Workshops
Rain Barrels
A rain barrel collects roof water from a home's downspouts. Attaching a hose bibb (faucet) to the bottom of the barrel allows the homeowner to tap the water for use in the garden, home or greenhouse. An overflow near the top of the barrel takes the overflow and directs it elsewhere, such as a rain garden. Channel the overflow water away from your home's foundation to reduce the likelihood of flooding or water in the crawl space or basement. Two important factors in considering a barrel: how much you want to spend and safety.
Before you buy a barrel, be sure it is FOOD GRADE. This means that the barrel previously held food of some sort. The most ubiquitous barrels in our region have held soy sauce or sake. Since this water will water your plants, be sure it is safe, no solvents, paints or soaps! Also be sure your rain barrel is sealed. You will need to cut a hole in the top, but leave it small enough to prevent children or animals falling in and cover the hole with screen material to prevent mosquito reproduction.
Learn more about rain barrels from our factsheet. (pdf)
Where can I buy a barrel?
Here are a few options for purchasing a barrel:
Disclaimer:
Inclusion on this list does not imply any endorsement or recommendation of a specific business or service. To be included on this list contact jenifer.naas@clark.wa.gov
This is not a complete list of resources and supply is not guaranteed. Call ahead for availability and prices
Portland Craig's List - search for rain barrel http://portland.craigslist.org/
Forrest Gillette - 360-247-5938
Robert Groskopf - 360-693-6753
Yoshida Corporation - 1-888-243-8371 ask for shipping
Concentrates farm supply (Portland) - 503-234-7501
Thrifty Feed - 360-695-7351
Earth Friendly Gardening
Earth friendly gardening is simply gardening in harmony with nature. Many of the chemical pesticides and fertilizers applied to gardens in Clark County are transported in stormwater to our rivers, lakes, and streams, damaging critical habitat for endangered salmon and other aquatic species.
When laying out your garden, try to be sensitive to the environment. Plan to place sun-loving plants in sunny areas and shade-loving plants in shady areas. Lawns seldom grow well in wet or shady areas without the use of chemicals. Choose a sunny, dry, and level area for your lawn.
Healthy soil is the key to a healthy yard. Especially in the case of a newer home, the soil is often compacted and incapable of sustaining a healthy garden. Before planting anything, amend the soil liberally with high quality compost. Plan to till in at least four inches of compost. For more information on home composting, visit the Master Composters.
Managing pests, whether insects or weeds, is often a challenge in any garden. Before you reach for a can of pesticide, be certain you understand your problem. In many cases a plant is unhealthy because of poor soil or poor growing conditions, not because of insects. If you do have an insect problem, consider non-toxic alternatives such as a dish of beer to kill slugs or introducing lady bugs to control aphids. For help identifying garden problems, call or visit the WSU Extension Master Gardeners weekdays from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (March through September) or 10:00 am to 2:00 pm (October through February) at (360) 397-6060 ext. 7725.
Rain Gardens
Rain gardens direct roof runoff into a garden area specially prepared and planted with vegetation. This keeps water that would normally pick up pollution as it flows across driveways and streets right in your own backyard. It also reduces or eliminates muddy spots common next to downspouts and splash blocks.
A rain garden is a planter bed 6 to 12 inches deep into which rain from your downspouts is directed, usually a site at least 10 feet from your foundation and slightly downhill from your downspout.
Site suitability is important! If a one foot deep hole filled with water drains within 24 hours, it is suitable for a rain garden. The rain garden is a depression about one foot deep and sized to be approximately one tenth the size of the roof area drained by your downspouts. Adding 4 to 6 inches of good compost provides a good planting medium. Downspouts can be directed to the rain garden by creating a dry rock streambed or burying a pipe to the garden.
Rain gardens can be planted with a variety of shrubs and perennials similar to a garden bed. Virtually any plant that does not require well drained soil will work. Native plants work best as they are less susceptible to disease and drought. Integrating the design of the rain garden into the rest of your landscaping provides the most pleasing results. Rain gardens are often focal points in the landscape. For more information or to sign up for our next rain garden workshop, Contact Us.