Whether you need water for flowers or vegetables, there are alternate ways to collect and store free water than pulling it from the tap.

A common source of water for gardeners is the garden hose-traditionally abundant and inexpensive, many gardeners never consider the impact or expense of using water from municipal sources or private wells.

To reduce consumption and collect a free source of water, use a rain barrel. A rain barrel is simply a large container for collecting rain water, usually from a gutter. The idea behind a rain barrel is that the total surface area of your roof onto which rain falls is gathered into usually a few locations-that is, the gutters. So using a rain barrel allows you to conveniently collect and store all of this water for later usage.

Ready-made rain barrels which you can buy come with a spout on the bottom to which a hose can be attached. Ready-made rain barrels are convenient, but can be expensive, and overall they're often made of plastics, which perpetuate oil consumption. With a little extra work, you can find or purchase an available resource for your rain barrel.

Where I have my rain barrel, I found two garbage cans left on the property probably from when the city of Ann Arbor issued its own refuse cans. Thus, I converted these unused available resources into rain barrels.

The trashcans I found had holes in them, so I lined them with the thickest 42-gallon trash bags I could find-contractor grade trash bags, 3mm thick. I put the rain barrel under the gutter, and voila! After the first rain storm I had a ready supply of water for my garden.

One downside of my rain barrel set-up is that I don't have the convenience of a spout on the bottom. Thus, I draw water from my rain barrel by scooping out the water with an old plastic container. This allows for direct watering and minimal waste of my rain water reserves. Another drawback of my rain barrel is that standing water is left somewhat open and exposed, which can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes. To combat this I agitate the water periodically to drown potential mosquito nests.

Visit Maryland's Department of Natural Resources that describes how to build a rain barrel.

It helped me; I'm sure it can help you.

Most importantly depending on your local rainfall patterns, you should implement the benefits of a rain barrel as soon as possible before the drier part of summer arrives.

Whether you are new to gardening or a seasoned old pro, selecting the best garden tools should be top on your list of spring purchases. We will look at a few of the must have tools to make gardening both pleasant and rewarding, and help you in making your lawn exactly as you have always wanted it to be.

Tiller - A gas-powered tiller is an item both you and your back will be glad you purchased. A 5 hp tiller should be sufficient for the average home gardener. Care for your tiller like you do your lawnmower and it will provide you with years and years of service.

Wheelbarrow - Purchasing a good quality wheelbarrow is another way to save your back. If you choose one with a polyethylene tub you can not only haul dirt but also mix cement with no fear of rusting out the tub. This is a wonderful multi-tasking item. Just rinse with water after your done mixing and your wheelbarrow is as good as new.

Small hand tools - Ergonomically designed garden instruments will make your gardening work much easier. They may be a bit more expensive but, well worth your initial investment.

A few small hand tools to buy are a spading fork, pruning saw, pruning shears, a good heavy-duty hand shovel and rake. If possible, purchase all steel ones. This higher quality material will ensure your instruments last a long time. These items will be indispensable no matter what level of gardening you intend to do.

Of course, you will have to keep your garden properly watered so consider purchasing a soaker hose. Simply place the hose on the ground and leave it all summer long. A soaker hose delivers water at the root level. They tend to be much more efficient than the typical garden hose. Also, a good quality watering can is necessary for spot watering.

A garden hopper - lets you store hand tools and roll around the garden. Just sit on the stool and weed.

After you have invested in the best garden tools your budget allows, be sure you have a place to store them. If you don't have a shed, clean out an area in the corner of a garage or workshop and store your items inside when not in use. Leaving garden tools lying around outside causes rapid deterioration of the tools. Take care of your investment and they will be there in good condition when you need them next year.