Rainwater harvesting is an invaluable practice for gardeners and will revolutionise the way we nurture plants and cultivate green spaces. With increasing awareness of water scarcity and the need for sustainable solutions, gardening expert and author, Sarah Raven, has created a list of ways to harvest rainwater this summer.

Sarah explains, “Harvesting rainwater is a fantastic way for gardeners to reduce their reliance on traditional water sources, conserve precious resources, and create a thriving ecosystem. This eco-friendly approach not only benefits the environment but also empowers all gardeners to take control of their water supply, promoting self-sufficiency and resilience in the face of uncertain weather patterns.

“There’s a myriad of advantages in harvesting rainwater and discover how it is transforming gardening practices for the better. Rainwater has a pH which is much less acidic than tap water, making it very well suited to your plants. We ought to be in the habit of adopting sustainable living practices in everything we do, and this is such an easy one to start with. Conserving natural resources like water will be so helpful if we see a drought this summer, and it can also do wonders for lowering your water bills. I’ve created a list of tips to help you harvest rainwater this summer.”

1. Unblock your gutters

“If your gutters are clear, rainwater can naturally be directed to a collection point. The first thing to do is assess whether this is a job you can carry out yourself. If the gutters are easily accessible and not too high, then the easiest way to reach them would be use a step ladder and empty the gutters of leaves and debris by hand. You’ll want to try lay some liners on the ground beneath to ensure you aren’t making too big of a mess. I would recommend emptying your gutters every 3 or 4 months to save debris build up.”

1. Use a rain butt

“Rain butts are a relatively inexpensive option and thankfully they require very little forward planning. If you make sure your butt is suitably placed beneath your downspout you can easily collect water from your roof to reuse again and again. If you place a spigot at the base of the barrel, all you need to do is turn the tap and you’ll have access to as much water as you require, given you’ve had a fair amount of rain fall in the recent days that is. You’ll want to consider sealing your butt to prevent any little guests making home in there, and to keep any debris out. I would recommend a capacity of at least 100 litres so it can fill up over a bit of time.”

1. Direct water using a rain chain

“The aptly named ‘rain chain’ is a great way to direct water around your garden. They work most effectively if they have a vertical water source to work from like guttering or downspouts, but don’t let this stop you from being innovative, as they can also be pretty versatile and work with flat rooves too. I actually love the rustic look of them and am often tempted to thread decorative flowers around them in the summer, though best to avoid this if you’re expecting lots of rain of course! You’ll want something to collect the water from based at the bottom of the chain, but otherwise, no work is required.”

1. Use a slow-release water system

“Not only are slow-release water systems great if you’re going on holiday and don’t want to return to dehydrated or dead plants, but they can be used as a sustainable everyday watering solution. Grow Bag Waterers work by collecting rainwater, storing it in its large reservoir and then releasing the water gradually, so there is very little work required! If you’ve got potted plants, terracotta watering spikes are a brilliant option. All you need to do is fill them with water and drive them into the soil and they will carefully and evenly distribute the water.”

1. Create a rain garden

“Collecting rainwater doesn’t always require a gutter, in fact, one of the most fun and innovative ways to collect and save rainwater is to set up a rain garden. All you need to do is find a shallow bit of ground, with a slope of less than 10%. You can fill your rain garden with all sorts of wet-tolerant plants and for best establishment, I recommend planting them in spring or early autumn. Little ones will enjoy helping tend to the rain garden and what a perfect opportunity to teach them about the importance of sustainability and conserving natural resources.”