Resources
Sustainability
The USF Botanical Gardens strongly believes in USF's sustainability goals. Here are a few tips to make your garden at home more sustainable.
Rainwater Harvesting
Did you know an 1,800 sq. ft. roof can collect 750 gallons of water in a one inch rain? Rainwater is generally clean enough for non-potable uses such as watering planting beds. Just clean out the rain barrel periodically. This is a great way to supplement landscape watering and reduce dependency on potable water! For more information visit the Southwest Florida Water Management District website.
How to Make a Rain Barrel
Materials Needed:
- Drill
- 15/16" Drill Bit
- Plastic Drum (55 gal.) Drums must be for food use only - no chemical storage! A two piece lid is best. Check your yellow pages for drum source.
- 3/4" Spigot (male threads)
- PVC Cement
- Silicon Caulk (optional)
- Fiberglass screening to keep out mosquitoes and roof/leaf debris
- Drill 15/16" hole approx. 6-8" from the bottom of the drum along the first even part.
- Screw in 3/4" spigot.
- Apply PVC cement when spigot is about 3/4 of the way in and finish tightening. Make sure to leave enough room to turn handle!
If using a two piece lid:
- Cut piece of fiberglass screening large enough to cover opening of drum with a few inches of overlap. This keeps out mosquitoes, debris from the roof and trees.
- Remove inner solid lid and secure screen in place with outer lid piece.
If using solid lid: Cut a hole large enough to fit down spout or to catch water as it pours off roof, or leave lid off entirely. - Raise the barrel off the ground with cement blocks (the higher you raise it, the more water pressure)
- Attach hose to spigot or use spigot to fill watering can.
- Decorate your rain barrel any way you wish! Paint it the color of your house or trim to blend in or paint a beautiful mural to stand out! Be creative and have fun!
Note: 1/2 inch of rain will fill the rain barrel!