Rainwater Harvesting
Collect free water and reduce your garden’s footprint
💧 Trending news: With water restrictions expanding across many regions, rainwater harvesting has become a top priority for home gardeners. Sales of rain barrels and cisterns rose 38% in 2025, and many municipalities now offer rebates for residential systems.
Collecting rainwater is simple: place a barrel under a downspout, fit it with a diverter, and use the water for irrigation. Rainwater is free of chlorine and minerals, making it ideal for plants, especially acid‑lovers like blueberries and rhododendrons. A 50‑gallon barrel can save hundreds of gallons a year.
Before installing, check local regulations – some areas have restrictions on collection, while others encourage it. Look for barrels with mosquito screens, overflow hoses, and spigots for easy access. For larger gardens, consider daisy‑chaining multiple barrels or investing in a larger cistern.