Hands up if you’ve ever spent a rainy weekend trawling round the DIY stores? I know I have! So this weekend why not pick up a water butt? It’s an easy way to save water, giving gardeners a ready supply of water for plants during summer. They’re easy to get hold of, all the large DIY chains and garden centres stock them.
Precious water
With the hosepipe ban covering southern and eastern England it can only help when it starts to dry out again soon. I mean, it’s got to hasn’t it?
Even if you don’t live in an area affected by the hosepipe ban it’s a still a good way of greening your garden and helping to conserve out precious water reserves.
All you need for your water butt is a gutter and down pipe coming off your house or any garden buildings.
You’ll probably then need a hacksaw to cut the pipe so that the water flows into the butt, but that should be the limit of the tools required. Simple!
Even someone as unpractical round the house as myself can manage that!
I found a useful guide on the BBC’s website on how to fit and install them with a handy video, have a look for yourself and give it a go.
What to do with your water
When you’ve collected enough water then you can water your plants guilt free! Alternatively, you use it to top up your pond or even create a container pond. They’re easy too!So make the most of the rain that is due to sluice down from the skies this weekend and get yourself a water butt installed. Your garden will thank you!
More tips
If you want more tips on gardening for wildlife, see our Homes for Wildlife project. Once you’ve registered for free and answered some simple questions, you’ll get tailored advice for your garden.
For more on our science, check out the RSPB Centre for Conservation Science web pages.