Last updated on October 23rd, 2023 at 08:28 pm
Especially in the summer it is necessary that the plants are additionally watered. After all, at this time of year, rain hardly falls from the sky, so the independent watering is not enough. Of course, this can lead to high costs over the weeks, if you use the water from the tap. More practical is to use a water tank in the garden. Especially over the past few years, water storage tanks for the larger garden have come into focus, replacing tap water as a watering method for plants.
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Advantages of a water reservoir
Before taking a closer look at the different types of water storage tanks, it’s important to consider the benefits. First and foremost, a water storage tank is inexpensive. Of course, money must be invested to purchase and install a water storage tank, but over the years, such a tank can be a real goldmine.
After all, it is no longer necessary to use expensive tap water, but rainwater is collected, which is then used for watering plants. This can save a lot of money in the year, especially if there is a large garden.
In addition, the environment is pleased about the use of rainwater. This otherwise seeps unused into the ground or runs into the sewage system on built-up areas, whereas a water reservoir can make this rainwater usable for weeks. In addition, rainwater is much more natural than tap water. Plants are used to rainwater, so they don’t have to suddenly get used to a different PH level, and there are no problems with high lime concentrations in the soil.
More work due to a water reservoir?
A big question that always comes up in connection with a water storage tank is whether it makes more work. After all, all you have to do is connect a hose to the faucet, turn it on, and watering can begin. Until a few years ago, there were largely water storage tanks that made work.
That is, it was done with a conventional watering can, which you had to use self-sufficient. Of course, this is much more work and makes many shy away from the water reservoir.
However, today there are models that are comparable to the tap. Through a pump, the water can be taken directly from the reservoir, eliminating the need for further handling. This makes the work vanishingly small, so there is no difference with the conventional faucet.
The different types of water storage tanks
One of the cheapest methods and probably the simplest type of water storage is the simple rain barrel. Made of solid plastic, the barrel finds a place under the gutter and thus catches the rainwater. Then, using a watering can, the water can be skimmed off and used for watering.
The big plus of the rain barrel is its simplicity and low cost. As a rule, such a barrel costs less than 150 euros and will not entail any other costs. Even in small gardens can fit a rain barrel, which will generously use the rainwater. Of course, a lot of work will have to be done to water the plants afterwards.
Another variant of the rain barrel is the model, which is embedded in the garden. This water reservoir, also called a cistern, is located below the surface of the earth and is fed equally by the rain gutter, but also the simple rainwater that drips onto the ground. The underground water reservoir fills and often has a very large volume, so that many weeks can be watered without rain was necessary.
Through a pump and a suitable tap, the water from the reservoir is brought to the surface of the earth. Another plus point, you can also supply the toilet with water from there at low cost if you have a connection laid right away.
Classic or minimalist?
A chic alternative to a rain barrel and underground water storage is, of course, a classic well. Depending on the geography and soil tectonics of the location, this is associated with a cost-intensive and deep drilling. It may also be necessary to obtain a building permit in advance.
A well is open at the top, so that you can help yourself to the water by bucket or, if desired, by pump. The well is a very classic type and should be used only if there is enough space. But in return, the fountain has a decisive advantage: its appearance.
A beautiful fountain made of high quality stones or chic wood is an eye-catcher in any garden and directly creates a touch of alp or vacation. Speaking of vacations, if you are going away for a long time, another type of water reservoir can be used. If no babysitter can be found for the garden and associated watering work, a plug-in reservoir comes into play.
As its name implies, this reservoir is inserted into a flower bed with the pointed end, which has a large funnel or water bladder at the end. When it rains, water collects in the funnel and is gradually released to the plant bed. This type of water reservoir is usually only worthwhile for potted plants, on the balcony or small flower beds, otherwise everything would have to be full of plug-in reservoirs.
The water reservoir is best always adapted to its own needs and possibilities, so that it can provide optimal watering of the garden. To do this, you can get advice from a nursery or a landscape designer. These calculate different models such as water consumption and construction costs against each other