Greener gardening - install a water butt

The weather may be turning, but think back to just a few weeks ago when repeated heatwaves left our gardens wilting.  Hosepipe bans are becoming a frequent occurrence in many parts of the country, so it's a good idea to take action ahead of time to ensure you have more water available to keep your plants thriving, even when rainfall is low and water use is restricted.

Installing a water butt connected to the guttering of your home, shed or greenhouse i s perhaps one of the best ways to harness the changing weather conditions.  Collecting rainwater during the wetter winter months can ensure you still have a steady supply of water for longer during the spring and summer.  In fact, plants prefer rainwater, as there i nitrogen in the rain which helps them thrive.

Water butts of all shapes and sizes are readily available online, at garden centres and DIY stores, so there's one to suit every size and style of garden.  The standard large plastic butts are readily available in various sizes - they're fairly utilitarian but they are inexpensive and blend well into their surroundings.

If you'.d prefer to make a feature of it, go for a galvanised steel butt or a wooden barrel.  Some come as planters, giving them a dual purpose; others are slimline and rectangular, to fit into smaller spaces.  Meanwhile the Dipping Tank Company offers very attractive troughs in various designs, which fit alongside greenhouses and sheds, suitable for collecting rainwater, as well as growing aquatic plants.