Water Barrel

[julia-mag]

One of my water barrels has unfortunately begun to 'reek' due to droppings from oak tree getting in (filter dislodged) , is it still alright to use the water on crops? i.e. leeks in particular.

[Chipchopper]

I tend to be cautious here, due to the tannin from the oak leaves etc, which may stunt the crops.
Therefore I would start again by rinsing out the barrel, re fitting the filter and filling with fresh water.

[alavahalf]

Yep .. empty the barrel partially with a bucket then tip the rest out. Flush the muck out of the bottom using your hose while the barrel is on it's side.
Add a bit of fresh water and some mild detergent then scrub the inside down and flush it out again.
Let your barrel fill with fresh rain water .. think you will need to wait until next week as this one is meant to be really good !
In the mean time your leeks will be fine and shouldn't need watering if they are in the ground. I have put about 120 in over the past 3 weeks and haven't watered them since the day I sat them in their holes in the ground.

[Clanad]

You might want to take a look at this article...http://www.emsustains.co.uk/EM-ceramics.htm

Seems the ceramics are available in the UK and I've found them here in the US...

[julia-mag]

Thank you for your help everyone, and yes my son planted the leeks for me about 3/4 weeks ago and they do look healthy, and as it is warm here in the south west I thought they might be too dry ! They are really tough little plants, and do not fall apart when transplanting do they. I was very surprised and I have transplanted more than a few things in the garden over the years. I know they are o.k. over winter and being a thoughtful son he planted 3 rows all along the edge of my garden by the path where I can reach them without going onto the garden. I will get him to clean my barrel for me!!