Rainwater collection - storage and reusing.

Collecting rainwater is an excellent way to supplement your garden water supply while reducing utility bills. The easiest method for home gardeners is installing a water butt that connects directly to a roof downpipe. If you are short of space or need to disguise your water butt, slimline and decorative models are available.

• You’ll need a gutter with a downpipe or a rainwater downpipe kit
• A filter will prevent leaves and debris from entering the water butt
• Place water butts on firm, level stands  or bricks, so you can fit a watering can beneath the tap
• Join multiple water butts together with connector kits or siphons
• You can connect a hose to the tap of a water butt, but for good water pressure you will need a submersible or external pump

Dipping tanks

These are troughs usually connected to a downpipe from a roof. They often contain pond plants and can be stylish versions of the traditional water butt, though their lack of a cover can be a potential issue, as uncovered water can stagnate and harbour harmful micro-organisms.  Avoid using water from dipping tanks for watering seedlings and young plants.