Capture Rainwater for the Garden with Rain Barrels

Don't let all that rain run off the roof and down the storm sewer. Capture it with a rain barrel to use for watering ornamental gardens and containers.

Use this century-old technique to help keep the water where it falls and reduce pollution.

Start with a call to your local municipality. Some have restrictions on water harvesting, but most encourage this practice and some even offer rebates.

Purchase a rain barrel or make your own from a recycled food grade container. Make sure the top is covered to keep out bugs and debris and the spigot is low, so water does not stagnate in the bottom. Include an overflow outlet to direct excess water away from the house.

Dress up your container with a bit of paint suited for outdoor use on plastic surfaces or hide it with some decorative plantings.

A bit more information: Connect several rain barrels together to maximize your water harvesting efforts. As one barrel fills, excess water passes through the connector to fill the next.