Save water, save money & keep your garden happy
Thinking about adding a water butt to your garden but not sure where to start? You’re not alone. Water butts are one of the easiest eco upgrades you can make at home, and once you’ve got one, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.
This guide breaks it all down:
• What size water butt you actually need
• The different types available (from tiny patios to big gardens)
• What you should buy… and what you can skip
• A real-life garden example to make it all click
What is a water butt (and why bother)?
A water butt collects rainwater from your downpipe so you can reuse it in the garden. Plants love rainwater, your water bill takes a break, and you’re doing something genuinely good for the planet without any effort once it’s set up.
Rainwater is softer than tap water too, which makes it ideal for:
• Watering plants and veg
• Filling watering cans
• Washing muddy boots and tools
• Topping up wildlife ponds
Different types of water butts (small to large)
Not all water butts are big green barrels anymore. There’s a style and size for pretty much every garden.
Small water butts (100–150 litres)
Perfect for patios, courtyards and small gardens.
Good for:
• light watering
• balconies and tight spaces
• renters or first-time users
Why choose one?
They’re compact, quick to fill, easy to empty, and don’t dominate the space.
Medium water butts (200–250 litres)
The most popular “all-rounder” size.
Good for:
• average UK gardens
• regular plant watering
• veg patches and pots
Why choose one?
A great balance of capacity without being bulky. Ideal if you want to reduce tap use properly.
Large water butts (300 litres and above)
Best for keen gardeners or larger gardens.
Good for:
• lawns, veg beds and shrubs
• hot summers
• households that garden a lot
Why choose one?
More storage means fewer refills and less reliance on the hosepipe ban panic.
Decorative & planter water butts
Practical and good-looking.
Good for:
• style-conscious spaces
• hiding a water butt in plain sight
Why choose one?
They double as planters or design features, so you get storage without the “plastic barrel” look.
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What size water butt do I actually need?
Here’s a simple way to decide without overthinking it.
Quick rule of thumb
- Small garden or patio → 100–150 litres
• Average garden → 200–250 litres
• Large or plant-heavy garden → 300 litres+
Practical example
Let’s say you have:
• a small lawn
• 10–15 pots
• a couple of raised beds
You might use around 10–15 litres per watering session in summer. A 200 litre water butt could give you roughly 10–15 watering cans before it’s empty, all from free rainwater.
That’s plenty for most households.
What you need to buy (and what you don’t)
Definitely buy
- A water butt (obviously)
• A downpipe diverter kit (essential)
• A tap or outlet (usually included)
• A stable base or stand (if needed)
Nice to have
- A watering can with a rainwater-friendly rose
• A lid or child-safe cover
• A linking kit if adding a second butt later
You can skip
- Overly complicated filters
• Extra pumps for small setups
• Giant water butts “just in case” (bigger isn’t always better)
Start simple. You can always upgrade later.
Where should a water butt go?
Best place:
• next to a downpipe
• on level ground
• somewhere easy to reach with a watering can
Is a water butt worth it?
Short answer: yes.
Long answer: still yes.
Even one small water butt can save hundreds of litres of tap water a year, keep your plants happier, and make gardening feel a bit more satisfying knowing you’re using what nature gives you.
Ready to get started?
Whether you’ve got a tiny patio or a garden that needs serious watering, there’s a water butt size and style to suit you. Start small if you’re unsure, see how much water you collect, and build from there.
If you want help choosing the right size or style for your space, just ask……
