooming crop and watch it blossom and reap the benefits. Sharpened Fine piercing Blade—The blades are razor sharp and are made to pierce into any kind of soil and to serve digging, loosening soil, and weeding. The blades are rust-proof and have chip-resistant coating enhancing durability. Use it to control weeds, bury crop residue in the soil, and for preparing a proper seed bed. High-Quality Design—The thoughtful design incorporated to shape the blades in L shape helps dig deep into the soil and rip it from beneath for cultivation. This helps a lot when weeding. Dig well and plant well. The handle is made to fit in the hand well and can be held tightly to apply push and pull forces effectively. Practical Utility—The garden cultivator is made with “practical utility” as the core of its purpose. It serves all the necessary purposes when gardening. Helps mix soil, which will loosen it up, providing more nutrients for the crops.

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Burpee Organic Coconut Coir Concentrated Seed Starting Mix, 16 Quart

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ORGANIC COCONUT COIR: Made from recycled coconut husks, coir is a light, sustainable growing medium that holds the perfect amount of moisture for starting seeds. 100% biodegradable soil alternative. Environmentally friendly and a renewable alternative to peat moss. OMRI listed and certified organic. IDEAL GROWING MIX: Improve seed germination and root growth with this premium coconut fiber mix, which improves nutrients absorption! Great for flower, vegetable, herb, and more plant types. OMRI listed. Naturally disease and pathogen resistant, it will help you grow healthy live plants. EASY TO STORE & EXPAND: Each compact coconut coir brick expands into 8 quarts of seed starting mix, providing 16 quarts total. Just add water to expand! Dehydrated bricks save space until planting. Once expanded, coconut coir provides a quality growing medium for all types of plants—indoor plants, house plants, outdoor plants, and more! NATURALLY CONSERVES WATER: Renewable coco coir has excellent moisture retention and better air circulation than peat. This eco-friendly, premium seeds starting mix combines well with other potting soil and compost for container plants & raised beds. 100% GUARANTEED: Burpee is committed to the success of all gardeners. We treat each order with care to ensure healthy seeds, plants, soil mixes, and gardening supplies are sent in excellent condition. If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, we aim to make it right!

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