Rainwater Harvesting for the Garden
Gardening is not just a hobby; it’s an intimate dance with nature. As gardeners, we toil under the sun, turning the soil, planting seeds, and watching life unfold in the palm of our hands. But even as we cherish the sunshine, we equally cherish the rain—nature’s own irrigation system. Rainwater harvesting, an age-old practice, extends this relationship with nature, allowing us to capture and store rainwater for later use, a boon especially during those dry summer days or periods of drought.
Rainwater harvesting is more than just an economical solution to high water bills. It is a gift to your garden. Rainwater is naturally soft, free from the salts, minerals, chlorine, and chemicals found in tap water that may not always be beneficial for your plants and the soil. It offers your plants a drink in its purest form, just as nature intended.
Two common methods of rainwater collection include using a simple barrel with a spigot connected to a downspout, or a more sophisticated setup of pipes connected to a tank or cistern for redistribution.
The Barrel System
This is a straightforward and beginner-friendly method of rainwater collection:
  1. Selecting the Barrel: First, you need a barrel. This can be a new or contaminant-free 55-gallon drum. Many garden supply centers also sell ready-made barrels equipped with screens and covers to filter debris and keep out insects and animals. The barrel should be made of a durable material that can withstand the elements.
  2. Positioning the Barrel: The barrel should be positioned underneath a downspout from your roof gutters. This way, the rainwater that falls on your roof will be directed into the barrel.
  3. Installing a Spigot: A spigot should be installed near the base of the barrel. This will allow you to easily access the collected water for your gardening needs. If you can’t attach a hose to the spigot, make sure to elevate the barrel enough so that you can fit a watering can underneath it.
  4. Supporting the Barrel: Water is heavy – a full 55-gallon drum can weigh over 450 pounds. Make sure the stand or platform your barrel is on can support this weight.
  5. Connecting Multiple Barrels: If one barrel isn’t enough to meet your water needs, you can connect multiple barrels. This is done by joining them with a pipe near the top. When the first barrel fills, the overflow will be directed into the next barrel.
  6. Maintenance: Regularly clean the barrel and check for leaks to ensure the system works efficiently. Also, remember to drain the barrels before winter to prevent freezing damage.
The Piped System
A piped system is more complex and involves a series of pipes connected to a tank or cistern. This system requires more planning and installation work, but it can also collect and store more water:
  1. Planning the System: First, you need to plan your system. This includes determining the size and location of your tank or cistern, as well as the path of the pipes that will connect it to your roof gutters.
  2. Installing the Tank or Cistern: Once you’ve planned your system, the next step is to install the tank or cistern. This should be done on a stable, level surface. The tank or cistern should also have a lid or cover to prevent debris and animals from getting in.
  3. Connecting the Pipes: After the tank or cistern is installed, connect it to the downspouts of your roof gutters with pipes. The pipes should be sloped downward from the gutters to the tank or cistern to allow the water to flow naturally.
  4. Installing a Pump: To redistribute the collected water for your gardening needs, you’ll need to install a pump. The pump can be connected to a hose or an irrigation system.
  5. Maintenance: Regularly check the pipes for leaks and the tank or cistern for cracks. Also, ensure the pump is working properly and the water is flowing smoothly.
Both these systems have their own benefits. The barrel system is simpler and cheaper to set up, but it has a lower water capacity. On the other hand, the piped system can collect and store more water, but it requires more planning, work, and investment.
Keep in mind that while rainwater can be used directly in the garden, it isn’t potable. Ensure your barrels are covered to keep out children, pets, and wildlife.
Legalities vary by location, so always check local ordinances regarding rainwater collection. And, to protect your barrels from freezing or cracking in the off-season, empty and store them in a garage or shed.
Remember, each garden, like each gardener, is unique. Keep experimenting to find the perfect rainwater harvesting system that quenches your garden’s thirst!