Store Rain

Rain water collection is a new tool for gardeners focused on water conservation. Even with San Diego’s limited rainfall, roof run-off is substantial: One-inch of rain falling on a 1,000-square-foot roof can generate 600 gallons of collectible water.

To learn more, visit the Rain Harvesting exhibit at the Water Conservation Garden in El Cajon. Funded by the Ecolife Foundation and Ace Rain Gutters, the easy-to-duplicate setup features a 205-gallon rain barrel connected to a downspout and gutters on the garden’s warehouse. Overflow is stored in a 1,100-gallon tank nearby. The Garden, on the campus of Cuyamaca College, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. More info is at www.thegarden.org.