Water Butts & Rainwater Harvesting

Practice

Water butts collect rainwater from house, shed or greenhouse downpipes, turning wet weather into a useful reserve for dry days. Rainwater is soft and is especially welcome for blueberries and other ericaceous plants where tap water is hard. It also reduces reliance on treated mains water for routine garden jobs.

How it works

Fit a water butt to a suitable downpipe using a diverter, ensuring the base is firm and level when the butt is full. A lid keeps out leaves, light and insects, while an overflow directs surplus water safely away from buildings. Draw water from the tap near the bottom into a watering can, or use a compatible pump where suitable. Use stored rainwater first for priority plants, and keep gutters clear so rainfall reaches the butt efficiently.

Best for

Rainwater harvesting suits any garden with accessible roof space, particularly gardens with greenhouses, sheds, containers or vegetable plots. It is especially helpful for blueberries, rhododendrons, camellias and other ericaceous plants that prefer softer water. One butt is useful, but linked butts offer a more meaningful reserve for larger gardens during a dry spell.

Tips

Always fit a secure lid and check the stand, tap and overflow regularly. Use water butt water promptly in warm weather and keep the area around it tidy. Place a watering can nearby for easy use. In dry summers, reserve stored water for containers, young plants and crops that cannot readily recover from drought.