In article ,
Jeff Thies wrote:

I'm a small gardener and I've heard anecdotal evidence about using
rain water rather than tap (city) water. If nothing else it would be
free of chlorine.

I've found a source for free rain barrels (55 gallon plastic drums),
so I'm thinking about this. Other than hand watering, I'm unsure how you
would get this to work. Last year, with help from these groups, I put in
a drip irrigation system. I don't want to go back.

It looks like each foot of water height yields .43 psi and the pc
emitters need about 10psi, so that is about 25' of height to get this to
work gravity fed. That is impractical for me and probably for most
people. Seems like it would have to be pumped.

Anyone using rain water for other than spot watering? Is it worth it?

Jeff

Rain water has nitrogen in it. City water does not. Plants love nitrogen.

Depends where you live and the size of your garden. I have five 55
gallon rain barrels and works just fine for me. It rains often enough in
Michigan were I do not need that much extra water. Just enough to get
through those slightly drier August summers. If it really gets dry, I
put an inline hose filter and the water the garden. I am on a well
system and chlorine is not a problem for me.

--
Enjoy Life... Dan

Garden in Zone 5 South East Michigan.