With the dry summer days on the way and water budgets on the horizon, now is the time to install some rain collecting devices.

It can be as simple as putting buckets out or installing some barrels to your down spout. I’ve been collecting water for some time and use it a lot in the summer months.

There are many ways to create rain storage and if you choose to do so you are on the right track.

We have been getting so much rain lately that filling up a barrel won’t take long at all.

If you choose to make one yourself you will need the following: 33 gallon (or larger) barrels, water valves and screens.

Install the valve at the base of the barrel. There are many kinds of valves to choose from. The screen goes at the top to allow the water to go through but keeping the mosquitos and debris out.

There are some down spout pieces that can convert the straight piece to go into your barrel.

If you like to have more than one, install a water converter to the side to allow water to go into another barrel once the first one is full. Any extra water then flows from the barrel to some where away from the house.

If you would like more detail on rain barrels, try an Internet Google search and just type in “rain barrels.”

The library would be another place to find a book on the subject. Or call the Master Gardeners to see about getting information on the subject.

On the subject of rain, I noticed many plants are getting weighed-down and some are even being destroyed. I love having rain but in some cases I don’t.

So what we need to do is let things dry up a bit. Pruning season is here. So when things dry up do some investigating. Stake up some plants and put your “CSI” hat on. I will go over some more “to do’s” in my next columns. Have a great week!

Happy Gardening!

Reader Question:

Q. What do I need to be doing with my roses right now?

A. Have you fed your roses yet? I like to do some thinning to allow more airflow. And pick off major leaf spots. It is very important to destroy those damaged leaves.

Do not compost them in your pile. Always keep the plant clean. Use the IPM (integrated pest management) method and always make sure you battle the right battles.

A healthy plant will always take care of any major infestations.

You can email Gardener Joe at besthands@aol.com.