Best Ways to Collect Rainwater

[@kasession]

Great video. I live in a town house, so I grow on my deck. I took an old umbrella, put a hole in the top, and then turned it upside down over a 5 gallon bucket. the umbrella increases the surface area, and also slows down evaporation. If it gets full, I fill up empty plastic juice bottles with the water. It's not elegant, but it means I don't have to fill up water bottles from my kitchen sink all the time.

[@markirish7599]

Wonderful idea thank you and best wishes from Ireland 🇮🇪

[@kasession]

@@markirish7599 Thank You from the US !!! 😀.🇺🇸

[@sugetoosty1685]

Brilliant!

[@ksnazzy]

Thanks for the great idea!

[@GrowVeg]

Nice one Karen!

[@richardnoble3992]

Nothing beats a British nerd. Love this bloke!

[@GrowVeg]

Cheers Richard!

[@Tymcmunn]

That is such a great thumbnail! 😂😂😂

[@mihancic]

Haha yes, let's dive straight in :)

[@GrowVeg]

Glad it's appreciated Tyler - great (if messy) fun making it!

[@bryanbailey8513]

I am from Howick South Africa and my capacity for Rain Water Harvesting is +- 8 000 Litres. I use this water for household use via a pressure pump and filter as well as the garden with one tap having municipal (council) via a triple water filtration system for drinking, cooking. When the tanks run out, I switch to municipal (council) water. In a very good year I can be off municipal (council) water up to 8 months and as an average 5 to 6 months. I shall soon commission a grey water system for the garden, but not for eatable plants. From the geyser to the bathroom you can waste up to 10 litres before the hot water arrives and this collected in bucket can be emptied into the garden. I might add its important to keep the gutters 'clean' and to introduce a leaf catcher into the gutter down pipe.

[@GrowVeg]

You're doing a fantastic job saving water Bryan. Here in the UK we take water for-granted, but it's still worth saving what you can. Your efforts are incredible!

[@michalamuggiernst464]

I got two clean oil drums today, I am so excited to get started.

[@Beaguins]

If you don't have a gutter or downspout, don't let that stop you from having a rain barrel! This is my first year with a rain barrel. I put it on two cinder blocks under a corner of my gutter-less roof, and it has filled up nicely with water. I constantly use it because it's often more convenient than the hose.

[@pattaylor719]

Could you post a picture please as I can’t visualise what you mean. 🤔 thanks.

[@Beaguins]

@@pattaylor719 I don't think it's possible to post pictures in KZbin comments. At least I've never seen any, and I see no way to add them. When it rains, water tends to drip mainly from the corners of the roof. If your roof doesn't have a gutter, just put the rain barrel under one of the corners to catch that water.

[@pattaylor719]

@@Beaguins thank you, I’ll try that. We haven’t had any rain yet but when it comes I want to get as much of it as I can!

[@hayjay1130]

Oh my goodness just discovered your channel and everything I needed is right here... water conservation, keeping cats of the garden, growing vertically and I could go on 🌻 new sub here and I will have a look for your book x great channel x

[@GrowVeg]

Thanks for the sub Sonia, and so pleased you've found us!

[@mihancic]

You live in a wonderfully green place, so many trees and bushes around.

[@GardenIdeas01]

Yes his garden is beautiful , have a nice day to you

[@GrowVeg]

Thank you! It's lush and green, but pretty 'wild'! Love watching the wildlife enjoying it, I'm very lucky.

[@laurensalisbury1937]

Such great ideas! I love the tarp concept. I've been harvesting water off the sandbox cover every time it rains with a 5 gallon bucket. I'm going to upgrade my game with a larger tarp and a few more buckets.

[@daisygurl3601]

We have been using rain barrels for the last 10 years and will most likely add to our double barrel set up. We use the collected water not only for watering, but also to cleans pots, bins and tools. We sometimes go for weeks without rain here in the Piedmont of North Carolina, so it’s wonderful that Mother Nature can be bottled for later use! Blessings...daisy

[@TRPGpilot]

You are bottling rain water, no some t 'mother nature'. What does that phrase even mean?

[@toniedalton5448]

We are having a bad drought here in Va right now. I have 2 water containers , one on either side of my house to catch the water. One waters my horses and chickens, the other my garden. The garden one ran dry the other day. They are IBC containers. I’m going to set up another tank at the barn before winter to catch all that I am missing. Actually just a trough hooked to the guttering. It’s so great to use that good water instead of the chemical laced water we pay for.

[@GrowVeg]

Absolutely - rainwater's the best! I hope you get some good rains soon.

[@toniedalton5448]

@GrowVeg We finally did ! Now both containers full again, thank the Lord. Still having loads of tomatoes to harvest !

[@aliciaalfonso5486]

bath tubs in serise with eddible crutations, fish, rice, lotus roots, water chestnuts & watercress. I like the hot tub idea too

[@yoginagam6417]

The "let's dive straight in' moment is a cinematic marvel

[@GrowVeg]

Thanks very much! 😀

[@Bexyboo88]

We have 4 large water butts in the garden (one next to a shed with sloped roof, 2 against walls of the house and one against our lean-to greenhouse), but due to most of our garden being in containers, even after a bit of a downpour they soon dry up again with sunny / windy weather in the summer, so we can empty those butts pretty quickly! What we have done however, is have our shower and bath drain pipes go down into our storm drain in the garage (grey water). We then use a pump with a hose to pump it out and either directly water with it or fill up the water butts. It is a bit smelly, but we've used it for the past few years now and none of the plants seem to mind at all. Just another great way to reuse and cut down the water bill :)

[@GrowVeg]

That's a great way to conserve water. It's usually advised to use 'ecological' products when using grey water in the garden. Clearly your plants are thriving on it.

[@brooksjewell7948]

This was super informative! I also collect water inside. While I am waiting for my shower water to warm up -- I put one of my garden buckets in the tub to collect the cold water -- then use that to water houseplants.

[@GrowVeg]

That's really great to be using water with care like that.

[@peterdixon7705]

Love collecting rain water for my plants in pots in the house or outside 💞👍💐🇦🇺

[@nunyabusiness863]

Love this video. Thank you for this. I have a rain catch system behind my shed with 4 55 gal drums for the drier months. They also are connected from the bottom so they fill in unison. I hate lugging the water, but the self sufficiency is nice. I got the idea from a few youtubers so I would highly recommend checking youtube for videos on this type of set up and the pros and cons (joint cracking below freezing etc). Happy gardening!

[@GrowVeg]

Will definitely check it out. Glad you enjoyed the video. :-)

[@thatcouplerides]

I’ve just begun researching this topic and I have a small patio garden. The setup I have at the moment is I use the starter trays placed under some of my elevated raised garden totes to collect water during rainfall, then I transfer to watering containers. I also leave containers out without lids on to collect rain as well-these I place under patio chairs. This video has certainly gave me a few more ideas to collect even more rainfall in a small area where I’m limited from doing a more elaborate set up. Thank you!!!

[@GrowVeg]

So pleased it's given you a few ideas Tarra. :-)

[@gordonanderson698]

I have 2 beer keg sized barrels to catch rain water off of my greenhouse. V little rain last few months, but a good storm filled them back up. Water is fixed priced in Scotland from the mains, but I prefer to use rain water where I can

[@valm7192]

Hi, Here where I live in France I didn’t need to water at all this year! It has been raining cats and dogs for 6 months !!! I just start singing and that’s it ! 😉Thanks for the tips !

[@richardmcdonald7329]

“Il pleut comme vache qui pisse", isn't that what you French say?

[@GrowVeg]

It's been a funny year for weather all over Europe I think Val.

[@dn744]

So lucky. We have a 300 year old well. Only the past 2 years have we started to re use. 18 x 6 x 6ft do holds loads.

[@GardenIdeas01]

Agree with you RAIN WATER is very good water when we can store with BIG TANK for using in garden can save a lot of money

[@MsLindy777]

We hope to get a 20,000lt tank soon. It’s common in rural Australia to have huge tanks.

[@GrowVeg]

That's a huge capacity!

[@GarryRobertson]

Where I live, we get 2,599 mm or rain annually, on average. We also just went through 7 weeks with no measurable rain. I now have two 200 litre rain barrels joined at the base and am about to add a third. Joining at the bottom means I only take water from the barrel 'on the end' so the system self-levels. The city provided one of the barrels for $50 (CDN), less than half the price it would be from a home improvement store.

[@rukhsanabibi3836]

Great video thank you 🎉🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🌸

[@mariedeyo7399]

Hello Ben, great Video👍 how mean not being able to collect water. We have a well and have plenty of water. A month ago the water was tested and we are good to go. The water is good like drinking water. But we also collect rainwater in 3 buds 320 liters each and a big one holdkng 1200 liters with a filtersystem in it against moos and other things that could be on the roof. I also collect water from the kitchensink from washing veg or my hands without soap, when it is not raining. I just put a big bowl in the sink and when its full , use it to water the garden. 🙋🏼‍♀️🌻 happy gardening

[@GrowVeg]

It's great to reuse every drop of water you're able. Very satisfying!

[@mariedeyo7399]

@@GrowVeg yes, I think so too. Its something everyone can do and help safe water. Hope you and your garden are doing well! Have a great day 🙋🏼‍♀️

[@maggieincanada2062]

I have been using rain water so far this year. I started with collecting snow at the end of April. Then we had a couple of thunder storms. The tarp idea is good. I'll try that to collect more. Thank you!

[@GrowVeg]

Glad this was useful. Well done on collecting so much rainwater!

[@cpoco]

I am certainly considering adding a guttering system to my (in progress) greenhouse to collect rainwater and may be able to get some of those (IBC?) tanks for about $20... might have to look into grabbing that while I can. Great tips as always!

[@GrowVeg]

£20 for an IBC tank is amazing value!

[@andrewlittlejohn2060]

I live in the west country. And i have 6 water barrels of 210 litres and 2 Ipc tanks. This March was the wets in 40 years and they are all filled up. So hopefully i will be set for the summer. This way i will save on my water bills.

[@GrowVeg]

That’s great to hear Andrew. Plenty stored up for summer. 😀

[@andrewlittlejohn2060]

And with the help of your garden planner am all set up

[@curly-hairedcountrygal1275]

Very helpful, thank you!!

[@jmpicturefly]

I have found for speed and ease, if you can, sinking your rain barrel (I use 2nd hand food barrels normally available for £20 each or less and hold 220 litres) into the ground, then you can dip your watering can straight in. no time wasted waiting for the thing to fill up via a tap. A 1000 litre ibc pipe watering system is the ultimate way to go.

[@GrowVeg]

Great idea!

[@Gruma34]

That's crazy, I used to see one of the example barrels you used on my daily ride to work. The "Greenlight New Orleans" one 4:15

[@TodaywithMrLarry]

We built a double stacked IBC tote rain tower. It make nice water pressure. One line goes to the garden the other to the sink in greenhouse.

[@GrowVeg]

Smart thinking there Mr Larry!

[@PineGeri]

We have 4 rain barrels…two for,the open garden and two for the greenhouse…with exception of the cost of barrels and lines and spigots tov them..FREE WATER!

[@GrowVeg]

It's a beautiful thing - a freshly harvested haul of onions.

[@paullucas4005]

A bit tricky to explain but.... I have a new garden, quite large, with new lawn and flower beds so a lot of investment and a huge demand for water initially during the hot spell. We have a borehole (water for the house) and a well (old unused system) and all the water from the house roof and the overflow from the well discharge into a ditch. The well is about 10,000 litres but only fills slowly when it rains. So I connected the gutter drains from the house together and ran a pipe into the well so that when it rains the well fills fast and any excess flows to the ditch. Even this wasn't enough to water a new lawn in a dry spell so I used the borehole to trickle-feed to the well, which was enough to fill the well again almost overnight. I then use a self-priming pump to run a hosepipe or sprinkler. Result is an almost unlimited supply of water (after a few sleepless nights of head-scratching) and the only significant cost is the pump.

[@GrowVeg]

Some clever thinking there Paul - glad you've got plenty of water now.

[@pseudonim4158]

Ditch the lawn and plant some local wild flowers and grass, your soil will thank you and you won't need so much water.

[@familyplans3788]

I personally have a very damp garden so its all about water management for me ! I have got 2 IBC's and 2 water butts that collect water and the overflows are positioned so that the water misses most of my garden and disappears without turning my grass to mud, In the water butts i have 2 Goldfish that i bought and 3 fish that we caught when we were out walking in the New Forest and all my fish have a lovely time with mosquito larvae , The IBC's i have a load of snails (Ramshorn which are supposed to be a pest for fish lovers) which keep the algae (sort of) under control

[@patricko1266]

thank you, loved the video

[@fionaharvey2720]

Great video made me think how to save more rain water! We installed three water butts this year think we might add over flow butts! Thanks ☘️☘️☘️

[@GrowVeg]

You can never have enough water storage Fiona - it's a wonderful asset.

[@andrewsingleton4525]

We have installed two large interconnected plastic water tanks in the ground. They hold 5,200 litres of water that is pumped into a hose system. The tap when turned on causes a pressure drop triggering the submersible pump to pressurise the system to 3 bar. It’s great for watering the allotment but you have to be careful as it’s easy to get carried away and drain the tank in next to no time. Only half of my bungalow roof collects and one good overnight downpour will fill the tank. It’s great if you can do this but it takes a lot of planning and space in the ground when you do this. Now it’s impossible to see where it is as it’s lawned now.

[@GrowVeg]

That sounds like a fantastic rainwater harvesting setup! :-)

[@kdwhineygirl5551]

We have three, 55-gallon (U.S.) water barrels next to our home. We use it to solely water ornamental annuals and perennials, due to possible animal, insect, bacterial or chemical contamination from the roof.

[@ianjeffery3762]

You remind me so much of a friend I had a Reading Uni called Ben. (Wantage Hall)

[@GrowVeg]

Haha - hello to you Ian! Hope you’re very well and thriving! 😀👍🙌🙌

[@ianjeffery3762]

@@GrowVeg I am thank you. It's funny , not thought much about that time but seeing you brought back some great memories and also a sense of pride when I saw what you have achieved

[@miki_mochi]

It's so weird to me that certain areas, particularly those that suffer droughts, would have restrictions on rain water collection. I wonder why that is...? Shouldn't they be happy if you're using less water from the system which can be already stressed?

[@GrowVeg]

I think that most areas are now cottoning on to the value of gardeners saving their own water. Restrictions seem to be a lot less these days than perhaps a decade or so ago.

[@richardjones3112]

Could it be that the water companies can’t make any money from you?

[@rachelhouldridge9191]

I'm no expert, but I did grow up in the western United States (where I'm assuming most of these restrictions are) and the fear is that people will collect enough water to affect the amount flowing downstream. California has always been dependent on water flowing from Colorado, Arizona, ect, and so they developed strict legal agreements and safeguards to ensure that water remains "theirs". There's a ton of politics that factor in, and banning rainwater collection is just a small part.

[@richardjones3112]

@@rachelhouldridge9191 They always hammer the little guy.

[@miki_mochi]

@@rachelhouldridge9191 Well, at least that makes sense. Thanks for sharing some insight!

[@chichestermaritime8174]

I live in S. Portugal and roof guttering is both expensive and difficult to install so I use a series of 40 litre buckets under the roof drip line and an electric water pump. I then pump into 7 x 1,000 ltr tanks. I am working on finding space for at least another one tank. We get very little rain some winters so I also need to increase the number of buckets for when it does rain. We also have a borehole which I use for the automatic irrigation as the rainwater is simply insufficient for the 6 months of drought and heat.

[@GrowVeg]

Six months of drought and heat is tough, I do sympathise.

[@lorrihernandez341]

I live in a drought stricken area. I have to carefully consider how much rainwater to harvest and how much to allow to go into the soil to feed my huge trees. Lots to consider when rain harvesting!

[@nicholascucchiara7062]

Just collect it all and water the tree individually

[@TRPGpilot]

Your tree, if outdoors in the natural environment and exposed to direct rainfall will never be affected by you collecting rainwater. That's very strange that you think it would. Same as those restricted parts of the world that think that they need to regulate collecting rainwater because some Jack downstream of you has a water claim lol

[@stuartdelamare4072]

I put a couple of drops of olive oil in the tank of water it seems to stop any flys etc hatching leaving the water 👍🇬🇬

[@GrowVeg]

What a great idea!

[@taffpatch1]

connect water butts at the bottom, they'll empty and fill equally with only 1 tap xx Water finds its own level xx

[@richardpowers4932]

I have hooked up 6 55 gal barrels that very way, with a small hole at the top to let the air out as it fills. Been in use 10 years. I drain them for winter. My only problem is due to droppings and debris on the roof, the water gets smelly. I have a short term fix by adding chlorox to the front barrel and letting it disperse thru the others. Looking for better solution, with little cost.

[@taffpatch1]

@@richardpowers4932 ive put mesh filters in my down pipe and fashioned a S trap for over flow into my dip tank ,and its working fine with nice clear water x

[@rhg3212]

I use a slim line water butt, however you’re correct, they don’t stretch very far. It does help though and I also keep buckets turned upside down to use those. I plant to install more water butts.

[@carolineowen7846]

Yes last year I only had one slim line water butt and it would last me about 3 weeks, thankfully fate was lucky to me. I ended up kind of inheriting one and got another on a deal from a new store that opened in town. My garden is pretty small 12"6' x 30" I now have 2x240l off the main roof & 1x110l off the shed. My colleagues thought I was mad, taking a day off work before a storm to sort my butts out! However all went well, and they all got a good fill, by the end of the second storm they were all filled :) thankfully I haven't ran out of water yet, & supplies have lasted through out the dry parts of this year so far. I have also increased my growing area to 4 raised beds. (built after sorting the water storage out) All Hugely motivated by this fabulous channel to btw ! :) It is definitely worth keeping an eye out for offers on places like freecycle, and asking colleagues / neighbours / allotment holders etc. Your local council may even do a special offer with a local store. However if you prefer an upmarket (positively gorgeous looking water butt) or even more specialised options like tanks check out www.waterbuttsdirect.co.uk - I get some connectors from there to.

[@GrowVeg]

You've been busy Caroline - nice work! And how often can someone say they've taken a day off work to sort their butts out!

[@rhg3212]

@@GrowVeg 😂

[@SenoraBVMS]

Wall mounted!!! 😍

[@jacquelinehoward5183]

My condo townhouse doesn't have gutters, so I really don't know how I would collect water. The only option seems to be the tarp, but it seems very impractical for my small yard.

[@GrowVeg]

Yes, that may not be practical. It's a shame you can't install some gutters - it would harvest so much rainwater.

[@neilblack5924]

I currently store 4000 lts in IBC"s and mainly use it in my house (washing machine, toilet and shower) and power washer but very little gardening. Im from east riding of yorkshire area.

[@GrowVeg]

Nice one Neil. Very satisfying to harvest and use your own water.

[@TuttleScott]

I have a spring behind my house that I run a garden hose as a siphon from down to the garden. for the flowers on the back porch a 5 gallon bucket at the porch's drain catches enough to supplement tap water for them.

[@MBEspinosa]

I really enjoy these videos. In my house there is a lot of humidity, my garden is plenty of water. What I am not very sure of is the quality. It is said that have been detected herbicides even in the rainwater. There is also a danger of "breeding" mosquitoes and allowing the appearance of Dengue. Thats worrying right?. Any way today I have transplanted some lettuce plants for my salads and I have very big earthworms working for me too...jajajajaj

[@donaldnicol8415]

I had open top rain barrels and solved the mosquito problem by adding a couple of gold fish to each barrel.They became quite proficient at eating mosquito larvae and any other bugs that entered the barrels.

[@GrowVeg]

Rainwater should be safe to use - it shouldn't have any residues in it. Great news you've got earthworms on your team!

[@cristobalv]

any tips on maintaining fresh water on tanks ?

[@GrowVeg]

I just keep my water barrels covered and shaded so that there are fewer mosquitos and algae etc. The water is generally pretty clean and clear as a result.

[@CollectiveConsciousness1111]

🌍💚

[@bambisecret4277]

I've had a 200 litre water butt from previous person that lived here. It fills with black sludge in the bottom & nothing comes out of the tap. I've recently researched & realised I need to clean it every year end of winter /beginning of spring! I cleaned it recently with jeyes fluid & put 2 pop socks (like the leg of tights/stockings) over the inlet guttering to stop debris from roof entering. It rained on Saturday & the water butt is full!!! I am amazed. I left 3 flexi tubs, a bucket and tub out & they only collected 1cm of water. Considering looking to see if space to fit slimline water butt to old greenhouse & new shed. Slab base.....so not sure where an overflow hose would go......unless it goes into the soil border? 🤔

[@GrowVeg]

Well done on collecting so much beautiful rainwater - it's a precious resource!

[@bambisecret4277]

@@GrowVeg it is. I've only discovered recently that some plants prefer rain water too. I am thinking about using a tarpaulin attached to clothes drying line and 2 chairs & seeing if the flexi tubs may fill.

[@michaellindsay1093]

I run an allotment on there theres no running water so I need to keep as much as I can so iv got over 3000ls now got two icbs tanks and the rest is water butts but alot to move at frist but now I have a basement water pump runs off a drill works very good

[@shihtzusrule9115]

So funny. We got a deluge today after a very hot dry spell. I was almost out of water. I set out a 10-gallon pot (must remember when it freezes - lose more pots/planters that way), and trash cans 28 and 38 gallon. I had one trash can still full but it wouldn't take any time of serious watering for that to be used. I also save my 2 liter Dr. Pepper bottles and fill them - it blocks mosquitos and if kept in the dark no algae will grow. If it does, the algae dies after it uses up all the oxygen, I think. I would really like an IBC tote but I live in town and the city is not exactly encouraging saving water. I have to keep the 2 liters out of site and the trash cans and planters are good b/c you can have those in your yard. I accidentally left the lid on my large trash can so I got no water in it. :( We're getting a bit of rain, and I've been out moving water today. the 28 gal and the 10 gal pot filled immediately. I also have a horse trough in the back yard 40 gallon, I think. What I have trouble with is calculating an inch of water when I water.

[@GrowVeg]

It sounds like you're doing all you can to save water. Top work!

[@hetasarvaiya6443]

Rain water harvesting

[@rosewood513]

I have 2 ...55 gallon rain barrels with tight lids. I have a cat I need a cover or he would jump in. I have several buckets I keep around... I checked om my rainfall here. U thought we fot more rain than you..... I added rainfall every month for this past year and we ger a little over 57 inches here in the south of the USA... That comes to almost 5 inches a month.. I try to use that water to water my veggies and flowers. It gets very ht here almost 100 every day.

[@GrowVeg]

Great to be able to use collected rainwater - so good for the plants.

[@sofievanherle4570]

Both my greenhouses have a 2000 liter rainwater tank installed next to them (underground), and we have a switch + tap + hose inside the greenhouse to pump the water up. We also have A 5000 liter rainwater tank to collect water from the roof of the house, and we have a 2000 liter rainwater tank in the front garden, which collects water through drainage pipes underground during very wet periods, because the garden was always flooding there in winter, sometimes staying flooded for long periods. We also have two of those 1000 liter tanks, but they haven't yet been connected to the roofs they are supposed to collect water from, because we haven't figured out yet how to stop the leaves that fall on those roofs to get into the tanks, which would clog up the tap. Still looking for ideas there... All suggestions are welcome.

[@GrowVeg]

Hi Sofie. You can usually get simple leaf guards that fit at the top of the downpipe, to stop leaves getting in. www.amazon.co.uk/ACHANFLY-Aluminum-Expandable-Downpipe-Strainer/dp/B0B38C7D5P/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=leaf+guard+drain+cover&qid=1682662677&sprefix=leaf+guard%2Caps%2C83&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

[@donnawoodford6641]

I'm going to buy a large bin, but not collect off roof or gutter. I want water to drink during dry season.

[@luisbo333]

Is there a time frame you should use your rain water?

[@GrowVeg]

I never think of a time frame - I just use it as and when I need it, and because the water is constantly topping up, it's usually fine. If you're worried about this though, you could always drain it right through, clean the inside of the water barrel, and allow to refill. I'd do this during times of wet, so you're not wasting this precious resource. :-)

[@tonilausten3039]

My rain barrel water gets a nasty smell after a few days in the hot sun. Any suggestions?

[@GrowVeg]

I wonder if it could do with a good clean out. I'd draw down the water then give it a good clean inside before allowing it to refill.

[@stellamills9460]

We are looking at a 2nd hand IBC but they say they should not be used for food consumption. Can you help, is the instruction to water the base and wash well the best advice

[@GrowVeg]

I've seen IBCs used for water collection for irrigation in many places, so I'm sure it would be fine to use. I guess maybe check what was in it before - and wash really thoroughly if necessary to remove any traces if needed.

[@mialon5573]

If there is risk of freezing you'll have to take precautions against ice destroying the container, especially if it is cylindrical. Mine are oblong, so they can bulge out, but I drop broken buckets and plastic pots inside for additional security to prevent a solid sheet of ice. The pro solution would be a double-layered foil zigzagging from top (attached to a swimmer) to bottom at a 30degree angle or less, with the foil being cut at each turn, so the ice sheets can move into each other. Vertical distance determined by string/rope. For cylindrical containers, ribbed foil funnels somewhat like this should be ideal except a lot flatter (again, 30 degrees or less to horizontal): /\ \/ /\ \/

[@GrowVeg]

Thanks for those suggestions Mia, appreciated.

[@estherimmer5766]

Hi From where do you have the tules to connect between the rain pot and the drain-pipe? Thanks from Esther

[@EHOinExile]

Did you ever get that IBC? I got one and it's made a huge difference. Never had to use a hose or tap water since

[@GrowVeg]

No I didn't and I really should have! The dry spell we've just had has made me realise I really need to get on and order one.

[@EHOinExile]

Mine was £65 cleaned. Gave the supplier a fright when I asked him to forklift onto the roof rack of my car 😂

[@johnmack7336]

Great vid. I'm looking for rain barrels., where to buy????

[@GrowVeg]

Search 'rain barrels' and also 'water butts' (which is what they're called in the UK).

[@GreenLove1]

Send some rain water our way here to drought-affected California! I have lots of rain barrels but the remin empty year round! Fortunately, no restrictions on collecting here- sounds silly to me that there would be.

[@gaylekerr9826]

I'm in CA as well - hot and dry, and my poor plants are struggling! When you think about restrictions on collecting water, think about water rights issues in areas where farmers own water rights - for example, in the Klamath area near the CA and OR border where they are fighting over water during this drought. So if someone upstream is collecting rainwater, it's similar to diverting the flow of the water away from the next person's property. It gets complicated very quickly!

[@GreenLove1]

@@gaylekerr9826 ah ok, interesting

[@GrowVeg]

Wishing you rain soon - it must be so stressful dealing with drought.

[@debfryer2437]

What about burying IBC tanks buried in the ground to protect from sun and frost etc. you’d have to siphon it from the top of course.

[@richardmcdonald7329]

Good idea as it keeps the water cool being underground so no insects or green slime. You won't be able to syphon as the tank has to high up for that, but you could use a pump.

[@GrowVeg]

This is great, but I imagine it would take a lot of effort to dig a hole that size - but great in theory, yes.

[@richardmcdonald7329]

@@GrowVeg Two words Ben mini digger, my last home we had rainwater harvesting installed now that was a BIG hole, as I have posted below.

[@richardjones3112]

How on earth can anyone limit the amount of rainwater you can collect?Scary times ahead.

[@GrowVeg]

I think restrictions are really very limited - it's more for larger water-harvesting systems that these rules apply. But do check locally to be sure.

[@melaniejenkins1453]

Can you hook up a tank to irrigation?

[@GrowVeg]

Yes, but you may need a filer between the tank and the irrigation equipment to prevent it getting clogged up.

[@anniehills3580]

HEY😂😂❤

[@belenheredia9355]

I'm gonna have a rooftop garden and I wanna catch the rain from my roof. How can I send up the water? It would be too heavy to carry upstairs

[@GrowVeg]

I guess you would need some sort of pump to get it from down below to up onto the roof.

[@jessicapinto3817]

I have a balcony and would love to start collecting rain water there. Propably stack it up on a few cinder blocks as you suggested. I am a little worried about the weight, even though the balcony doesn't stick out, but sits atop the apartment below. If anyone has any tips and time to share, I'd love to hear them! Happy collecting

[@GrowVeg]

I'm sure a standard water barrel would be fine, but the weight is something to consider.

[@jessicapinto3817]

@@GrowVeg I'll start with a smaller barrel to start or several to divide the weight 😊

[@geetjuhhisdebeste]

Maybe (re)use smaller barrels/containers which you are able to put outside and easily transport inside. So you collect, store full one(s) in house and put empty one(s) outside ... the old switcheroo ;) Obviously some work and upkeeping on your side but it might be a possibility?!

[@jessicapinto3817]

@@geetjuhhisdebeste bedankt geetjuh! Ga het proberen 👌😉

[@kenatkins3781]

Where can you get rain barrels? I've Always beloved rain water collection and use was a great idea and I don't understand why Cities would object .

[@GrowVeg]

The restrictions really apply for very large water harvesting projects. In almost all cases rain barrels would be fine. Rain barrels are widely available - e.g. www.amazon.com/s?k=rain+barrel&crid=T5G9K0OAXSLV&sprefix=rain+barrel%2Caps%2C202&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

[@kenatkins3781]

@@GrowVeg thank You

[@beautifuldurian]

👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@Lilylibra]

I seem to remember years ago, hearing that activated charcoal in a rain barrel will keep the water ‘sweet’, I think the term was. I took this to mean it prevents degradation. Have you ever used it?

[@GrowVeg]

I haven't, no. But that's an interesting one. I'm not sure how that would work to be honest, but perhaps worth a try.

[@jet8485]

Great and funny video. Much appreciated 😁 We have a plastic rainbarrel. We collect rain from our rooftop. In wintertime we are afraid it will break because of the frost. So we empty it. Is there a solution for collecting rainwater durig wintertime as well?

[@GrowVeg]

I have plastic rain barrels and, while winters aren't that severe here, they do freeze completely solid at least once or twice in the winter. I guess the main thing is to make sure there is some room at the top of the barrel for the ice to expand. Usually a loose-fitting lid will do just fine. The barrel I have is the one you see in the video by the greenhouse.

[@pseudonim4158]

Also you can thermoisolate it with foam or other type of insulation

[@samueljaramillo4221]

I have six rain barrels to collect rain at my gutters. And I’m thinking I need to add another.

[@GrowVeg]

Great stuff Samuel - go for it!

[@klclaire1118]

How much concern is there with harvesting rain that’s coming off of different types of roofing? We have cedar shingles on our house, and that sounds great, but I wonder if they’re treated…? Same question for asphalt shingles.

[@GrowVeg]

Good question Krista. I imagine the amount of runoff of any treatment in any given volume of water is very minimal given how much water would be collected over the years.

[@klclaire1118]

@@GrowVeg I’m such a huge fan, and I’ve learned SO much from your channel that I’ve put into practice this year - thank you SO much for all of this great information, inspiration, and your fun, simple approach! 💕

[@albanustemu7396]

iyou mean some region have restrictions for harvesting rain water!? for whats reasons!?

[@GrowVeg]

Not sure!

[@weRweekendwarriors]

I can’t do this because my gutters haven’t been cleaned in years ! 😢

[@GrowVeg]

Get up there and clear them - the amount of water you'll collect will make it worth it!

[@HaveaGreatDayEveryone]

I’m new at rain water collection. Please address living in a cold area where water might freeze.

[@GrowVeg]

Yes, any barrel should be fine so long as the ice can push up as it freezes and expands.

[@pattaylor719]

I recently updated to a large plastic shed, does anyone know if (and how) I connect guttering to the side? My husband is a bit worried about screwing into it in case it lets water in or damages it in some way. It's such a waste of water at the moment!

[@JOHNANDSHIV]

Peg into the ground and fix wood to peg downpipe to wood

[@stevekenilworth]

I've always used what i need, never hand watered ban or not i got bad back so no ban ever going to get my hand watering in the garden but i use what i need. we still in great times, in 1540 Europe had a drought killing half a million people lasting 11 months, wide spread fires all over, even well water dried up by may in some locations. only reason we run low water is we have had an extra 20 million people since the last water storage was built as population grows we need to build more dams so we never run out, adapt to population what sadly our water company and government overlooked. if they did build and drought prof the country so having the correct storage for the population we should never have hose pipe ban even in 76 was no reason to limit water usage its the water company's greed instead of investment and 76 very hot weather lasted for months even end sept we seen temps 33c. so saying that i use what i need by hose pipe as no way the time and effort and money ive invested in the garden to grow plants and food i won't let them die because lack water. a decade ago the gov should been making plans for a new dam and if no locations possible an underground storage , population can continue to grow if water storage don't too. but i only use what i need i don't go crazy with it like watering grass as example that come back when rain arrives

[@markatherton2172]

How about canal water? A canal runs next to my allotment but I'm concerned about using it. Would it be safe?

[@GrowVeg]

Possibly, but you can never be certain. It may contain agricultural or chemical runoffs, which aren't ideal.

[@sarahlee8941]

Would you use rainwater collected off the shingled roof of a house for edibles or only ornamentals? Water from our roof is the easiest/most plentiful to collect, but besides grass, almost everything we grow is for eating, and I'm a little worried about chemicals, etc in shingles,

[@GrowVeg]

I think it would be fine to use this rainwater on edibles.

[@sarahlee8941]

@@GrowVeg Great, I wasn't sure with whatever made shingles, the paper they're laid on, etc if that would somehow leach bad stuff into the water (I know the water is only on the roof for a brief period of time)

[@superbowlpackerfan]

When I lived in Colorado it was illegal to collect rain water.

[@GrowVeg]

That's a huge shame. I think the rules have changed in a lot of states now, as the benefit to collecting rainwater and saving municipal water is pretty enormous.

[@brrobertson1456]

Can you just use a trahcan

[@GrowVeg]

Yes you could - you'd just need to drill a hole at the bottom to fix a tap/faucet into place. And you'd ideally need to keep it covered at the top.

[@rosethorne9076]

Does it matter if the water turns green? How can I prevent it from doing so?

[@GrowVeg]

I think it's fine if it isn't applied directly onto the parts of the plants you'll eat. The best way to stop water from turning green is to exclude all light, so use a dark-coloured barrel and a tight-fitting lid.

[@elainewillcox6053]

Hello, I have just found your channel and so glad you are uk based. I have just taken ownership of my forever garden in Dorset and really keen to get myself up right. When collecting rain water do you add anything to it to stop it from going stagnant or by keeping a lid on it dose that make a difference? I plan on binge watching your videos over the coming weeks as I am a newbie to growing veg! Many thanks Elaine

[@GrowVeg]

Hi Elaine. A warm welcome to you! Yes, ideally you want to keep the water collection barrel covered. Must water butts come with a lid, so this is already taken care of. You don't need to add anything else to the water - just use it when you need it. Very best of luck with your new garden!

[@elainewillcox6053]

@@GrowVeg thank you so much for replying that is very helpful

[@cormopolis]

I am thinking kf a slimline water butt for my shed gutters, but there is no drain near the shed at the moment. Do you need to have a drain for overflow from the butt? or is it just a case of regular usage and thus avoiding overflow altogether?

[@carolineowen7846]

I have a slimline water butt which collects off half of my 6ftx4ft apex shed using a mini gutter half kit (kit from Screwfix). I don't have a drain nearby, so have put gravel down below and ensured that if it does overflow it flows onto the gravel which runs away downhill UNDER my shed - which is on raised plinths. It took 2 storms in Nov 2020 to fill it. If it likely to be very wet / storm, then I could run a pipe from the overflow to a large bucket / trug / bin to collect more water, but as yet I haven't needed to. Hope this helps ?

[@GrowVeg]

If there's no risk to foundations, the water can just be left to overflow from the top.

[@gillianbc]

You should measure the footprint of your greenhouse, not the roof. The size of roof varies depending on the angle, but the rainfall will be the same whatever the angle and size.

[@GrowVeg]

Thanks Gillian. I realised that very soon after posting this video!

[@rachelstrahan2486]

👍

[@TheSamba37]

Is the concern with algae in a transparent vessel primarily clogging the system, or is there another reason for preventing it? My mind immediately just thinks, "more biomass for the soil!"

[@GrowVeg]

I think the main reason is that when you then use the water, it's left on the surface and could form a sort of slime that's attractive to other less desirable organisms. But you're right - maybe it's not that and after all.

[@TheSamba37]

@@GrowVeg ah, yeah, that makes sense. Crusty or slimy algae inside the empty tank does just sound like more of a mess than simple clogs and with the small ports on an IBC I don't imagine it's easy to clean out.

[@kenishahammond3935]

How long can rainwater be stored if you put in 1 cup of Hydrogen peroxide for houseplants? I've stored rainwater for up to 5 months and was wondering if that's ok?

[@GrowVeg]

I think if it is clear of algae, there’s no reason you can’t use it after several months.

[@kenishahammond3935]

@@GrowVeg Thank you!

[@helenwassodonnell]

But Ben, you didn't show us how to attach the downpipe to the water button or bucket

[@WaddedBliss]

You saw off the downpipe above the height of the water barrel. Attach the flexible hose coupling in-between the two pieces of downpipe and you're good to go.

[@helenwassodonnell]

@@WaddedBliss thanks Ed. Would be great to see a video!!!

[@richardmcdonald7329]

Water diverter kit, have a look on eBay.

[@GrowVeg]

Sorry for that Helen. This video (not ours) is a useful how-to on installing a barrel with diverter: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJvOYZ-pqdioa9E

[@mattdaylewis]

great video! just one thing: the calculation of how much water you can collect is not correct. It works only if the roof is perfectly parallel to the ground. With your calculation you overestimate the amount of water you can collect.

[@GrowVeg]

You're absolutely right, my apologies - I should really have thought of that. Yes, it needs to be the ground footprint of the roof that's used in the calculation.

[@ooigfgnnkhjjnc]

Distill it and drink it instead of drinking the city poison water.

[@williammunny9916]

*_Matthew 11.28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."_* _Jesus Christ loves you. Repent and be saved. Only Jesus Christ saves. God bless you, and the grace of God be upon you and your family in the name of Jesus Christ._