Given how unreliable our climate can be, collecting rainwater to use in your garden is a beneficial activity all year round. Especially in the summer months, from around July onwards, there is usually not enough water in the soil to satisfy growing plants. But the demand on the mains supply to water them stretches the available resources and can damage the environment. So it pays to harvest your own rainfall, and it can be easier than you think to collect it.
What are the benefits of using rainwater in the garden?
- Beat the hosepipe ban with your own sustainable water supply.
- The water you collect is free and can reduce your monthly bills.
- Rainwater has a balanced pH level, which is best for plants, and free from any chemicals.
- Reduce the demand on the water table to protect environmental resources.
How to collect rainwater in your garden
The easiest way to save the rainwater that falls on your property is by collecting that which runs off your roof. All you need is guttering, drainage pipes and a water butt.
Experts estimate that around 24,000 litres of water falls on the average rooftop per year. The great thing is this can be saved, no matter what size garden you have. Even a small patio has room for a water butt.
But don’t stop with your house. Any outbuilding with a roof is a prime rain collector. Sheds, garages and greenhouses can be fitted with gutters and their own water tanks.
For the best results, it’s essential to keep your gutters and water butts clean. This will prevent the build up of any bacteria or diseases harmful to your plants. If you want to stock up on the maximum rainfall then fit multiple water butts together, so you don’t miss a drop!
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This month I was interviewed by Garden Life about how to enhance your garden. We discussed the benefits of creating shade, privacy and fun outdoors through various lifestyle products. Check it out!
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George works in the Primrose marketing team. As a lover of all things filmic, he also gets involved with our TV ads and web videos.
George’s idea of the perfect time in the garden is a long afternoon sitting in the shade with a good book. A cool breeze, peace and quiet… But of course, he’s usually disturbed by his energetic wire fox terrier, Poppy!
He writes about his misadventures in repotting plants and new discoveries about cat repellers.