How to Catch and Store Water for Plants

Consider watering household plants with water that would otherwise be wasted - from both indoors and out. Rainwater is free of chemicals and minerals; all you have to do is catch it as it falls from the sky.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 32-gallon Plastic Trash Containers
• Rain Barrel
• Garden Hoses And Attachments
• Screens
• Washers
• Watering Cans
• Washers
• Buckets

1. Place plastic trash containers, 30 to 35 gallons in size, beneath rain gutters and downspouts. Place a screen over these barrels to keep debris from fouling the water.

2. Collect water that would otherwise go down the drain from sinks and tubs as you wait for the hot water to flow. This water can be collected in buckets or watering cans kept near the source.

3. Cover any containers tightly with a lid when storing water for longer than a few days. Place the containers in the shade if possible.

4. Dip or ladle the water from large containers into smaller buckets or watering cans when it's time to water your indoor plants or garden.

Tips & Warnings

• Link two or more barrels together with flexible rubber hose and threaded connectors. Drill a 3/4-inch hole near the top of the first barrel, insert a rubber washer, the threaded connector, the hose - then reverse the order on the second barrel. You can also use the threaded connectors to attach a garden hose directly to your barrels for distribution.
• Delux Rain Barrels are available commercially. They are rather expensive, but work very well.
• Runoff water from freshly treated wood roofs might contain copper naphthenate, which is harmful to plants.

[jeank]

on 7/25/2009 I've used rain barrels for over 20 years and save money by not using potable water in my Victory Garden, on roses, orchids, and other exotic plants, here in Florida. But have to keep rain gutters squeaky clean. See a new gutter cleaner tool at http://www.gutterclutterbuster.com that will save you time, money & energy, while it vacuums out debris in clogged rain gutters, while you stay firmly on the ground. So, stay safe, stay well, and Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled.

[sstew9]

on 7/13/2009 Amy - You have to cut the downspout off, and use a flexible downspout connector.

[Red-Wolf]

on 6/28/2009 I never thought of storing the water that would other wise go into the drain, great article!

[Kingoftwilite]

on 5/27/2009 using captured rainwater can eliminate the need for "water companies!"

[jerryb1]

on 3/17/2009 Can I suggest a watering can created from a modified gallon size empty milk jug be used to contain that otherwise wasted water? It can then be used to implement the Frugal Drip Irrigation system suggested in "How to Create a Drip Irrigation System for Your Garden The Frugal Way"