Mind Your (Water) Butt

Tuesday, 27 April 2021

Water butts are great additions to any garden. In this blog we look at why you should find a home for one in your garden, where they can go, and what you need. Mind your butt!

Why you should have a water butt?

A water butt is the perfect solution to harvest and store rain water:

• It stops that precious water going to waste – sometimes it feels like we get a bit too much rain in Scotland but better to use that than use water from the tap. In the event of a hosepipe ban, you will be feeling quite smug!
• It stops rainwater dropping off shed roofs and causing damage to the garden around it – slabs have algae build up, fences start to rot, plants get too wet and die off.
• Water butts provide natural water with no added chemicals for use around the garden – it’s actually similar to adding a light dose of fertiliser!
• If you’re on a water meter it saves you money!

A water butt is a great addition to your garden

Where should I put a water butt?

Water butts can be added to any structure in your garden where there is a natural run off of rain water. The main places are on the house, garage, greenhouse, shed and summerhouse. Ideally locate it near where you need to water a lot, ie veg beds. Site the rainwater butt in the shade if you can, as the water will be kept cooler, reducing the growth of bacteria. Keep the guttering clear of debris as the organic material can encourage the growth of bacteria in the collected water.

Add a gutter and downpipe to a shed for the perfect spot for a water butt

What do I need?

• Water butt, stand and diverter kit
• Pencil
• Spirit level
• Hacksaw
• Hole-cutting drill
• Guttering and down pipe if your structure doesn’t already have this

A water butt will provide nutrient rich water for your garden

How do I fit it?

You will need some DIY skills as you will need to follow the instructions on the diverter kit which will involve cutting through the downpipe – sounds a bit daunting if you’re not sure what you are doing. It’s quite straight forward but you can always call the experts (us) if you want someone to take care of it for you.

Do keep a lid on the rainwater butt – it will not only mean that creatures can’t fall in and drown, but it will also stop mosquitoes and midges breeding in there.

For a quote to get a water butt fitted in your garden please get in touch.

Vialii