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It’s raining in Los Angeles today.  A glorious, drizzly rain.  While most Angelenos would complain about the gloominess, Gardenerds rejoice!  There is something about rain that nourishes the soil and plant life more than any irrigation system could do.  Even more importantly, it helps to ease the drought conditions all over.

One of my goals as a new home owner is to incorporate a rain barrel into our water management system.  Rain barrels collect runoff from the roof and rain gutters, which funnel the rainfall down drain spouts.  The drain spouts usually feed to a pipe that takes the runoff out to the curb, down the gutter, and eventually out to the ocean.  (Next month we’ll be focusing on what you can do to help prevent pollution and contamination of storm water).   Diverting rain gutters to a barrel will collect gallons of water every time it rains.  Storing the water through the year is easy, and it can be used for watering your garden in warmer, drier months.

There are several options for rain barrels available out there in the world:

Deluxe Rain Barrel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This barrel has a 75 gallon capacity and a screen to keep out bugs and leaves.  There is a hose attached for filling watering cans with ease.

For smaller needs, the English Rain Barrel is available:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With it’s 40 gallon capacity, it works well with smaller spaces.  Rain collects directly onto the lid and funnels through a filter into the barrel.

For a temporary option that disappears when empty:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Try the collapsible rain barrel.  Holds 45 gallons and zips open at the top for easy watering can dipping.

If you have an extra trash barrel sitting around, and are handy with tools, you can outfit it with a spigot at the bottom, hook it up to a tube.

You may also need to divert your downspout away from the house.  You can use either of the following options:

Downspout diverter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Or the Flexible Downspout

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With many rain barrels, you will need to cut your downspout to just above the height of your barrel.  Then use a diverter to funnel the rain into the barrel.

If you have trouble or fear of mosquitoes taking up residence in your standing water, just float one of these in your rain barrel and fear not:

Mosquito Control Rings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mosquito control rings are comprised of a non-toxic bacteria that kills mosquito larva.

These are just a few samples of what is available from Gardener’s Supply.  Other items are available from Real Goods at Gaiam.com as well.  Click below to investigate those options.

Do you have other options for rain collection that you would like to share with us?  Post a note here.