Grangetto's can help lower water and food bills

Despite a wetter than average winter and a declared end to Southern California’s drought, many Fallbrook residents are expanding their water conservation efforts and finding everything they need at Grangetto’s Farm & Garden Supply. Besides plants, mulches, fertilizers and gardening tools, the store offers water efficient irrigation equipment and rainwater harvesting systems.

Dave Paulino, manager of the Fallbrook store, pointed out that, “even though the drought is over, water prices are not going down.” He said residents can easily conserve water by converting spray heads to drip or low water irrigation which can save up to 30 percent of water usage outdoors.

Homeowners can also use smart controllers which have sensors to monitor the weather so that landscaping is watered only when needed. They can also ask their local water agencies about any available rebates that will help them afford water conservation appliances or equipment. If they need help or advice in converting their irrigation systems, Paulino said, “We have all the supplies for that and can help with that.”

Local gardeners can also harvest rainwater to supplement their water supply. Although rainwater cannot legally be used as drinking water, it can be used to water landscaping and gardens. Paulino said that the first step in choosing a rainwater system is to figure out how big of a tank is needed. One inch of rainwater falling on a 1,000 square foot roof equals 600 gallons of water.

According to Paulino, the average yearly rainfall in Fallbrook is 12 inches, so harvesting rainwater from a 2400 square foot roof here can yield 17,280 gallons of water, and save the homeowner a lot of money in water bills.

Grangetto’s carries water tanks, pumping kits, garden hoses and all the other accessories needed to harvest rainwater. The system hooks onto a downspout using a conversion kit while a flush kit filters out dirt and debris before the rainwater goes into the holding tank.

Although developed in Australia, the Bushman rainwater systems used here are manufactured in Temecula. Storage tanks come in a variety of sizes, two different shapes (round and slimline) and can be placed above ground or underground. The largest round tank holds 2825 gallons and measures 7 feet high and 10 feet in diameter while the smallest slimline tank holds 305 gallons and measures 2 feet deep, 7’6” wide and 6’6” high.

With food prices also climbing, the staff at Grangetto’s is helping residents to plant vegetable gardens, which lowers their grocery bills too. Paulino said that a lot of people are getting back to the basics and growing their own food. This year, he has seen a 30 percent increase over last year in the sale of vegetable plants and that is after a 10 to 15 percent increase in 2010 from sales in 2009.

In March, Grangetto’s sold almost 3,000 vegetable plants with tomatoes being the most popular plant. For tomato lovers, the largest selection of plants is the heirloom variety. The store also carries fruit trees and vineyard growers’ equipment, besides holding free monthly workshops, so no matter what kind or how big of a garden a people want to plant, Grangetto’s can help make their plans a reality, and save them money at the same time.

Grangetto’s Fallbrook location is at 530 E. Alvarado St. For more information, call (760) 728-6127 or visit http://www.grangettos.com.

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