The one great disadvantage of Florida is the heat, it can make growing plants very difficult. This can cause droughts throughout the world in all different climates. The one great advantage of is that from May to December the intense heat brings insane storms. These storms can provide lots of water for our plants. We will be harvesting the rainwater to help preserve the water in the drier months. Droughts are caused by lack of precipitation and high temperatures but also by overuse and overpopulation. Both rain and snow in precipitation measurements so if you have both a dry rainy season and very little snow fall there is a good chance your area will be in a drought. The most famously devastating drought on record occurred in the 1930s and was called the "Dust Bowl" . The dust bowl was caused by a few different factors: drought, poor land management, and wind erosion. The early farmers in the mid-1800s, huge cattle and sheep herds did great damage to the region grassland. The combination of this with lack of rain and strong winds had a horrible effect. Being unable to grow enough food to provide for the need eventually lead to the Great Depression. One of the most damaging effects of a drought is the agricultural drought effects. When there is not enough moisture at planting time may hinder germination, which leads to low plant populations and a reduction during the time of harvest. The lack of water effects the grass then the cattle can not eat then which effects the food supply. It is important to know the seasons in your state. Here in Florida we jokingly say we have 4 seasons; dry, pollen, love bug, and hurricane. In reality we have two major seasons hurricane season which is from June 1 and runs until Nov. 30, prior to this we have May were it usually rains everyday all day. Then at the end of November we have the polar opposite we have the dry season which lasts from till April during this time we are lucky to have it rain at least once a month. It is during those dry months that a water barrel will be very helpful for watering your plants. It is quite likely that during cave man times collected rain water in clay bowl for future use. Then in Ancient Roman time rain water was collected in wooden barrel instead of clay barrels. In some parts of the United States today they actually require homes to have rain barrels. A rainwater tank is a water tank used for collecting and maintaining harvested rain. Collecting rainwater reduce water use for environmental reasons like you are currently in a drought. Using rainwater also allows you to be more self-sufficient if you have to pay for water. In Santa Fe, New Mexico if your home is larger than, 2,500 square feet you are required to have a rainwater collection system so that can have water for landscaping purposes. Any standing water is prone to attracting insects; namely mosquitoes. There are some things that you can do to help get rid of any mosquito eggs that have been laid. Putting a lid or tight screen over the barrel can prevent the insects from entering the barrel. Using a small amount of cooking oil, I used coconut oil, to suffocate the larvae, This does not hurt the plants and will not harm any animals. I do not recommend using rainwater to drink unless you filter it first. I just use it for water my plants and animals.
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November 2023
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