Register with GEF for FREE to enjoy these great benefits! 

    • member only contests and raffles

    • sustainability program news and updates

    • significant discounts at GEF Institute



Taking a GEF Institute Course? Login by clicking here.






Join Us

Sign Up for National Green Week!

Rain Barrel

To collect rainwater for the purpose of watering the plants in your garden, you can simply place plastic barrels under the downspouts of your roof. Additionally, you can install or purchase a rain barrel system. Read on to learn more about this watering method.

A rain barrel is a system that collects and stores rainwater from the roof, then dispenses it via spigot or hose.  Collecting rain is relatively simple and cheap, and it also sends a strong message about the importance of water conservation.Rain barrels can save an estimated 1,300 gallons of water for homeowners during the peak summer months

Because rainwater contains no chlorine, lime, or calcium, it is ideal for watering gardens. Additionally, because some cities or towns ban watering during times of dry weather, in certain places a rain barrel may be the only way to maintain a garden.

Environmentally, there are several other benefits to using rain barrels. Water collected in a rain barrel would otherwise pour off the roof and become stormwater runoff, which is problematic.  When excess water is directed into stormdrains, the streams that they feed into are subjected to sudden surges of water, causing erosion and flooding.

For step-by-step instructions to installing a rain barrel system in your garden, visit Lowes Creative Ideas: Install a Rain Barrel. Note: this is an advanced project.