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Heavy rainfall predicted this weekend: Gardening expert reveals 3 budget-friendly ways to collect rainwater
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With The Met Office identifying 22 UK regions that could experience heavy rainfall this weekend, the gardening experts at Grass247 are urging homeowners to take the opportunity to collect some much-needed rainwater for sustainable water management throughout the rest of summer.
Gardening specialist James Higgins at Grass247 highlights three budget-friendly ways of collecting rainwater, such as rain butts, rain chains, ponds, and bird baths, that can help conserve water and mitigate the effects of excessive rainfall on both natural and artificial grass.
While there’s a common misconception that collecting rainwater is illegal, James Higgins explains this isn’t true:
“In the UK, it is perfectly legal to collect rainwater.
“In fact, collecting rainwater is often encouraged, and can help homeowners tend to their gardens in the event of summer hosepipe bans.
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“However, whilst it’s completely legal to collect rainwater, some regulations apply.
“The government website explains that people collecting rainwater for general and personal garden use don’t require a water abstraction licence.
“With unpredictable rainfall becoming common, homeowners need to think ahead when it comes to water management, especially when using it in the garden.”
1. Rain Butts
One of the simplest and most effective ways of collecting rainwater is through rain butts—also known as rain barrels.
There are lots of different things you can use for these rainwater collection systems, for example, an old bin, plastic tub, or a large plant pot can have its holes filled in to be reused as a water barrel.
Water butts help provide a reliable water source for dry periods, especially during the summer months that are prone to droughts.
Simply place containers where there’s no coverage from foliage for rainwater collection. Alternatively, place containers underneath the roof gutter drainage. The water can then be stored and used for later.
If the water is being kept without a lid on, ensure you cover it with a mesh-like material to avoid debris like leaves and twigs contaminating the water which can cause disease in plants and flowers.
2. Rain Chains
Decorative yet functional, rain chains guide water from the roof into collection containers, offering a visually appealing alternative to traditional downspouts.
Rain chains can help slow water flow, reducing soil displacement and preventing water pooling in unwanted areas.
Flooding can damage your grass health and, if not prevented, can lead to long-term and sometimes irreversible damage.
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3. Add a pond or bird bath to your garden
If you have the space in your garden, you can add a pond or bird bath as a natural way to store water in your garden.
They can act as a water collector by capturing rainwater, managing runoff from rooftops or paved areas, and helping replenish groundwater through seepage.
Proper placement and design of a pond or bird bath can also help your surrounding wildlife thrive.
James Higgins
