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rain barrels

Mosquito Control: Let’s Do Our Part

August 9, 2016

The press coverage of the campaign to arrest the spread of the Zika virus and other mosquito-borne diseases is a reminder of a responsibility that we homeowners and gardeners have to our communities: namely, the control of mosquitoes on our homesteads.

Find standing water and eliminate breeding sites
The mosquito species in our area go through their breeding cycle, egg to maturity, in less than two weeks. So control boils down to frequently eliminating any standing water. And that may call for using your imagination, too! Not just dumping or covering unused pots, but discovering where else on the premises water accumulates. Even a hollow tree or temporary puddle can serve as a breeding ground. Look for potential breeding sites around the homestead—places like discarded tires, plant pots, tarps, rain gutters, or low spots in the yard. Empty or flush them out every few days. Don’t overlook the ordinary tasks like changing the water in bird baths almost daily. Besides, the birds will appreciate the fresh water!

What about rain barrels?
Some standing water, such as in rain barrels, may be a necessary part of the landscape. A piece of window screening over a rain barrel inlet can keep mosquitoes from entering in the first place. Screens can clog though and there may be other gaps where mosquitoes can enter. If they do get in, or perhaps as a precautionary measure, an NCSU newsletter suggests the same shock treatment used to decontaminate wells: one-half fluid ounce of bleach per gallon of water to suppress them. The chlorine, about 200 ppm, will dissipate within 48 hours, after which the water should be safe for plants.

Using biological or chemical controls
Another option would be one of the biological larva control products containing Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti). Mosquito Dunks® or Mosquito Bits® are related to the bacterial pesticides commonly used in the garden against caterpillars. Read the label as you probably don’t need an entire wafer and one dose should least several weeks. The pesticide lies on top of the water, so to get full advantage of it don’t empty the barrel completely. Leave a couple of inches of water at the bottom. Do not use any chemical larvacide for this purpose unless the label states something like “will not affect plants, people, pets, or livestock.”

Incidentally, you’ll also see ads for mosquito traps that use radiant heat, sonic waves, or carbon dioxide. These can be moderately effective in luring mosquitoes, but they are expensive to buy and operate. Electric “bug zappers” are not effective as the majority of insects killed are actually beneficial in some form.

Article written by Glenn Palmer, Extension Master Gardener Volunteer.

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Categories Pest Management Tags mosquitoes, pest control, pesticides, rain barrels

Rain Barrel Winterization

November 26, 2015

imageQ: Do I need to do anything to winterize our rain barrels, or is it ok to leave them out?

A: The most important thing is to keep water from freezing inside the spigot, or in the pump if you have one. As water freezes it expands, and metal contracts. The result can be a cracked, leaky piece that will need to be replaced. So, number one, use up as much water as you can, and then open the valve all the way to drain out the rest. What water is left below the spigot will freeze, but probably won’t damage a plastic tank. But it is safest not to leave any water to freeze.

If you’re moving or emptying the barrel, be careful not to get any of the residue from the bottom of the tank into the valve. Tip the barrel away from the valve and onto its side to dump out the trash. Run clean water backwards through the valve to make sure it’s clear and then leave it open so all the water drains out. Store the barrel so that water and debris will not accumulate over winter.

The next question is do you move the barrel into storage or leave it in place? If you have a dry place to store it, you know it will be safe from freezing. If you want to leave it in place, disconnect the barrel inlet from the down spout, then cover the barrel or switch the diverter so that precipitation doesn’t gather over winter. Many diverters don’t seat tightly, allowing some water to leak into the barrel even in the “off” position. In that case, you’ll want to leave the drain valve open or remove it so water can not collect again, or cover the barrel inlet so the barrel stays empty. Be sure to make provisions to direct the runoff water so it drains away from the house.

rainbarrel-image-e1430841255982If you leave the barrel in place, be aware that an empty barrel may be tossed about in high winds. Finally, if you had a pump or hose connected, make sure to drain all the water from these and store them in a dry place.

Written by Glenn Palmer, originally published in the Asheville Citizen Times.

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Categories Seasonal Chores Tags rain barrels, winter garden chores

U.S. Drought Monitor: Asheville Now in Moderate Drought*

July 9, 2015

But first, recognize that in our mountains all weather is local! Native Americans referred to the Weaverville area as the “Dry Ridge” and it is indeed one of the driest points in the eastern US. Yet only some 30 miles away but several thousand feet higher in altitude, Alta Pass is among the wettest, continually dampened as rising air from the west is forced to drop its load of moisture.

Then you have anomalies like the fact that Asheville’s “official” rainfall is not actually measured at Asheville. The official weather station for Asheville, North Carolina is located at the Asheville-Hendersonville Airport, ten miles south of, and not even in the same county as Asheville.

imageSo that’s why your own journal notes and observations are important. Gathering data from your own rain gauge and thermometer readings can be helpful in comparing one year to the next and identifying needs or trends in your garden. Even better than judging rainfall by the condition of your neighbor’s lawn!

Back to the Drought Monitor. By their definition in a “moderate drought” we can expect “Some damage to crops, pastures; streams, reservoirs, or low wells; some water shortages developing or imminent; voluntary water-use restrictions requested.”

So, fellow gardeners, it’s time to start setting priorities on which plants get first dibs for irrigation. Get outside before breakfast and water early in the morning. Mulch to help conserve what soil moisture you do have. Maybe change some priorities for your plantings in the fall garden. Perhaps let some space stand fallow or with a cover crop.

imageAnd a self-serving reminder: Buncombe County Cooperative Extension has rain barrels for sale! Even occasional brief rain can fill a rain barrel.

*U.S. Drought Monitor of North Carolina, June 23, 2015 http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu

For more information about coping with drought: http://content.ces.ncsu.edu/coping-with-drought-a-guide-to-understanding-plant-response-to-drought.pdf

Article written by Glenn Palmer, Extension Master Gardener Volunteer.

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Categories Water Management Tags Alta Pass, cover crop, drought, mulch, rain barrels, U.S. drought monitor

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