Why this matters
Rainwater is free, soft, and ideal for plants, while piped water can be costly or scarce. Catching even a little reduces your bills and keeps your garden growing through dry spells.
What you need
A clean bucket, barrel, or container placed where rain runs off a roof.
These are everyday items. If you don’t have one, look for the closest alternative — the steps will tell you what to use instead.
How to do it
Follow these steps in order. Take your time. You’ve got this.
Place a clean container under a roof edge or downpipe where rainwater collects.
Cover it with mesh or cloth to keep out leaves, dirt, and mosquitoes.
Use the stored water for your plants first, and keep the container covered between rains.
Your one thing today
Position one clean container under a roof edge today to catch the next rain.
Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Do this one thing now, even if it’s small.
Come back tomorrow
A new skill will be waiting for you tomorrow. Or if you’d like to keep learning today, explore the full library.