Rainwater Harvesting for Home Gardens

Rainwater is free, soft, and better for plants than treated tap water, and harvesting it is one of the easiest sustainability wins a garden can make. A simple barrel does the job.

A rain barrel under a downspout captures runoff that would otherwise be lost, storing it for dry spells. The setup is cheap and pays for itself in reduced water bills.

• A single barrel holds 40 to 60 gallons
• Position it under a downspout for easy capture
• Use the water within a week or two
• Cover it to prevent mosquitoes

Start with one barrel and expand if the garden demands more, since the water adds up quickly.