Saving rainwater is like putting money in the bank. It's free, and the more of it you use, the less often you have to turn on your hose. Depending on where you live, that can be a big savings. Best of all, capturing rainwater is easy to do.
While some people put in complicated underground storage systems, the easiest method to capture rainwater is to divert your downspout into a barrel. You can use a plastic barrel, an old-fashioned oak barrel, or a designer cistern. It just depends on how you want it to look in your yard. You can find different kinds of barrels at your local garden center.
Now that you've captured it, how do you get at it? The easiest method to get at your new liquid treasure trove is to dip a watering can into your barrel and sprinkle your garden with it. Another method is to put a tap in the bottom of your barrel, and attach a drip line that runs to your garden. The water pressure in the barrel is strong enough to push water through the hose, saving you work. Either way, you'll be using a precious resource that would otherwise go down the drain.
» Find out how to make your own rain barrel
