Oct 08, 2025

🍂 Autumn Rainwater Harvesting: How to Get the Most from Your Water Butt This Season

Why Autumn Is the Smartest Time to Harvest Rainwater

As rain returns and gardens slow down, autumn is the perfect season to capture and store free rainwater. Instead of letting it flow down your drains, use it to:

💧 Cut your water bills - save litres of treated mains water every week.
🌱 Feed your garden naturally - rainwater is softer and healthier for plants.
🌎 Live sustainably - reduce rain water runoff and your environmental impact.
❄️ Prepare for winter - a well maintained system now saves time and trouble later.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just setting up your first Rainwater Terrace water butt, these steps will help you harvest rain more efficiently all season long.

Step 1: Prepare Your Water Butt for Autumn Rain

Clean and Inspect Your Guttering System

Blocked gutters and diverters are the number one cause of lost rainwater. Clear leaves, moss, and debris to ensure smooth flow into your butt.

🔹 Pro tip: Fit a leaf guard it pays for itself in water quality and maintenance ease.

Position for Maximum Catchment

Place your water butt under a downpipe with maximum roof runoff. For detached or garage roofs, a 40mm diverter can double your collection efficiency.

Secure and Seal

As temperatures drop:

Tighten all connectors and seals.
Check your clip-on planters and accessories are fitted firmly.
Make sure your overflow outlet directs excess water away from walls or paths.

Step 2: Make the Most of Every Drop

Even as days shorten, watering is still key for:

Newly planted trees, shrubs, and bulbs
Containers and raised beds
Houseplants being moved indoors

Use rainwater in these ways:

Morning watering helps prevent fungal disease.
Soaker hoses or drip irrigation reduce waste and deliver directly to roots.
Mix rainwater with liquid feed for nutrient-rich watering.

Step 3: Winterise Your Rainwater System

When frost hits, take simple precautions to protect your investment:

Drain pipes if temperatures drop below zero.
Use insulating foam or bubble wrap on external pipes.
Keep the lid tightly closed to prevent debris or algae growth.

Step 4: Keep Your Rainwater Fresh and Clean

Over time, organic matter can build up inside your butt. Regular maintenance improves both performance and longevity.

✅ Rinse the inside every annually
✅ Remove any settled sediment
✅ Keep planters trimmed and tidy throughout the Autumn and Winter months

Fresh rainwater = healthier plants, clearer water, and longer-lasting equipment.

Step 5: Why Choose Rainwater Terrace

Not all water butts are created equal. Rainwater Terrace stands out for:

Modular stackable design that fits any garden size
Fast-flow taps and clear drainage options
Clip-on planters that turn rain storage into a vertical garden feature
Built-in filtration to prevent stagnation and odour

Each system is made in the UK, UV-stable, and built to last making it one of the most sustainable, stylish ways to harvest rain.

🛒 Explore our best-selling models:

2-Tier 134L Water Butt

3-Tier 200L Water Butt

FAQ

What’s the best time to collect rainwater in the UK?

Autumn and winter offer the highest rainfall, making them ideal seasons to fill your water butt.

Can I use rainwater in cold months?

Yes! As long as it’s stored clean and unfrozen, rainwater is safe for garden, houseplants and greenhouse use year-round.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Autumn Rain Go to Waste

Rainwater is one of the UK’s most underused natural resources. With a little preparation this autumn, you can capture hundreds of litres of free, chemical-free water to keep your plants thriving and your bills lower all while helping the environment.

If you’re ready to make a change this season, explore our full range of award-winning water butts designed to make rainwater harvesting easy, attractive, and sustainable.