How to collect and use rainwater at home and in the garden

An alternative to the watering can: If you connect a hose to the rain barrel, you can easily pump water to remote corners of the garden. Photo: Christin Klose/dpa

Drinking water is too valuable – and too hard won – to be wasted on the garden, as even the most passionate gardeners would agree.

Rainwater, on the other hand, is not only better for plants but is cheaper, too. Sadly though, it doesn't necessarily fall exactly where it's needed.