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rainwater

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From: Bill Zombro City: Maroa, IL
I have three aerogardens im wanting to plant, my question is i use rainbarrels for my outside garden, and before the freezing weather hit i drained one 55 gallon drum into a 55 gallon drum in my basement. I just wondered if the water would stay "good" to use in my aerogardens this winter. Thank-You
	Extension Message From: Jennifer Nelson (Schultz) Extension Educator, Horticulture DeWitt/Macon/Piatt Unit jaschult@illinois.edu
Hi Bill, As much as I love rain barrels, I would advise against using the water on edible crops. There is a chance that any pollutants present on your roof are in the water collected by the barrel. It would be safest choice to avoid using this water for plants you intend to eat. Also, I try to use filtered water as much as possible with my Aerogardens to avoid scale buildup. Thanks for writing. -Jennifer
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