It’s still cold outside. Most of us probably have our vegetable seeds started, or we are about to start our seeds and we’re anxious to get back out in the garden. But what about all those things we thought about changing for this year, like our irrigation system. What about getting a rainwater collection system so we can save some money on our water bill? Well, now would be a perfect time to work on that rainwater collection system so it is ready when the time comes. So, what do we need to do?

If you have gutters on your home, you are halfway to an efficient way to collect rainwater. All you need to do is get a container to collect the water and some hardware to make it all work.

As you begin to shop, you’ll find that rain collection systems come in all shapes and sizes, as well as all prices. After looking online, it looks like you can get a basic rain barrel for about $60, and it goes up from there. The more expensive ones usually hold more water and are potentially a little more decorative. So, you’ll just need to decide where your financial pain level is.

Once you get the barrel, you will need to get something called a “diverter.” A diverter is kind of what it sounds like, it is a device that gets placed into the stream of water running down the gutter that “diverts” the water into the rain barrel. Like most things, there are a variety of these to choose from. Some of the fancier ones can detect when the barrel is full and at that point, they shut off the flow to the barrel and redirect the water back down the gutter drain. You’ll also want to get one with a lid so that it won’t become a mosquito breeding ground during the summer.

Gravity is another thing you will want to take into account. We all know water flows downhill. Because of this, you will want your rain barrel to be elevated so the water will flow easily through the hose where you need it. Also, be sure the spigot in the barrel is toward the bottom of the barrel. If the spigot is located halfway up the barrel, you are going to have a hard time getting the water below the spigot out of the barrel. Most will come this way, but some don’t. You’ll save some wasted effort with the spigot near the base.

Most years, the City of Tulsa sells rain barrels. On the City of Tulsa website, it says they will have rain barrels for sale on May 3^rd, 4^th, 10^th, and 11^th. Just search for City of Tulsa rain barrels. Good luck!

You can get answers to all your gardening questions by calling the Tulsa Master Gardeners Help Line at 918-746-3701, dropping by our Diagnostic Center at 4116 E. 15th Street, or by emailing us at mg@tulsamastergardeners.org. Photo: OSU Ag. Comm.