Collecting Rainwater On An Allotment: What You Need To Know

Read on to Discover How to Collect Rainwater on an Allotment

Many of you reading this blog are interested in learning how to be more self-sufficient which includes harvesting your own rainwater. I’ve discussed how this is possible even in a small apartment or flat, but what if you don’t have any outdoor space at all? The good news is that collecting rainwater on an allotment is also an option. It’s a simple process that involves catching and storing rainwater that falls onto your plot.

Collecting rainwater on an allotment involves setting up a rainwater harvesting system and choosing a suitable collection container such as a rain barrel or water butt. You can use a shed roof to attach your guttering and downpipe and divert the rainwater to your container.

Here in the UK there’s a lot of romance around the concept of the allotment. The idea of a small patch of land where you can grow your own vegetables and dream of buying your own acreage one day is very appealing.

Allotment sites can be hard to get of course, and there can be long waiting lists. But, once you attain your new plot, you can use it to harvest rainwater alongside growing your own crops. You can then use your captured rainwater to water plants and even for other household chores if your allotment is close enough to transport it home.

​Ready to learn more about collecting rainwater on an allotment? Read on for tips and techniques on how to best harvest rainwater on your favourite patch of land!

Table of Contents: Collecting Rainwater on an Allotment

Collecting Rainwater on an Allotment: Getting Started

You’ll need to consider a number of factors to get started collecting rainwater on your allotment. First, you will need a rainwater harvesting system.

This can be as simple as a water butt or rain barrel that you can leave out in the open to store rain once it starts to fall. You could even use watering cans to collect your water, just avoid those that rust easily.

If you have access to a shed, you can use the shed roof to collect your rainwater. Perhaps you could add a downpipe although it’s not a prerequisite for rainwater collection.

You could even make your own downpipe from plastic bottles if you are feeling adventurous. It’s certainly eco-friendly!

For most allotment plots, the below equipment is vital for rainwater collection:

Rain barrels or water butts

As mentioned above, you will need a container to collect water and rain barrels or water butts are usually a good option. They come in different sizes and materials, such as plastic, metal, or wood.

When selecting a rain barrel, consider the growing area, the amount of rainfall in your area, and your watering needs. The larger the barrel, the more water you can collect, but it will also take up more space.

You can also use multiple barrels for water storage depending on how much water you want to collect. If you want to store a lot of water, you may need two or three barrels. You can purchase rain barrels otherwise known as water butts from garden centres across your area.

Avoid using rainwater tanks for rain collection on an allotment as they can take up too much space and can be complicated to use.

Guttering systems

Guttering systems are essential for collecting rainwater. On an allotment you can attach them to your shed roof (if you have one) and direct water to your rain barrel that way.

In fact, you can get downpipes and guttering specifically designed for sheds and greenhouses if you shop around.

There are different types of guttering systems. You can use those made of plastic, metal, or wood. Plastic guttering is the most affordable and easy to install, while metal guttering is more durable and can last longer.

When selecting a guttering system, consider the square feet of your roof and the amount of rainfall in your allotment area. You’ll want to ensure that your guttering system can handle the amount of water you want to collect.

Rainwater diverter

Rainwater diverters work by directing rainwater to your rain barrel. They come in a range of sizes and materials, such as plastic, metal, or rubber.

When selecting a diverter, consider the size of your guttering system and the size of your rain barrel. You’ll want to ensure that the diverter can handle the amount of water you want to collect and direct it to your rain barrel efficiently.

If you don’t want to use a classic diverter you could use a rain chain instead. You could attach it to your shed roof so the rain falls through the chain and towards your collection container.

This is in many ways easier because it may be hard to attach guttering to your shed roof. As a result, it could be simpler to work out where the rain is falling from on your roof and attach the rain chain accordingly.

Another way to collect rainwater on an allotment is by using a French drain. A French drain is a shallow trench filled with gravel or stones that allows water to seep into the ground.

They can be used to collect rainwater and direct it to a storage tank or pond. French drains are particularly useful if you have a large plot or if you want to collect a lot of rainwater. They can be a bit more complicated to install than a water butt, but they are still relatively easy to set up.

For more innovative ways to collect rainwater, check out this article on how to collect rainwater without gutters or a roof.

Site Selection and Preparation

When collecting rainwater on an allotment, it is crucial to choose the right spot. You should select an area that is close to the plants that require watering and has a good slope. The slope will help to direct the water towards the collection area. The location should also be easily accessible, especially during the rainy season.

Preparing the ground

Before setting up the rainwater collection system, you need to prepare the ground. First, clear the area of any debris, rocks, or weeds. Then, level the ground to ensure that the water flows towards the collection area. You can use a shovel or rake for this.

Next, add your rain barrel or water butt. Whatever method you use, the setup is the same. The collection area should be large enough to hold the water you need for your plants and you should add a filter to the collection area to prevent debris from entering the system.

Another point to consider is to conserve water using mulching and drip irrigation to make the most of your rainwater. Mulching helps to retain soil moisture and reduces the need for frequent watering. Drip irrigation systems deliver water to the base of plants and can help your water supply last.

Installation Process

Let’s have a closer look at how best to set up your rainwater harvesting system on your allotment.

Setting up the rain barrel

The first step in setting up a rainwater harvesting system is to choose a suitable location for the rain barrel. A good option is to place it near the edge of your allotment, close to the guttering system.

Once you choose a location, prepare the ground and place the rain barrel on top of a sturdy platform to ensure stability.

Installing the guttering system

Before installing the guttering system, measure the length of the roofline where you want the guttering to be installed. This will allow you to purchase the correct amount of materials necessary.

Next, install the guttering brackets onto the roofline, ensuring they are level and securely fastened. Attach the guttering to the brackets, making sure there’s a downward slope towards the rain barrel. Finally, add end caps to the guttering to prevent water from escaping.

Fitting your diverter

The rainwater diverter is an important component of any rainwater harvesting system. Make sure you choose one that is compatible with your guttering system.

To fit the diverter, cut a hole in the downpipe of the guttering system and attach your diverter securely.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Let’s take a look at how to best care for your allotment’s rainwater harvesting system.

Regular cleaning

To ensure the rainwater collection system on your allotment is working efficiently, regular cleaning is necessary. Debris such as leaves, twigs, and dirt can accumulate in the gutters and downpipes, causing blockages and reducing the amount of water collected.

You should also clean your rain barrel to prevent it from getting stagnant because algae and other contaminants can grow in barrels and mosquitos can breed.

Checking for leaks

You should also regularly inspecting the system for leaks to prevent water loss and damage to the system. Check for leaks after heavy rainfalls or storms, and look for any damp patches or water stains on the walls or ground near the system. If you find a leak, repair it as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

Winter preparation

Winter can be pretty harsh on rainwater collection systems, especially in areas where temperatures drop below freezing. To prevent damage to the system, it is important to prepare it for winter.

The way to do this is to ensure that the system is emptied of water before the first frost. This can be done by draining the tanks and disconnecting the downpipes. Also, check the system for any damage or leaks and repair them before winter sets in. Finally, cover the system with a protective cover to prevent snow and ice from accumulating on it.

There also may be more rain in winter. In which case, you may want to think about investing in a bigger water butt or barrel so in case water overflows and drenches your allotment.

Legal Considerations and Permissions

When collecting rainwater on an allotment, it is important to consider the legal implications and obtain any necessary permissions. You don’t want to be slapped with fines or legal damage!

The best way to check is to ask your local councils or allotment association for any specific rules or regulations regarding rainwater harvesting. Some councils may require you to obtain a permit or provide a detailed plan of your rainwater harvesting system

Benefits of Collecting Rainwater on an Allotment

Collecting rainwater on an allotment has several environmental benefits. By using rainwater for watering plants instead of relying on mains water, less water is artificially drawn from the environment.

Rainwater harvesting can also reduce the risk of flooding by diverting rainwater away from paved surfaces and into storage tanks. This can help to prevent soil erosion and reduce the amount of pollution that enters rivers and streams.

Rainwater is also better for your plants in comparison to tap water, as it is naturally soft and free from chemicals and additives.

​Collecting Rainwater on an Allotment: Final Thoughts

Rainwater harvesting is an effective way to collect and store water for use on an allotment. By installing a rainwater harvesting system, you can save money, help the environment and have a supply of soft water to feed your plants.

Even if you don’t have an allotment, perhaps you have community gardens or other areas that you can utilise for collecting rainwater. The trick is to make the most of what you have and to think of creative solutions when it comes to rainwater harvesting.

When choosing a rainwater harvesting system, it is important to consider your needs and the surface area of your allotment. You should also ensure that your system is properly maintained to prevent contamination, so it functions effectively.

Overall, rainwater harvesting is an excellent way to build towards self-sufficiency skills. We’re living in precarious times, when resources can be scarce, so you never know when there will be a hosepipe ban or another shortage of supplies.

Collecting Rainwater in an Allotment: FAQs

Is it legal to collect rainwater for gardening purposes in the UK?

Yes, it is legal to collect rainwater for gardening purposes in the UK. However, you should check with your local council to see if there are any restrictions or regulations in your area.

Can I use rainwater collected from my allotment for drinking?

You should proceed with caution. If you decide to use rainwater for drinking you need to ensure that you purify it correctly to remove contaminants. Overall, it’s best to avoid using rainwater for drinking.

What are some DIY rainwater collection methods for an allotment garden?

There are several DIY rainwater collection methods for an allotment garden. You can create a simple rain barrel using a large plastic container and a spigot, you can use a French drain or a swale. Another method is to use a tarpaulin or sheeting to collect rainwater and direct it into a container.