Garden 2012

[freshtiva]

Purchased six of these today @ $50 each. 275 gallons each for a total of 1650 gallons.



I like this configuration.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGF3hFRZkr8&feature=related

[Safety Guy]

The first small tank I was talking about is a "first flush diverter," and you need it because:

"When it rains, water slowly builds up in the roof gutter system before it exits through the downpipe. The first flush of water from the roof can contain amounts of bacteria from decomposed insects, lizards, bird and animal droppings and concentrated tannic acid. It may also contain sediments, water borne heavy metals and chemical residues, all of which are undesirable elements to have in a water storage system."

From this site:

http://www.rainharvest.com/rain-harvesting-pty-downspout-first-flush-diverter.asp

I'm not necessarily recommending this brand. There are cheaper ones of different and simpler design. If this will all be "garden water," then maybe you don't need it. But if you ever drink this water, you should give plenty of thought to a good first flush diverter.

Karl

[freshtiva]

The system on the youtube link has a first flush deverter. Looks like its manual though. Youd have to unscrew the cap and then put it back on. The floating ball is a good idea. Ive seen people use a plastic water bottle instead of a floating ball. I plan on using the water for the garden initially but in might be good for livestock too in the future.

[freshtiva]

My parents house ( built 1891 ) where I grew up had a deep hand dug, rock lined cistern underneath it. It captured water off the roof. It had a diverter which would divert the water away from the cistern if desired. If water wasnt diverted away from the cistern it would run through a large canister full of charcoal before going into the cistern. I wish I knew where that canister is now. There was also a seperate large cistern to catch water off of the barn. That cistern had a pump. The pump used a large chain with many scoops on it, the scoops would dip into the water and carry water up to the surface. The crank handle worked through a gear drive. Ive got a picture of it somewhere.

Found this picture of the pump at the barn. Thats me on the left and my kid brother on the right. People knew the value of water in 1891. The cistern and pump are still there. I think the scoop chain is missing. I think it got pulled out and isnt at the bottom of the cistern.

[freshtiva]

Got my water containers home this morning.

[Safety Guy]

That is an interesting "pump" design! More like a "bucket wheel" I suppose. Just as effective, and doesn't rely upon sealing capabilities.

Karl

[freshtiva]

Getting there but going to need some rain before it will work.

[neanderpaul]

Awesome!

[Safety Guy]

You just need a good rain dance now.

I hear ballerinas work best, followed by mosh pit aces.

Karl

[freshtiva]

Made a couple of gallons of salsa last weekend. Picked some more ingredients this morning. Should have enough to make four more quarts at least. Our drought rating was changed to D3 ( Extreme ) this week. drought link below

http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/DM_state.htm?MO,MW

[freshtiva]

This "green" tomato is a very ripe heirloom



300,000 Scoville heat units....

[drddan]

300,000 Scoville heat units....

:eeeeeek:

Lookin' good Markus! Especially with all this dry weather. Looks like you've been busy keeping everything from drying up!

[gottafesty]

Looks like you'll have lots of good salsa with those peppers. I've never had an heirloom. Do they taste like a traditional tomato?

[M3NTAL]

I'm curious as well ^^
Looking
Great
Marcus

[freshtiva]

Looks like you'll have lots of good salsa with those peppers. I've never had an heirloom. Do they taste like a traditional tomato?

There are hundreds of heirloom varieties, I dont pretend to know them all. They come in all shapes and colors. ( see pic below ) There are subtle differences in taste. I wouldnt do well in a blind taste test though. The main difference I notice is in the texture of the meat. I guess we've lost 90% of the varieties that were available 100 years ago. Commerical growers only grow the few type that are the most marketable, store well, disease resistant. etc. Making us vunerable to a new disease that may target the few marketable varieties.