"Self-sufficiency does not mean 'going back' to the acceptance of a lower standard of living. On the contrary, it is the striving for a higher standard of living, for food that is organically grown and good, for the good life in pleasant surroundings... and for the satisfaction that comes from doing difficult and intricate jobs well and successfully." John Seymour ~ Self Sufficiency 2003

Wednesday 20 April 2011

It's raining

At last.

For the past hour we have had soft, gentle, life giving rain falling in Cape Town.  The first of the winter rains.


Almost a good enough reason to throw a party!  I have a feeling my garden is celebrating - pity I can't hear all the slurping and gulping that has got be happening out there :-)

And this is a 20 lt (5 gallon) bucket which has taken only 3 minutes to fill this full...


18.0 lts in 3 minutes...

... we are definitely going to have at least 20 000lts (approx. 5 000 gallons) storage for rainwater on the farm.  At a push in times of need - that will be 3 - 4 months water for the plants / trees / vegetables, and household use.

We have decided to half bury the tanks - the shale underneath the top layer of clay will form a perfect base for the tanks.

Why waste free water?

Oh, this rain water is so welcome!  I hope it's raining on the farm...
Posted by Dani at 11:39:00
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9 comments:

  1. Jane @ Hard Work Homestead20 April 2011 at 14:32

    It is always interesting to see what life is like in another part of the world. Especially the reverse seasons. We get so set in our own ways we forget how diverse the world really is.

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  2. Dani20 April 2011 at 14:41

    Jane - LOL reckon you've had enough rain / snow - and we desparately need some. Guess the Good Lord can't please all the people all the time...

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  3. Anonymous20 April 2011 at 17:01

    My son lives in Northern California and they did not get their winter rain this year...I am envious..enjoy!

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  4. Dani20 April 2011 at 17:08

    Frann - I put in a word upstairs to get you guys some rain too :-)

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  5. Gwen21 April 2011 at 01:28

    Fantastic and beautiful! I love that you are harvesting the water. Believe it or not, some states in the United States have laws against collecting rainwater (are you sitting down?) from the roof of one's own house or via other methods on one's property. I'm glad I don't live in a state like that.

    Enjoy your winter (although I know you certainly will without a command from me).

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  6. Anonymous21 April 2011 at 06:12

    First rains are always so thrilling after a long dry season. We are luckily having some good late rains before we dry up for winter.

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  7. Dani21 April 2011 at 06:27

    Ginger - no - I can't believe that - that is just too hectic. What is going on with the laws in the US of A????

    Slowvelder - yes, NGirl is also looking forward to days without rain up there. Here, we can't wait for the green season... :-)

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  8. Diana Studer1 May 2011 at 18:50

    That in the USA about not harvesting your 'own' rainwater, is apparently to do with farmers/communities downstream having the rights to that water. Your own roof is just a part of their catchment. And some states won't allow the use of grey water in the garden.

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  9. Dani2 May 2011 at 08:52

    Elephant's Eye - What is the world coming to when it becomes a crime to save rain water which falls on your property?!

    And how on earth could someone else have the rights to the God given water you'd like to harvest in rain barrels / dams?

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Thank you for taking the time to comment - it makes my day and removes the "loneliness' of sitting at my screen blogging supposedly to myself ;) I try and reply as quickly as possible so please forgive me if sometimes my response is delayed.

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